Dental Crown After a Tooth Fracture

Why a Fractured Tooth May Need a Crown

The challenge presented by a fractured tooth is that not all fractures are the same. While a minor chip may only require bonding, a deep fracture may compromise the amount of viable tooth structure necessary for chewing. A crown may be required to rebuild the tooth structure and provide the protection needed to ensure continued function.

When is a Crown Necessary for a Broken Tooth?

A crown is appropriate when sufficient tooth structure remains for a dentist to be able to create a suitable foundation. Following the preparation of the tooth, the crown can be constructed so as to encompass the tooth and provide a level of protection not possible otherwise.

Before Getting the Crown

The dentist will need to perform some tests to ascertain the extent of the damage. An X-ray may also be necessary to confirm whether the pulp inside the tooth has been compromised.

Where the pulp has been damaged, a root canal treatment might also be required before the crown can be installed. This will also mean that the crown provides the required protection for the treated area. Where the pulp is not compromised, installation of the crown is usually comparatively quick and straightforward.

Living with a New Crown

It is normal for patients to feel uncomfortable and for the tongue to feel irritated at the site of the crown. A new crown may also alter the way a patient bites. It may take a little while for the patient to get used to the new dental appliance.

Patients get a temporary crown during the course of installation of the new permanent crown. This means that they need to be conscious of the fact that the temporary crown can come off and avoid sticky foods that can cause this to happen.

Care and Maintenance following Installation of the Crown

Flossing remains necessary even with a crown. Despite the crown providing a sealed surface, flossing removes food particles that have accumulated alongside the crown, and which can inflame the gums if not removed.

It is advisable to avoid extremely hard food items and to limit activities that can cause the crown to fracture. It is not a good idea to use the teeth to break open things such as bottles or ice. Teeth are not designed for such activities and it is only a matter of time before the crown or the tooth itself cracks under the stress.

Where the bite feels uncomfortable or even painful, it may be necessary to visit the dentist to have the crown adjusted so that it fits more comfortably. Such adjustments normally suffice to resolve the issue.

How Long Can a Crown for a Broken Tooth Last?

A crown can last a long time, depending on how well the patient cares for it and the bite force applied when chewing. However, the life of the crown is also dependent on the state of the underlying tooth structure.

If the existing tooth structure has been weakened, for instance by decay, it may be susceptible to further cracking. A crown offers protection, but not full support, for the underlying structure. The degree to which the original tooth was compromised during the fracture will also affect the longevity of the crown.

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