TL;DR
- A dental crown is placed on top of an existing tooth that has been damaged or weakened to restore function and protect the tooth.
- Although they are typically durable, they can still chip or crack
- Biting down on hard foods, grinding one’s teeth, and sudden trauma to the tooth could cause chipping
- It is important to act quickly when a chip occurs because further damage may occur to the tooth beneath
- To help protect against this, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater, check the chipped crown as soon as possible, save all the broken pieces aside, do not place additional pressure on the affected tooth, and get an appointment with your dentist immediately
- Depending on the amount of damage, your dentist will either smooth the edges, repair with composite resin, or replace the crown altogether
If your dental crown has chipped, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater, avoid chewing on that side, save any broken pieces, and call your dentist as soon as possible. Depending on the extent of the damage, your dentist will smooth the edges, repair the crown with composite resin, or replace it entirely.
Ignoring a chipped tooth crown, even a small one, can expose the underlying tooth to further damage, sensitivity, and infection.
What is a Dental Crown and Why Does Chipping Matter?
Imagine biting into your favorite meal only to feel a sudden crunch and realizing it’s not the food but your dental crown. A dental crown is a durable shell placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. These restorations are built to handle the daily demands of chewing and biting, yet even they can chip or crack over time.
A chip in the crown might feel sensitive or uncomfortable at first, but leaving it untreated can lead to pain, further damage to the natural tooth underneath, and even infection. That’s why prompt action matters.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Crown Chips?
The team at Hopkins Family Dentistry recommends acting quickly to minimize damage and relieve discomfort. Follow these steps:
- Rinse: Gently rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to clean the area, remove any food debris, and reduce the risk of irritation or infection.
- Check the crown: Examine the chipped tooth crown in a mirror. If any part has broken away, save the pieces in a small container and bring them to your dentist appointment.
- Protect the tooth: Avoid chewing on the side where the crown is chipped. Do not eat hard, crunchy foods that could put additional pressure on the area and cause further damage.
- Call your dentist: Schedule an appointment as soon as possible. The team at Hopkins Family Dentistry will evaluate the crown and determine whether it can be repaired or needs to be replaced.
When to See a Dentist Urgently?
While any chipped tooth crown warrants a dental visit, contact your dentist immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Severe or throbbing tooth pain that radiates to your face or jaw
- The crown has broken into large pieces
- Sharp edges are cutting your tongue or cheeks
- The tooth feels exposed or unprotected
What are the Signs that a Crown is Chipped?
In some cases, a crown can chip without an obvious sensation. Here are the most common indicators to watch for:
- Rough or sharp edges that you can feel when running your tongue over the tooth
- Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods if the chip has exposed the underlying tooth structure
- Pain or discomfort when biting or chewing
- Visible cracks in the crown
- Food getting caught frequently around the crown margins
- Changes in your bite alignment
- Tongue irritation from sharp edges
Why Do Dental Crowns Chip or Break?
Dental crowns are strong but not unbreakable. The most common causes of crown damage are:
- Biting down on hard foods such as ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels, or nuts
- Teeth grinding (bruxism), which puts repeated stress on the crown during sleep or times of stress
- Accidental trauma from a fall, a sports impact, or a blow to the mouth
- Natural wear and tear from years of daily chewing
- Poor fit or weak adhesion that compromises the crown’s bond to the tooth
What Are Your Repair Option for a Chipped Crown?
By seeking dental treatment promptly, both the function and appearance of your crown can be restored. Dr. Anna Clayton and the team at Hopkins Family Dentistry provide personalized solutions based on the extent of the damage.
Dental Bonding for Small Chips
For minor chips, dental bonding is often the most straightforward solution. Your dentist applies composite resin matched to your tooth color, sculpts it into shape, and hardens it with a curing light. This is particularly effective for front tooth crowns where appearance matters most.
Polishing and Smoothing
For very minor surface damage, smoothing out the crown may be all that’s needed. This eliminates sharp edges that could irritate the tongue or cheeks and restores comfortable chewing without requiring more extensive work.
Fully Crown Replacement
When the damage is extensive or the crown has become loose, replacement is the most appropriate option. Your dentist will take impressions, prepare the tooth, and fabricate a new crown that fully restores the tooth’s form and function.
Each chipped crown is treated with careful attention and precision at Hopkins Family Dentistry to help restore your oral health and confidence in your smile.
How to Prevent Future Crown Damage?
Dr. Anna Clayton at Hopkins Family Dentistry recommends the following to keep your crowns in good condition long-term:
- Avoid hard foods like ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels, and nuts
- Wear a night guard if you often grind your teeth during sleep
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and floss gently around the crown
- Never use your teeth to open bottles or packaging
- Avoid sticky or chewy foods that can pull at the crown or put excessive stress on it
Final Thought
A chipped tooth crown affects more than just your appearance. Left untreated, it can lead to sensitivity, discomfort, and damage to the natural tooth underneath. The good news is that most chipped crowns are straightforward to address when caught early. Whether your dentist smooths the edges, applies dental bonding, or recommends a full replacement, the right treatment depends on the extent of the damage.
At Hopkins Family Dentistry, we provide attentive, personalized care for dental emergencies, including chipped crowns. Call us or visit our dental clinic in Hopkins to schedule an appointment and get your smile back on track.
Phone Number: (952) 935-2121
Address: 1919 Main Street, Hopkins, MN, 55343
