Porcelain dental crowns have an impressive lifespan, but they're not immortal, and the possibility of a cracked crown is something that many people have to deal with. Even though it might sound extremely serious, cracked porcelain crowns are rarely a dental emergency. This isn't to suggest that the problem is insignificant, and you really must make an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can get one. How should you deal with the problem in the meantime, and what can your dentist do to correct it?

A Porcelain Shell

Remember that dental crowns don't actually replace teeth, and when they're used as restorations, they're essentially tooth covers. Your natural tooth is still there underneath the porcelain shell. As such, the crack may be superficial, and hasn't actually breached the crown. This is a best case scenario, as any crack that has reached the underlying tooth will cause a few difficulties for you.

Underneath the Crown

A deeper crack in a porcelain crown can sharply increase the tooth's sensitivity. The bulk of a tooth is made of a compound called dentin, which isn't as solid as it appears. Dentin features microscopic canals (called tubules) which lead from its surface to the nerve inside. Even though they're tiny, these tubules allow the tooth's nerve to register thermal sensitivity, meaning you should avoid foods and drinks of extreme temperatures while you're waiting to have your crown repaired. This can be quite uncomfortable, and also increases the risk of bacterial infestation of the tooth's structure, which can attack the tooth's nerve, leading to further issues. Your level of discomfort is largely what dictates whether a cracked crown is a dental emergency or not.

Repair or Replacement

If you judge the situation to be an emergency, please seek prompt dental care. If not, you must still have the crack repaired without too much of a delay. What will your dentist do? Superficial cracks are treated much like filling a cavity, and your dentist will fill in the crack using a composite dental resin matched to the crown's color. When the depth of the crack means more in-depth measures are needed, you will often need to have the crown removed and replaced. You can be fitted with a temporary crown until your permanent replacement is ready to be fitted.

In any event, a cracked dental crown must be properly inspected. Even if it's not an emergency, the potential consequences of delaying repairs can be quite serious, so make that appointment as soon as your dentist is able to see you.

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