Ceramic Crown Cracking: What You Need To Know
Ceramic crowns are a preferred dental enhancement choice for a variety of reasons, one of them being their durability. With regular care and upkeep, a ceramic crown will last for a considerable length of time; however, it is important to understand that these crowns are not invincible, as they can crack if you're not careful.
What Causes Cracking
There are few things as strong as the enamel naturally found on a tooth, but ceramic is a close comparison. So, if you recently had crowns installed, you can breathe a sigh of relief as it's not like your crown will crack while performing normal functions. Generally, for a crown to crack, there has to be some level of trauma around the area.
For example, if you were playing football with friends, got hit in the face with the ball, and weren't wearing a mouth guard or helmet, the force could be enough to crack the crown. If you were to suffer a fall, you could face a similar scenario. Certain oral conditions, such as teeth grinding, can increase the risk of crown cracking as well.
When you grind your teeth together, you're slowly chipping away at the ceramic and causing tiny cracks. Over time, this weakens the ceramic and causes it to fail. If you aren't taking care of your crowns correctly, you might also be faced with this type of scenario, particularly if you aren't visiting a health professional routinely.
What to Do after a Crack
If you have an accident and crack your crown, try to locate any portion of the crown that has broken off. The provider won't use the broken pieces, but you want to be certain you don't swallow them. If it's a deep crack, place a clean gauze over the affected area until it has stopped bleeding. Follow this up by rinsing your mouth with warm water.
Next, contact your dentist. If the tooth is jagged or has caused a deep sore in your mouth, the provider may refer you to an emergency dentist that can see you right away. Even if you are seen quickly, make sure you understand that your tooth might not be repaired right away. If your gums were cut or injured in any other way, the area would likely have to heal before the crown can be repaired.
If your crown has cracked, while it's not a life-threatening emergency, it's also not a situation you want to ignore. At the first sign of a crack, make certain you're making an appointment with your oral health provider to correct the problem. To learn more, talk to companies like Thornley Dental.