TL;DR

• Dental crowns protect damaged teeth but can still chip or crack over time. A chipped tooth crown should be treated quickly to prevent infection or further damage. 
• Crowns can chip due to biting on hard foods, teeth grinding, trauma, poor fit, or even normal wear and tear. 
• Some signs to look out for are visible cracks, jagged edges, loose crowns, gum irritation, and tooth sensitivity or pain. 
• Leaving a chipped crown untreated can lead to decay, infection, tooth loss, and gum injury. 
• Minor chips can be smoothed or bonded. Moderate damage might need partial repair, and severe damage often needs full crown replacement. 
• In case you have a chipped crown, avoid chewing on that side, rinse with warm salt water, use temporary cement or dental wax to cover the sharp edges and see your dentist immediately. 

Chipped Tooth Crown: Overview

Dental crowns are custom-made caps placed over damaged or weak teeth to restore their structure, function, and look. While dental crowns are durable and can withstand biting and chewing forces, they are not indestructible. Over time, a crown can chip or crack due to various factors. 

A chipped tooth crown can expose the underlying tooth to further damage and infection, which is why getting prompt dental care is essential. In the following sections, we’ll explore the common causes, warning signs, potential risks, and treatment options for a chipped dental crown. 

Why Do Dental Crowns Chip?

Common reasons for a chipped tooth crown include:

• Biting hard foods or objects such as ice, hard candy, or even pen caps, which can place excessive pressure on the crown.
• Teeth grinding (bruxism), which exerts constant force on teeth and may gradually weaken or chip the crown.
• Accidental trauma or injury, such as a fall or a blow to the mouth.
• Normal wear and tear, especially in crowns that have been in place for several years.
• Poorly fitted or low-quality crowns, or crowns placed over teeth with underlying decay, which are more prone to damage.

Symptoms of a Chipped Dental Crown

Our experts at Norwood Dental have observed that patients with a chipped crown often experience certain tell-tale signs. A chipped crown may present with the following symptoms:

• A visible crack, chip, or missing portion of the crown
• Rough or jagged edges in your mouth that irritate your tongue and cheek
• The crown feels loose or wobbly and doesn’t fit well
• Changes in bite alignment, where teeth no longer meet evenly when closing the mouth
• Gum irritation, redness, swelling, or bleeding near the chipped tooth
• Tooth sensitivity or pain, especially while chewing or eating hot or cold foods 
• Potential gum injury from the sharp crown pieces
• Food trapping under or around the crown, which may cause discomfort or bad breath.

What Are Some Risks of Ignoring a Chipped Crown?

Neglecting a chipped tooth crown can cause serious complications, like:

• Greater risk of tooth decay and infection if the underlying tooth is exposed
• Heightened tooth sensitivity and pain, especially when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet foods
• Further damage or complete breakage of the already chipped crown
• Damage to adjacent teeth due to uneven bite pressure
• Gum irritation, inflammation, or abscess formation around the affected area
• Need for root canal treatment if the underlying tooth becomes severely damaged or infected
• Potential loss of the crowned tooth if the infection spreads or structural damage worsens.

Our experts at Norwood Dental recommend seeking prompt treatment for any chipped crown to prevent complications and preserve the function of your tooth.

Treatment Options for A Chipped Dental Crown

A chipped tooth repair or treatment depends on the severity of the chip or damage: 

• Minor chips: Small chips can often be smoothed or polished to remove rough edges.  Dentists may also use dental bonding, which involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin to restore the crown’s shape without needing a full replacement. 
• Moderate damage: If a large portion is damaged, your dentist may repair or reshape it by adding material. Partial crown replacement is also an option, where a part of the crown is replaced to restore function and correct bite alignment. 
• Severe damage: When the crown is broken, or cracked extensively, or the tooth underneath is exposed, a full crown replacement is needed. This ensures the tooth is protected from decay or further damage. 

Immediate Steps After a Crown Chips

Until you can see your dentist, you can take some temporary precautions, like:

• Do not chew on the affected side to prevent additional damage.
• Rinse with warm water mixed with salt to keep the area clean and lower the risk of infection.
• Use dental wax or temporary dental cement (easily available at pharmacies) to cover sharp or jagged edges. 
• Refrain from eating crunchy, sticky, and hard foods that could damage the chip further.
• Keep the chipped crown (in case it falls out) and bring it to your dentist, as it may be possible to repair or reuse it.

Remember, these are only temporary measures; seek professional care from an emergency dentist in Norwood as soon as possible. 

Don’t Let a Chipped Crown Turn into a Bigger Problem!

A chipped tooth crown may seem minor, but ignoring it can lead to discomfort, further damage and even infection. Understanding what causes a crown to chip, the risks and treatment options can help you take action quickly. 

At Norwood Dental, our experienced team combines many years of clinical expertise with cutting-edge and advanced technology to deliver precise, comfortable, and long-lasting care. We believe dentistry is both an art and a science, and our commitment to innovation ensures every treatment is efficient and patient-focused. 

Our dentists are known for their compassionate approach, attention to detail, and dedication to creating a positive dental experience. If you notice a chip or discomfort, don’t wait and schedule an appointment with our dental care team in Norwood today. 

Get in touch with us at (952) 467-3518 or visit our clinic at 222 E Wilson Street, Norwood, MN 55368. You can also fill out our online form to get in touch with us for any queries. 

FAQs 

Can a broken crown cause infection?

Yes, if the crown exposes the underlying tooth, bacteria can cause decay or infection, leading to further complications. 

How can I prevent my dental crown from chipping?

Avoid chewing hard food or biting on hard objects, maintain good oral hygiene, and wear a night guard if you grind your teeth. Also, be sure to get regular checkups with your dentist. 

What should I do if my crown falls out?

Retrieve and clean the crown, keep it safe, avoid chewing on that side, and schedule a dentist appointment immediately. 

Is a chipped crown a dental emergency?

Yes, especially if it causes pain, has sharp edges or exposes the tooth. It’s important to get a chipped crown fixed at the earliest. 

Can a chipped crown be fixed without replacing it?

Minor chips can be repaired with smoothing and bonding; however, if the damage is severe, it often requires a full crown replacement.