Teeth fracture more often than you might think. When your tooth cracks, you're likely to feel pain, struggle to chew properly, and worry about how it affects your smile. If you already have a crown or bridge covering a damaged tooth, what would happen if a fracture develops under your dental restoration?
Understanding the role of crowns and bridges, and what a fractured tooth means for your treatment, can help you make informed decisions about your oral health. At Complete Dental Arts in Newnan, Georgia, Charley Cheney, DMD, and the team guide you on what to do if you have a tooth fracture.
Crowns and bridges are types of dental restorations that restore the function and appearance of damaged or missing teeth. A crown, which is sometimes called a cap, covers a damaged tooth to protect and strengthen it. It’s typically placed over a tooth weakened by decay, a large filling, or a fracture.
A bridge, on the other hand, replaces one or more missing teeth. It’s anchored by crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap, creating a bridge over the empty space. Both crowns and bridges are durable and long-lasting solutions, but just like natural teeth, they can face issues over time, including fractures.
Even a tooth that is covered by a crown or bridge can suffer a fracture. One common cause is excessive biting force. Chewing hard foods, ice, or even grinding your teeth at night can lead to a fracture.
Another possible cause is trauma, such as an accident or injury to the mouth. In some cases, the tooth may have already weakened due to decay or a large filling before the crown or bridge was put in, making it more susceptible to breaking.
We recognize that bite changes can fracture teeth under restorations. Teeth naturally shift, creating uneven pressure on dental work. Misaligned bites stress the underlying tooth, causing it to crack.
When your tooth fractures beneath a crown or bridge, it undermines the entire restoration. Your dental work can start to feel loose and ineffective. The fracture can cause pain when you least expect it.
The tooth fracture could harm the way a crown fits, perhaps making it looser or even falling off. In some cases, a fractured tooth may need to be extracted if the damage is severe.
A fracture can have a similar effect on a bridge. If the fracture isn’t addressed, the adjacent teeth supporting the bridge could be weakened or damaged. If the bridge loses stability, it may require additional treatment to restore proper function and appearance.
You must see us immediately if you notice pain, discomfort, or sensitivity around a crowned or bridged tooth. We examine the area and may take X-rays to assess the extent of the damage. Depending on the severity of the fracture, we discuss the best course of action, which may include repairing or replacing the crown or bridge.
We can repair or adjust a crown or bridge if the fracture is minor and the tooth structure remains intact. This ensures proper function. If the fracture is severe, we may recommend further treatment, such as a root canal or removing the tooth.
It’s impossible to prevent every instance of a fractured tooth. However, you can reduce your risk. Avoid chewing hard foods like ice or candy, and we offer custom mouthguards to protect against nighttime grinding.
Regular check-ups allow us to identify and address potential issues early, ensuring your continued oral health. Following our specific care instructions for crowns and bridges maintains their strength and longevity.
Good oral hygiene practices are essential for keeping your natural teeth and restorations in great condition.
If you experience discomfort or suspect a fracture, call our Complete Dental Arts office or request an appointment online as soon as possible. With proper attention and treatment, we can help restore the function and appearance of your smile.
