Why You Shouldn't Ignore a Cracked or Missing Crown
A crown has a lifespan of about 5-15 years. Its longevity varies depending on the type of crown you have — all-metal, all-ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), or preformed (shell, stainless steel.) Although crowns are durable, wear-and-tear can break them down, or an unforeseen accident might cause impairment prematurely.
If your crown becomes damaged, or if it dislodges and comes off, you need to get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible to prevent more serious issues from developing.
Our professional dental team, led by Dr. Howard Jeon and Dr. Michael Monto, has the expertise to take care of your dental needs, even if you have a dental mishap. At Advanced Implant Dentistry & MedSpa of North Shore in Glenview, Illinois, we can treat your cracked or missing crown and protect your oral health.
The purpose of a crown
You can benefit from a crown if you have a:
- Chipped, cracked, or broken tooth
- Cavity too large to fill
- Missing tooth requiring a bridge
- Dental implant
- Root canal treatment that needs protection
- Discolored tooth
You can also get a crown for cosmetic reasons that might include covering a discolored tooth or hiding a badly shaped tooth.
How an impaired or missing crown can affect your oral health
If you notice a change to your crown, whether mild or severe, you should make an appointment with our team right away. We can examine the integrity of the crown, the condition of your oral health, and treat your issue effectively.
If the problem goes ignored, harmful bacteria can get back in to the previously treated area, which can cause problems, such as:
- Infection
- Decay
- Inflammation
- Pain
If you have a chipped or cracked crown that has sharp edges, it could also cut your tongue and make it bleed.
How to take care of your dental crown
You should treat your crown just like you treat your natural teeth, which includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day to remove plaque.
To avoid cracking your crown or dislodging it, don’t chew on hard foods, such as candy or ice. You should also be careful not to bite down on hard objects like pencils or pens.
As you keep your appointments with our team and visit our practice at least twice a year, we monitor your oral health, identify any prevalent issues, and provide the epitome of care for your teeth and gums.
To have your damaged or missing crown restored, call us at 847-998-8100, or schedule your appointment online today. If you have any concerns before your visit, feel free to send us a message.