On the Different Causes of Dental Crown Damage
Dental crowns are a great option to consider if you have teeth that are seriously damaged or decayed. A cosmetic dentist can offer optimal dental health and wellness and help you have a smile that looks its very best. Modern dental crowns are designed in such a way that emphasizes improved aesthetics and overall appearance.
Right now, we want to consider the strength and durability of dental crowns and what sorts of actions and incidents can potentially cause damage to a dental crown.
How durable are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are extremely durable, whether they are made entirely of dental porcelain, have a metal core that is plated in porcelain, or are entirely made of metal. Basic biting and chewing are not a major issue with the crowns per se, but patients must keep in mind that while they are durable, porcelain crowns are not indestructible.
Sudden Trauma to the Mouth and Face
One of the common causes of dental crown damage is injury to the crown. This can occur as a result of an accident of some kind (e.g., auto accident, bike accident) or an act of violence.
Biting Objects Not Meant to Be Chewed On
While dental crowns are durable, they can be damaged when patients bite or chew on objects that are extremely hard or not meant to be chewed, such as fingernails, pen caps, or unpopped popcorn kernels.
Sports Injuries and Dental Crown Damage
Related to the issue of trauma to the mouth, sports injuries of various kinds can lead to dental crown damage. Preventative and general dentistry treatments can help address potential sports-related injury, which often means getting a customized protective mouth guard to wear during sporting events.
Dental Crown Damage and Tooth Grinding (Bruxism)
Tooth grinding is a serious problem that involves the unconscious gnashing, clenching, and shifting of the teeth when a patient is asleep. This can lead to damage to the teeth, dental restorations of all kinds (including crowns), and the jaw joint.
Gradual, Long-Term Wear and Tear on Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are susceptible to normal wear and tear just as your natural teeth are. Over time, basic actions such as biting and chewing can take their toll on your dental crowns, though they should last a fairly long time with proper maintenance.
Repair and Replacement of Dental Crowns
If you have dental crowns that become chipped or over time, there are options for repair and replacement to consider. Dental crown repair helps patch up chips and cracks in the crown. Full dental crown replacement is performed when the crown is too damaged to simply be patched up.
During you regular dental visits, the overall condition of your veneers can be monitored closely to ensure that you receive the treatment that you need as soon as possible.
Schedule a Consultation at Our Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry Practice
If you would like more information about dental crowns and how they can be of great benefit to you, be sure to contact our Rockville, MD cosmetic and restorative dentistry practice today. Our entire team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you receive the best dental health possible through the most state-of-the-art treatment options.
