What Is a Dental Crown, and Why Is It Used?
Dentists recommend dental crowns when a tooth is damaged, decayed, or injured. The crown fits snugly over the entire tooth to seal out bacteria, strengthen the tooth, and support better dental functionality. A dental crown is also used to anchor dental bridges or cover a tooth after a root canal procedure.
Understanding a Damaged Dental Crown
Because a dental crown is needed to protect a tooth, a damaged crown can affect your dental health. Common causes of a damaged dental crown include:
- Biting down on hard, crunchy, or sticky food
- Chewing on hard objects
- Using your teeth as tools
- Wear and tear over time
- An accident or injury to the mouth
When a dental crown is cracked or broken, it can become loose or ultimately come off the tooth. This exposes the tooth underneath, and increases the risk of dental injury, choking, or damage to other teeth.
While some damaged dental crowns are obvious, minor cracks or chips are more difficult to spot. Damaged crown tooth symptoms may include:
- Discomfort while biting or chewing
- Pain or tenderness in or around the tooth
- Sudden sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures
- Seeing a crack on the crown’s surface
- Feeling unevenness in your bite
- Swelling near the gumline
- Visible discoloration of the crown or tooth