Chipped or Cracked Tooth? A Dental Crown Could Save Your Smile

You’ve noticed a chip or crack in your tooth, and you’re wondering whether you can just ignore it or if you need to get it fixed. Did you know that a crown offers both a structural and aesthetic solution that can save your smile? 

In her modern dental practice in Houston, Texas, Heather M. Wilmore, DDS, frequently sees patients with chipped or cracked teeth and is passionate about saving smiles. Here, find out how cracked and chipped teeth occur, when it’s time to see a dentist, and how dental crowns work to restore your teeth. 

How chips and cracks happen in teeth

Chips and cracks can develop for a variety of reasons, including common culprits such as:

• Biting on pens, pencils or other hard objects
• Using teeth to tear packages open
• Blows to the face
• Chronic teeth grinding, which weakens tooth structure

Many patients ask whether a crack or chip means their tooth is unhealthy or unstable. The answer may be different for each person. 

In most cases, a small chip or crack doesn’t necessarily mean your tooth is unhealthy, but it does mean your tooth could be at risk if you don’t pay attention to warning signs and seek dental care quickly when there’s a problem. 

Signs that a chipped or cracked tooth needs attention

Tooth cracks and chips always need prompt attention. You might think it’s not a big deal if you’re not in pain, but even minor tooth damage like a tiny chip or crack creates an entry point in your tooth that’s an invitation to bacteria. 

Bacteria inside the tooth can quickly lead to inflammation and infection. As infection penetrates the pulp (the soft tissue within the tooth), it becomes even more serious and can quickly put your tooth at risk. 

When the infection reaches this stage, it can bring about:

• Sensitivity when consuming hot or cold foods or beverages
• Persistent pain
• Tooth discoloration 
• Bad breath
• Puffy or swollen gums surrounding the tooth

Although Dr. Wilmore recommends scheduling a visit right away if you suspect a chip or crack, it’s especially crucial to take action fast if you’re experiencing any of these issues. 

How dental crowns fix chipped or cracked teeth

Crowns are usually made of porcelain, shade-matched to your natural teeth. A crown fully encases the affected tooth, leaving no part of the original tooth structure exposed. This prevents bacteria from getting into the tooth again, restores your tooth to its original strength, and allows you to eat without worry. 

Depending on the degree of the tooth damage and whether you’ve experienced any complications, you might need another procedure before you can get a crown.

For example, if you have a deep tooth infection, Dr. Wilmore can perform a root canal. This procedure essentially cleans out the infection, reinforcing the inside of the tooth with a sterile filling. After that, a crown covers and seals the repaired tooth and restores its appearance and function. 

If you notice a chip or crack or if you’re having symptoms, don’t try to wait it out. Seeing Dr. Wilmore now, before the damage can progress, can save your smile — and the earlier you get treatment, the simpler and gentler the solution tends to be. 

Get outstanding dental care from Heather M. Wilmore, DDS. Call 713-266-4222 to schedule your visit today.