Chipped porcelain crowns are a relatively common issue that can cause anxiety and concern for many patients. So, what causes crowns to chip after restoration, and how can this problem be fixed and prevented? The article below will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of this issue.
How dental crowns can get chipped
After restoration, porcelain crowns typically have an average lifespan of 10 to 20 years. However, in some cases, patients may experience chipping or cracking earlier than expected. Below are the common causes of this issue:
- Strong impact: After restoration, porcelain crowns that are subjected to strong forces—such as trauma, collisions, or accidents—can crack or break. This is a common cause that not only affects the success of the dental restoration but also poses a risk to overall oral health.
- Low-Quality crowns: At unreliable dental clinics, porcelain crowns may come from unclear or unverified sources and be of poor quality. After restoration, these crowns often fail to provide proper chewing function and are more prone to cracking, chipping, or breaking after a period of use.
- Improper crown placement: Porcelain crown placement done incorrectly—often due to an inexperienced or unskilled dentist—can lead to bite misalignment. Over time, this increases the risk of the crown becoming loose, cracked, or chipped, especially when chewing hard foods or under external force.
- Oral care habits: Poor dietary choices, inadequate oral hygiene, and the frequent habit of biting or chewing hard objects are major factors that can cause porcelain crowns to crack, chip, or come loose after restoration.
Additionally, chipped porcelain crowns can also result from other objective factors such as underlying dental conditions or poor compatibility between the crown and the natural tooth. If you notice any unusual signs like cracking or loosening of the crown, it’s important to visit a reputable dental clinic as soon as possible for proper examination and timely treatment.
Can you fix a chipped tooth crown?
In cases where a porcelain crown is slightly chipped after restoration, the issue can often be corrected with dental bonding or filling. For patients whose crowns have fallen off due to weak cementation—but the crown itself remains intact – the dentist will thoroughly clean the crown and the underlying tooth before securely reattaching it.
However, in cases where the porcelain crown is severely chipped or damaged beyond repair, the only viable solution is to replace it with a new one. When opting for a crown replacement, it’s important to take the time to research and choose a reputable dental clinic that offers high-quality porcelain crown services.
In cases where a chipped porcelain crown is accompanied by damage to the natural tooth—such as infection, severe tooth decay, or significant loss of tooth structure—a thorough examination is necessary. In such situations, dental implant placement may be considered as an appropriate restorative solution.
In summary, whether a chipped porcelain crown can be repaired depends on the actual condition of your oral health. Experienced and qualified dentists will perform a thorough examination to assess the extent of the damage and provide you with the most effective and safe treatment options.
What to do if your dental crown gets chipped?
Below are some restorative dental solutions that can help improve the condition of chipped porcelain crowns:
- Dental filling: If the porcelain crown is only slightly chipped and does not affect the tooth’s structure, the dentist may recommend a dental filling to restore the damaged area. This method uses composite resin material that closely matches the color and shape of the natural tooth, filling in the chipped portion to restore both appearance and function.
- Porcelain crown replacement: In cases where the chipped porcelain crown cannot be repaired, replacing it with a new crown may be necessary. The dentist will take an X-ray, reshape the tooth (tooth preparation), take an impression of the natural tooth, and fabricate a new porcelain crown. The new crown will then be securely placed over the prepared tooth, restoring full chewing function and supporting daily oral activities.
- Porcelain veneers: This method is suitable for cases of minor chipping. Veneers are thin shells that are bonded to the front surface of the tooth to cover imperfections such as small chips or uneven color. Veneers offer a quick, safe solution that maximizes the preservation of natural tooth structure while effectively restoring aesthetics.
- Root canal treatment: In cases where a porcelain crown is severely chipped, exposing the tooth pulp and leading to inflammation or infection, root canal therapy is necessary. The dentist will remove the infected pulp, clean and seal the root canal to prevent further infection. Afterward, depending on the condition of the tooth, the dentist may recommend restoring it with a porcelain veneer or a new crown to ensure full function and aesthetics.
Chipping that exposes the pulp in a porcelain crown is rare, but if you notice any unusual signs with your crown, it’s important to visit a reputable dental clinic as soon as possible. There, experienced dentists will carefully examine the issue, determine the cause of the damage, and provide the most effective and safe treatment solution to restore your dental health.
How to prevent damage to your dental crown
The average lifespan of porcelain crowns ranges from 15 to 20 years. However, to prevent damage after restoration and ensure long-term durability, you should apply the following helpful measures:
- Choose a Reputable Dental Clinic: It’s essential to have your porcelain crowns done at a trusted dental clinic equipped with modern technology and machinery, as well as dental materials with clear, verified origins. Most importantly, the clinic should have a team of experienced dentists who are experts in their field and have successfully performed many porcelain crown procedures.
- Oral Care Routine: After getting porcelain crowns, it’s important to maintain a proper oral hygiene routine. Follow a balanced diet, brush your teeth regularly using a soft-bristled toothbrush, and prioritize dental floss over wooden toothpicks to avoid damaging the gums. Additionally, rinse your mouth 2–3 times a day with mouthwash to keep your oral cavity clean and reduce the risk of infection or crown damage.
- Dietary Habits: You should prioritize soft, nutrient-rich foods and minimize consumption of items that are too hard, too hot, or too cold. Chewing tough or hard foods can put excessive pressure on porcelain crowns, making them more prone to loosening, chipping, or even falling off after restoration.
- Break Bad Habits: Harmful habits such as teeth grinding, nail biting, or chewing on hard objects can negatively affect the durability of porcelain crowns. To protect both your natural teeth and crowns, it’s important to stop these habits. If you grind your teeth at night, consider wearing a night guard to prevent damage.
In addition to the above precautions, after completing your dental restoration at a reputable clinic, you should attend follow-up appointments as scheduled by your dentist — typically every 3 to 6 months. These check-ups are extremely important, as they allow the dentist to evaluate the condition of the restoration, monitor your overall oral health, and promptly address any abnormalities that may arise.
Shark Dental – Address for repairing chipped tooth crowns
When a porcelain crown shows signs of cracking, damage, or detachment, it’s important to seek treatment at a reputable dental clinic. One of the leading dental centers that meets all quality standards and is highly rated by both local and international patients is Shark Dental. With modern equipment, high-quality materials, and a team of experienced dentists, Shark Dental provides effective and safe solutions for restoring damaged crowns and maintaining long-term oral health.
Shark Dental places strong emphasis on investing in its infrastructure, featuring modern, well-equipped facilities designed to meet current sterilization and hygiene standards. The clinic’s fully enclosed layout ensures absolute infection control. With a luxurious and comfortable environment, the porcelain crown procedure is carried out smoothly and safely, providing customers with a satisfying and professional experience.
Moreover, Shark Dental consistently upgrades and modernizes its equipment and technology. All machines used at the clinic are 100% imported from Europe and feature advanced CAD/CAM technology for porcelain crown fabrication. This ensures an efficient, precise, and high-quality dental restoration experience, allowing customers to achieve strong, evenly white, and healthy smiles with complete peace of mind.
In addition, Shark Dental has invested in state-of-the-art digital X-ray systems and 3D scanners. These advanced technologies enable dentists to perform thorough examinations and develop highly accurate treatment plans. As a result, the porcelain crown procedure is carried out more efficiently, with greater precision and effectiveness.
In terms of expertise, Shark Dental is home to a team of highly experienced maxillofacial dentists who have undergone extensive training in developed countries such as France, the United States, and South Korea. With solid professional skills and in-depth knowledge, Shark Dental’s doctors are fully capable of handling even the most complex porcelain crown cases with precision and confidence.
Notably ,Shark Dental is committed to full cost transparency, offering 0% installment payment plans and long-term warranties for porcelain crowns, lasting from 10 to 15 years. When visiting Shark Dental, clients receive detailed consultations about the treatment plan, procedure steps, and exact costs. The clinic guarantees that no additional fees will arise beyond the agreed-upon contract, ensuring peace of mind throughout the entire process.
>>> Read more: How much does porcelain crown cost in Vietnam?
With the combination of modern technology, advanced equipment, an experienced team of dentists, and high-quality services, Shark Dental has won the full trust and affection of its customers. Therefore, if you are experiencing issues such as chipped or loose porcelain crowns, be sure to visit Shark Dental right away!
The causes of chipped porcelain crowns and how to fix them have been thoroughly revealed by Shark Dental in the article above. We hope this useful information helps you gain a better understanding, enabling you to practice proper oral care and address any unusual issues correctly.