All types of dental crowns and bridges require proper care over the years. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups help maintain their longevity. However, even with ideal care, damage or fractures can occur. A broken crown can sometimes compromise the tooth underneath. What should you do if you notice that part of your crown or bridge has chipped?
Broken Crown – Ceramic Fracture
Crowns made of metal and ceramic can experience superficial chipping of the ceramic layer.
This most commonly happens when the ceramic is thin or when the patient has a strong bite. Patients who grind their teeth at night are more prone to this type of damage. Fractures can also occur if a hard seed or piece of bone is encountered during chewing.
Is This Dangerous for the Tooth?
This type of damage does not endanger the tooth underneath. The metal substructure still fully covers and protects the tooth from bacteria and food particles. The only potential issue is esthetic if the fracture is in a visible area.
How Is It Managed?
This is not an emergency, but the crown or bridge will eventually need to be replaced.
It is important to note that ceramic cannot be repaired with ceramic inside the mouth—only with a filling material, which is a short-term solution.
Broken Crown – Metal and Ceramic Fracture
A more serious type of damage occurs when both the metal and ceramic layers fracture on a metal-ceramic crown.
Why Is This an Emergency?
In this situation, the tooth is no longer protected, and bacteria can easily enter under the crown.
Over time, this can lead to decay or inflammation of the nerve beneath the crown.
What Should Be Done?
The broken crown must be removed as soon as possible to protect the tooth.
Fracture of Zirconia and All-Ceramic Crowns
Modern materials such as zirconia and monolithic ceramics can also experience both surface fractures and full-thickness fractures.
Is Urgent Treatment Necessary?
This depends on:
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whether the tooth underneath is exposed,
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whether esthetics are affected,
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whether the patient has symptoms.
The urgency of replacement is determined by the dentist together with the patient.
Bridge Fracture
A bridge fracture usually refers to a break in the middle of the bridge, meaning that the abutment teeth are no longer sharing the load evenly.
Why Is This Serious?
When the supporting teeth no longer share the chewing force, one of them becomes overloaded. This increased force can loosen or damage the supporting tooth.
What Should You Do?
If you suspect your bridge has fractured, visit your dentist immediately.
Crown That Has Come Loose
Patients usually notice quickly when a crown no longer feels stable—this applies to both single crowns and bridges.
Why Does This Happen?
The cement holding the crown may weaken, but the crown may still appear to be in place.
Why Is Quick Action Important?
Even if the crown has not fallen off, saliva and bacteria can enter underneath and cause decay.
This is also a common cause of bad taste in the mouth.
