Can A Porcelain Crown Be Repaired

Best known as a tooth cap, a porcelain crown is an artificial dental restoration that replaces the natural enamel, dentin, and some of the surrounding tooth structure. It is made from either 100% porcelain or a combination of porcelain fused to metal, typically gold or silver.

Due to its strength, durability, and aesthetic appearance, porcelain crowns are quite popular in cosmetic dentistry to enhance your smile and protect damaged teeth. They can be used to protect a weak or decayed tooth from further physical damage or to replace a missing tooth with dental implants.

But what would happen if your crown gets damaged? Can it be repaired by your dentist or do you need a new one? That’s a question on every patient’s mind who has a damaged crown. So to find the answer, we had a quick chat with Dr. Tejas Patel from Austin Cosmetic Dental who has done hundreds of porcelain crowns in Austin, Tx.

Can Crowns Be Repaired?

The typical life span for a porcelain crown is 10-20 years. With proper care, it can last a few additional years too.

But sometimes, your crown can get chipped or broken before its lifespan is over. While porcelain is a strong material, it is not completely indestructible.

It can be damaged due to physical trauma inflicted by various activities or accidents. Even wear and tear caused due to grinding or clenching your teeth can cause a fracture in your crown.

Remember, a broken or cracked crown is a dental emergency that needs immediate assessment by the dentist. It can often be accompanied by tooth sensitivity or even pain. But even it isn’t, it should not be left untreated for long.

Depending on the severity of the damage, your dentist may either recommend repairing it or replacing it altogether with a brand-new crown.

So yes, repairing your porcelain crown is indeed a possibility.

How Will My Crown Be Repaired?

Your cosmetic dentist can repair minor cracks and chips with help of dental bonding. The process is similar to using a tooth-colored composite resin material to fill a cavity.

Your dentist will clean and disinfect the crown surface and then apply resin to fix the damage. The resin will then be allowed to harden using UV light.

The entire process is quick and painless. If the chip or crack is large and beyond repair, you will have to get a new porcelain crown fixed to the tooth.

Tips To Protect Your Porcelain Crown

• Wear a night guard while sleeping if you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth.
• If you play outdoor sports, opt for a mouthguard that protects your teeth from injuries.
• Avoid biting into hard foods like ice or nuts if you have a porcelain crown.
• Get your crown from an experienced dentist for a well-made dental crown that is sturdy.
• Brush and floss your teeth every day to prevent gum infections and decay that prevent your crown from being anchored.

The Takeaway

Many people dismiss porcelain crowns as something only reserved for the elite. But in reality, this type of dental restoration can be an excellent long-term solution for even serious tooth decay.

They may be more expensive than other types of restorations, but their durability and cosmetic appeal are unrivaled. Hence, do not turn down the option due to the possibility of it being damaged.

If you need to replace or repair your porcelain crowns in Austin, Dr. Tejas Patel is accepting new patients at his Austin Cosmetic clinic. He provides high-quality dental crowns that are molded to perfection for a perfect fit. So call his clinic right away for a consultation.