Is My Defective Crown Now a Dental Emergency?
Posted by writeradmin
I’ve had ten dental crowns for about 15 years. One of the them has always had a slight defect. I could not tell at the time, but my dentist pointed it out to me. Now, though, it has changed. I can see it and feel a slight horizontal crack in it. Does this mean I have a dental emergency? Do I need to take care of it right away or can it wait?
Lori
Dear Lori,
I’m glad you wrote. These slight defects, like the one your dentist pointed out are fairly common and called craze lines. Normally, they are not a problem. However, it sounds like yours has changed. Not only can you see it but can feel it as well. At some point this crack is going to cause a problem. I would not call it a dental emergency, but you will want to replace the dental crown that has a crack in it.
Those porcelain crowns have served you well and are getting up there in years. They are all going to start needing to be replaced. Here you have a couple of choices. First, you can just replace all of the crowns at once and not have to deal with them a little at a time. However, this can be expensive.
A second option is to just repair the ones that need it. When you go in to get the cracked crown dealt with, have the dentist check the others to see what condition they are in. If they are fine, then you can just replace them as needed. This can save you money. The only downside is that you will have to go to the dentist each time another one fails.
There is no right or wrong answer for you whether you have one or all of them done. The one thing I would suggest you do soon is schedule an appointment for the damaged crown and have the dentist check the remaining crowns.
This blog is brought to you by Arnold, MD Dentist Dr. Meredith Esposito.