Visiting the dentist is often an unpleasant experience for many, especially when there’s a high likelihood of pain. However, if you’re dealing with a toothache, a dentist is your best bet for relief from that persistent discomfort. Oral pain due to cavities, inflamed nerves, or cracked teeth can lead to significant issues and even disrupt your eating habits.
Fortunately, a crown can often resolve these issues. You might assume that once a crown is placed, your tooth is protected from future problems.
While this seems ideal, you may still experience pain if your dental crown gets damaged or infected.
But can a hole in a crown be repaired?
Let’s find out!
Understanding Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a restoration that encases a tooth, creating a “cap” above the gum line to restore its normal appearance. Crowns are used when a tooth is so damaged that a filling is insufficient to restore its function.
For instance, if a tooth is cracked from a facial injury, a crown can help hold it together and prevent further damage. Crowns are also used to cover discolored teeth, secure a bridge, or protect a weakened tooth from fracturing.
What Causes Holes in a Crown?
Wear & Tear
Over time, crowns can wear down due to normal use, forming holes or gaps on their surface.
Damage from Chewing Hard Foods
Biting down and chewing on hard foods or objects can cause your dental crown to crack or chip, potentially creating holes in your dental crown.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene is one of the top causes of “holes” in a dental crown. Plaque and tartar accumulating around the crown can subject your underlying tooth to decay, which can eventually damage the crown and cause holes to appear.
Underlying Tooth Problems
If the tooth beneath the crown develops decay or other issues, it can affect the crown’s integrity, leading to holes in your crown.
Crown Material Failure
Defects or weaknesses in the material used for the crown, whether it’s porcelain, metal, or a combination, can cause it to deteriorate and develop holes.
Improper Fit
A poorly fitted crown may not seal properly against the tooth, allowing bacteria to infiltrate and cause damage that manifests as holes.
Accidental Trauma
Physical injuries or accidents can crack or damage a crown, resulting in holes or chips on its surface.
Why Should a Hole in a Crown be Repaired?
- To protect the structural integrity of yoru tooth.
- To provide you with a crown with more durability.
- To prevent further damage to your underlying tooth.
- To restore the appearance of your smile.
- To provide you with better functionality in terms of chewing and bite.
How Can a Hole in a Crown Be Repaired?
Dental Bonding
Holes in a dental crown can be replaced using techniques similar to those used for minor adjustments on natural teeth. For example, if the crown only has minor holes, bonding might be a viable alternative to replacing the entire crown. Dental bonding can apply a tooth-colored composite resin to the damaged area and shape it to restore the crown’s integrity.
Replacement Crown
If your dentist has deemed the crown too damaged, they might suggest removing the existing crown completely to eliminate any new decay and then placing a new crown on the tooth. This process helps stabilize the tooth and prevents further spread of the decay.
Dental Onlay
A dental onlay, sometimes referred to as a “partial crown,” can be a perfect alternative to a full crown.
An onlay is custom-made in a lab from materials such as resin, porcelain, or gold and is then bonded to the tooth to fit into its grooves and cover the cusps.
This approach generally allows for greater preservation of the tooth’s natural structure compared to a full crown. If your existing crown has been in place for some time, an onlay might now be an effective substitute.
Extraction
In severe cases where the crowned tooth is too weak or decayed to support a new crown and the existing crown is damaged beyond repair, your tooth may need to be extracted and replaced with an implant.
This procedure involves using either local or general anesthetic to prepare the gums with a small incision for the titanium post, which is then inserted into the jaw to serve as the tooth root. After the post is placed, a restoration (crown) that looks and functions like a natural tooth is fitted on top.
Conclusion
When it comes to the question, “Can a hole in a crown be repaired?” keep in mind that hols in crowns typically require replacement rather than a simple repair.
A damaged crown with a hole compromises both the structural integrity and the protective function of the restoration, making it crucial to address the problem promptly. Replacing a crown ensures that the underlying tooth remains protected, prevents further damage, and restores normal function and aesthetics.
You can determine the best course of action to maintain your dental health by consulting with your dentist and ensure that your restoration continues to serve its purpose effectively.
Schedule an appointment with the experts at Rainier Ave Dental today and find out if your crown needs to be replaced.
FAQ
Can a hole in a dental crown be repaired, or does it need to be replaced?
In most cases, a hole in a dental crown cannot be effectively repaired and typically requires replacement. This is often necessary to ensure the tooth remains protected.
What should I do if I notice a hole in my dental crown?
If you discover a hole in your dental crown, it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist can evaluate the complete extent of the damage and recommend the best course of action.
