Should I Be Wearing I Have A Hairline Crack And A Small Chip In A Front Crown?

Posted on Thu, 3 Dec 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 3 Dec 2020 Answered on

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi I have a hairline crack and a small chip in a front crown. 1) Should I get this looked at right away2) ? Is there anything that can be done for it? I am not sure what caused it - I did hit it with a tool 2 months ago but didn't notice anything - then the meal before I noticed it I bit on hamburger that had a small piece of bone in it. I had to have two crowns replaced - my dentist said I should be using a mouth guard at night but I don't grind my teeth and hadn't been - I have started now. 3) Should I be wearing this?
thanks.

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Treatment varies with extent and get it monitored

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
There are different stages of trauma and the treatment varies accordingly. If it has got any sharp edge and involves only outer layer called enamel then you can get the sharp edge smoothened and monitor it for 3-4 weeks.
If it extends to second layer called dentine then it would be better to get it covered with filling material. If it extends to the pulp then you will have pain on applying pressure and might need RCT or Crown. So your treatment would vary with the different stages.
Secondly, you would need to wear mouthguard of you have habit of night grinding otherwise your teeth might wear off and you will experience sensitivity.
Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Wishing you good health.
Kind Regards
Dr. Neha Sumra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng