In 2012, I got four upper front crowns. One of the crowns had a slight defect that was only visible upon close examination. The crown cracked two weeks ago. My dentist wants to replace it. She said that she may need to replace the other crowns to ensure a color match. My crowns are 14 years old, but all of them, except the cracked one, are in excellent condition. Is replacing the crown my only option? Thanks. Gene from AZ

Gene,

A cracked dental crown may require a same-day appointment, but it is a significant defect that could lead to a complete break. You mentioned that this crown has always had a defect, though it wasn’t visible to the naked eye. These types of lines, often referred to as craze lines, can occur in teeth and porcelain but are usually not a concern. However, if you can see and feel the defect, it indicates a change in the crown’s surface.

What Is the Treatment for a Cracked Crown?

When a crown cracks and you have other crowns, your cosmetic dentist will examine them and may suggest replacing all the front crowns if they are old. However, if the other crowns are in good condition, replacing only the affected crown may be an option.

If you choose to replace just one crown, look for a cosmetic dentist with excellent color-matching skills for dental crowns. If the dentist suggests replacing more than one crown to guarantee a perfect match, be cautious; this may indicate a lack of confidence in their ability to match the new crown to the existing ones.

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post. Read about how Dr. Finley and his team strive to provide some of the best dental care in Monroe.