What does “Fracture of an artificial crown or tooth” mean?
A prosthetic fracture is a chip, break or crack in the material of a crown or artificial tooth. Assessment distinguishes damage to the covering restoration from a fracture that also involves the natural tooth underneath.
Identify which part has broken
A break in the visible tooth-shaped part may affect only the restorative material, or may involve its internal structure or the supporting natural tooth. The dentist assesses the fracture and the stability of what remains. A photograph alone cannot reliably establish the depth of damage or whether the restoration can be reused.
Treatment depends on the remaining structure
For a small surface defect, smoothing and polishing or repair by adding restorative material may be considered. If the remaining restoration or tooth underneath is unstable, or restoring function through repair would be difficult, temporary protection followed by replacement may be needed. The fracture location, material and remaining structure guide the choice between repair and replacement.
Check sharp edges and loose pieces
A broken edge may scrape the tongue or cheek, and fragments may become loose. Do not file it yourself or use household glue; keep any detached pieces to bring to the appointment. Severe pain or swelling calls for prompt dental assessment, and suspected inhalation of a fragment requires immediate emergency care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does one chipped piece of porcelain mean the whole crown must be replaced?
Not always. A small defect may be suitable for smoothing and polishing or repair with additional material. Replacement may be needed depending on the extent of the fracture, the stability of the remaining restoration and the condition of the tooth beneath.
Can the natural tooth be intact when its restoration breaks?
Damage may be limited to the restoration material, but the natural tooth may also be affected. The restoration and the supporting tooth must be examined separately to determine this.
Questions about a broken restoration
Learn what the term means and how it relates to your dental condition.
- Sufficient understanding
Is the break limited to artificial material, or does it include natural tooth structure?
Explanation and evidenceThe damaged structures determine the extent of treatment for both the tooth and the restoration.
SDCEP · Assessment of fractured, loose or displaced teeth and restorations - A choice suited to your condition
Is the remaining restoration stable?
Explanation and evidenceThe fracture surface, loose areas and supporting tooth are assessed to decide on temporary protection, replacement or other necessary care.
SDCEP · Assessment of fractured, loose or displaced teeth and restorations
Further reading and references
Further reading
References
- Academy of Prosthodontics · The Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms, ninth editionacademyofprosthodontics.org (opens in a new tab)
- SDCEP · Assessment of fractured, loose or displaced teeth and restorationsacutedentalproblems.sdcep.org.uk (opens in a new tab)
- NHS · Symptoms requiring emergency or urgent dental carenhs.uk (opens in a new tab)
- FDI World Dental Federation · Repair of Restorationsfdiworlddental.org (opens in a new tab)
