I've had eight porcelain crowns for close to 17 years. They have served me very well. I am a bit concerned about one of them. It's always had a slight defect. My dentist told me about it from the beginning. I think she called it a grace line. I couldn't see it, but she showed it to me with a magnifier. She told me they were common and probably nothing to worry about. She was right. The crown has been fine. However, this morning I noticed a change. I can see a line across the tooth and can feel it with my tongue. I'm guessing that this means the crown is fractured. Would this be considered a dental emergency? Do I need to replace it right away or should I wait? I am worried I'll lose it in public.
Cassie
Dear Cassie,
You were close on what they are called. These are called craze lines and both your natural teeth as well as porcelain has them. Generally, as your dentist said, they are not a problem. Yours, however, has obviously had a change. You can now see it and feel it. It sounds a bit like a horizontal fracture.
You will want to replace the crown. I would not call it a dental emergency where you'd have to be seen right away, but I'd go ahead and schedule an appointment. You have had all of your dental crowns for a while. While it could be that this is the only one that needs to be replaced, I would have your dentist look at them and give her opinion on how they are holding up.
If they are getting close to their lifespan you have a couple of choices. First, you can replace them all at the same time. This has the disadvantage of having a large expense all at once, but the advantage of getting it all done and not having to worry about it. Second, you can just replace them as they are needed. This has the advantage of saving you some money temporarily, but the disadvantage of multiple appointments that you cannot necessarily preplan.
This blog is brought to you by Ahwatukee Dentist Dr. Harveer Kaur.
Filed Under: Emergency Dentist Tagged With: cracked dental crown, craze lines, fractured dental crown
Dr. Harveer Kaur, DDS
Dr. Kaur is the founder of Kokopelli Dentistry, serving patients in Ahwatukee and Chandler, Arizona since 2017. She specializes in family and cosmetic dentistry.
Meet Dr. Kaur →