Broken Crown

[cat36]

Is it normal for crowns to sometime break?  One of my crowns broke a litlle on one side.  The dentist sanded it down but told me if it starts hurting then it's has to be replaced.  God I can't afford another crown.  I'm uninsured.

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

I would bring it up with your dentist and see if you can get a replacement.  You may want to discuss the specific financials with your doctor.

[cat36]

But I just had this crown put on in May of last year.  It has not even been a year.  Should it break this early.  I don't put alot of force when eating due to the fact that I have 2 leaking fillings on the bottom that bother me.

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

It happens sometimes when a crown will break.  Unfortunately porcelain isn't very flexible but its very hard.  But once something with alot of force is applied to it, it'll shatter.  Sounds pretty reasonable to just smooth it down and observe it.  I agree, if its not bothering you, you can leave it alone until you can afford to replace it later.