Broken Crown in Hamilton — Emergency Repair, Same Day

A broken or chipped dental crown is one of the most common dental emergencies at Red Rose Dentistry in Downtown Hamilton. Call as early in the day as possible for the best chance of a same-day slot. Walk-ins accepted for crown emergencies at 135 James St S.

📞 (905) 527-8055) | Open 7 days | Walk-ins welcome for crown emergencies

What To Do Immediately When Your Crown Breaks

1. Find the broken piece if possible. Bring it to your appointment — depending on the fracture pattern, we may be able to bond it back or use it as a reference for the replacement crown.
2. Do not use super glue or household adhesives. Super glue is toxic to oral tissue and can bond in a position that makes professional repair impossible. Pharmacy dental cement (Dentemp) is acceptable for 24–48 hours if you cannot be seen immediately.
3. Avoid chewing on that side. The tooth under a broken crown is exposed and sensitive to pressure and temperature.
4. Call us. A sharp crown edge can cut your tongue and cheek, and the underlying tooth is now unprotected.

Treatment Options for a Broken Crown — What We Decide at Your Appointment

Crown Type	Break Pattern	Treatment	Same-Day?
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM)	Porcelain chip, metal substructure intact	Composite bonding repair over the chip	✅ Yes
All-porcelain / zirconia / e.max	Small chip at corner or cusp	Composite bonding — bonds well to zirconia with correct bonding protocol	✅ Yes
Any crown material	Crown fractured through, large piece missing	Temporary crown placed same-day; permanent crown ordered from lab (1–3 weeks)	Temporary ✅
Any crown material	Crown intact but the tooth underneath fractured at the gum line	Crown lengthening surgery + new crown, or extraction — assessed at appointment	Assessment ✅

Why Crowns Break — Preventing Future Fractures

• Grinding (bruxism): The most common cause of crown fracture. Grinding at night exerts 4–6× normal biting force on your crowns. A custom night guard is required to protect your restorations — both the new crown and the others you have.
• Biting hard objects: Ice, hard candy, pens, fingernails — crowns are not designed for these forces. Porcelain cracks, just like natural teeth.
• Age of crown: Crowns have a lifespan of 15–25 years. An older crown may fracture because the cement has weakened and the crown has microcracking from years of chewing stress.
• Lack of crown on a root-canal-treated tooth: A root-canal-treated tooth without a crown is significantly more likely to fracture because the tooth is brittle without the pulp supply — this is the most preventable cause of crown emergencies.

Broken Crown Cost in Hamilton — CDCP and Insurance

• Composite bonding repair (small chip): $150–$300
• Temporary crown (same-day): $200–$350
• Permanent crown replacement: $1,000–$1,800
• Crown lengthening (if tooth fractured below gum): $800–$1,500
• CDCP: covers crown repair and replacement for eligible patients — we bill Sun Life directly
• Insurance: major dental benefit — typically 50–80% coverage

Frequently Asked Questions — Broken Crown in Hamilton

My crown fell off completely — is that an emergency?

Yes. The prepared tooth under the crown is exposed — it has thin remaining enamel and is vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, and fracture. Call us the same day. Bring the crown — in many cases, if the tooth preparation is intact and the crown is undamaged, we can re-cement it at the appointment (temporary cement) while a new permanent one is made.

Can I eat with a broken crown?

Soft foods on the other side only. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods on the side with the damaged crown. Do not chew on the broken crown — you can deepen the fracture or damage the underlying tooth structure further.

Book Emergency Crown Repair in Hamilton — Walk-Ins Accepted

📍 135 James St S, Downtown Hamilton (3 min from Hamilton GO Centre)
HSR bus on James St S | Street parking
📞 (905) 527-8055) | Open 7 days | CDCP direct billing
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