Dental crowns, also known as teeth crowns, are a popular and effective solution for restoring damaged, decayed, or aesthetically unappealing teeth. These custom-made caps are designed to cover the entire tooth, providing both protection and a natural appearance. While crowns are durable and can last for many years, they are not immune to problems. Knowing the common issues that can arise with teeth crowns and how to address them is crucial for maintaining oral health and ensuring the longevity of your dental work.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common problems associated with dental crowns, why they occur, and what you can do to fix or prevent them. Understanding these issues can help you make informed decisions about your oral care and recognize when it’s time to consult your dentist for assistance.
1. Sensitivity or Discomfort After Getting a Crown
Why It Happens:
It’s not uncommon to experience some sensitivity or discomfort after getting a new dental crown. This can happen for several reasons:
- Nerve Irritation: The process of preparing the tooth for a crown can irritate the nerve, leading to temporary sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure.
- Improper Fit: If the crown is not fitted correctly, it may cause discomfort or pain when you bite down.
- Bite Misalignment: If the crown is not aligned properly with the other teeth, it can lead to issues with your bite, causing soreness or discomfort.
How to Fix It:
- Wait for Sensitivity to Subside: Mild sensitivity or discomfort should improve within a few days to a couple of weeks after getting a crown. You can use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth to help alleviate the discomfort.
- Adjustments by Your Dentist: If the sensitivity persists or the discomfort is severe, contact your dentist. They may need to make adjustments to the crown’s shape or fit to improve your bite alignment. In some cases, a root canal treatment might be necessary if the nerve irritation doesn’t subside.
- Avoid Hard or Chewy Foods: While your mouth is still sensitive, avoid chewing hard or sticky foods on the side of your mouth with the new crown.
2. Loose or Dislodged Crowns
Why It Happens:
Teeth crowns can sometimes become loose or even fall out. This can occur due to:
- Wear and Tear: Over time, the cement that holds the crown in place may weaken, causing the crown to become loose.
- Decay Underneath the Crown: If the underlying tooth starts to decay, the crown may no longer fit properly, leading to loosening.
- Chewing Hard Foods: Biting down on hard or sticky foods can dislodge the crown, especially if it’s already weakened.
How to Fix It:
- Temporary Fixes: If your crown becomes loose or falls out, you can use dental cement (available at most pharmacies) to temporarily secure it until you can see your dentist. This will protect the underlying tooth from damage.
- Visit Your Dentist Promptly: It’s essential to see your dentist as soon as possible. They can clean the crown and the tooth, check for any decay, and re-cement the crown if the tooth is still in good condition.
- Preventive Measures: To prevent this issue, avoid chewing ice, hard candies, and other hard objects that can damage or loosen your crown.
3. Cracked or Chipped Crowns
Why It Happens:
While dental crowns are designed to be durable, they are not indestructible. Crowns can crack or chip if exposed to excessive force. This may happen if you:
- Grind Your Teeth: Bruxism (teeth grinding) can cause the crown to wear down or crack over time.
- Chew on Hard Objects: Biting down on ice, hard candies, or even accidentally chewing on a bone can chip or crack the crown.
- Impact Injury: Trauma to the mouth from sports, accidents, or falls can also lead to a cracked or chipped crown.
How to Fix It:
- Minor Chips: If the chip is minor and doesn’t affect the crown’s function, your dentist may be able to repair it with dental bonding. This involves applying a tooth-colored resin to fill in the chip and smooth out the surface.
- Significant Cracks or Damage: If the crown is severely cracked, it will likely need to be replaced. Your dentist will remove the damaged crown, assess the tooth, and create a new custom crown to fit securely over it.
- Wear a Night Guard: If you grind your teeth, wearing a night guard can protect your crown and other teeth from damage. Similarly, wearing a mouthguard during contact sports can prevent trauma-related cracks.
4. Dark Line Along the Gumline
Why It Happens:
A dark line at the base of the crown, near the gumline, is usually a cosmetic issue that can occur with porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns. This type of crown has a metal base that is covered by a layer of porcelain. Over time, the metal may become visible at the gumline, especially if the gums recede.
How to Fix It:
- Replace the Crown: The most effective way to eliminate the dark line is to replace the PFM crown with an all-ceramic or all-porcelain crown. These crowns do not have a metal base, so they look more natural and are less likely to show discoloration at the gumline.
- Gum Contouring: In some cases, your dentist may recommend a procedure to reshape the gums and cover the metal edge. However, this is usually a temporary solution, and replacing the crown may still be necessary.
- Choose the Right Material: If you are concerned about aesthetics, consider opting for ceramic or zirconia crowns, especially for visible teeth. These materials offer a more natural appearance without the risk of a dark line.
5. Tooth Decay Underneath the Crown
Why It Happens:
Although the crown itself cannot decay, the natural tooth underneath it can still be susceptible to cavities. If bacteria get under the crown, they can cause decay, leading to pain, infection, and even the need for root canal treatment or crown replacement.
How to Fix It:
- Regular Dental Checkups: The best way to prevent decay under a crown is to maintain good oral hygiene and schedule regular dental checkups. Your dentist can catch early signs of decay before it becomes a more significant problem.
- Proper Brushing and Flossing: Be diligent about brushing and flossing around your crown, especially near the gumline where plaque can accumulate. Consider using an interdental brush or floss threader to clean hard-to-reach areas.
- Treating Decay: If decay is found, your dentist may need to remove the crown to treat the affected tooth. Depending on the severity, a filling, root canal treatment, or a new crown may be necessary.
6. Allergic Reactions to Crown Materials
Why It Happens:
While rare, some individuals may have allergic reactions to the metals used in certain types of crowns, such as nickel. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, and irritation around the gumline.
How to Fix It:
- Consult Your Dentist: If you suspect an allergic reaction, see your dentist as soon as possible. They can identify the cause of the reaction and recommend alternative materials.
- Choose Hypoallergenic Materials: When replacing the crown, opt for hypoallergenic options like all-ceramic, porcelain, or zirconia crowns. These materials are less likely to cause allergic reactions and are more biocompatible with your gums and tissues.
7. Problems with the Bite Alignment
Why It Happens:
A crown that is not properly aligned with the other teeth can cause issues with your bite, leading to discomfort, pain, and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Misalignment can happen due to:
- Incorrect Fitting During Placement: If the crown is not fitted accurately, it may cause problems when you bite down.
- Changes Over Time: Over time, teeth can shift slightly, leading to bite misalignment with the crown.
How to Fix It:
- Adjustment by Your Dentist: If you experience bite issues after getting a crown, schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can make small adjustments to the crown’s shape to improve your bite and alleviate discomfort.
- Replace the Crown if Needed: In cases where the crown cannot be adjusted sufficiently, it may need to be replaced to correct the bite alignment properly.
8. Crown Falls Off
Why It Happens:
If your dental crown falls off, it could be due to several factors, including:
- Insufficient Cement Bond: The adhesive used to secure the crown may weaken over time.
- Decay: Decay in the tooth underneath can affect the fit of the crown, causing it to come loose.
- Accidental Trauma: Biting down on something hard or experiencing an impact to the face can cause the crown to detach.
How to Fix It:
- Temporary Measures: If your crown falls off, try to save it and keep it clean. You can use temporary dental cement to reattach it until you can see your dentist.
- Professional Reattachment: Visit your dentist as soon as possible. They will inspect the crown and the tooth, clean both surfaces and re-cement the crown if it is still usable. If there is decay, they will need to address it before placing the crown back.
Conclusion: Caring for Your Dental Crowns to Prevent Issues
Teeth crowns are a reliable and long-lasting solution for restoring damaged teeth, but like any dental work, they can encounter problems. By understanding the common issues associated with crowns and knowing how to address them, you can keep your dental crowns in excellent condition for many years.
Good oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and prompt attention to any discomfort or issues are essential for maintaining the longevity of your crowns. If you experience any problems with your teeth crowns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist for guidance and treatment. Taking care of your crowns is an investment in your smile and your oral health.
