Frequent Dental Crown Problems and Remedies

A dental crown is supposed to be the last step in tooth restoration, but this does not mean that you'll never have to worry about dental crown problems and remedies. Even though a crown is a long-term solution for repairing damaged teeth, complications can still arise.

The following are some of the most common dental crown problems, as well as their solutions:

1. Dental decay

If you do not practice good oral hygiene after getting a crown, plaque may accumulate at the margin where the crown and the tooth meet. Though the crown cannot decay, your tooth still can.

The best remedy for this is to brush and floss your teeth twice daily. If you already have a small decay in an accessible area, the doctor can place a filling. However, if the decay is underneath the crown, the doctor will need to take off the dental crown, remove the decay, place a new core, and make a new dental cap. Since the cost of a dental crown is quite high, it is better and cheaper to take care of your teeth to prevent dental decay.

2. Sensitivity and discomfort

In the days after having your crown installed, you may notice that your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold foods. This often happens when the tooth enamel is trimmed away during the crowning process and the dentin is exposed. This means that the crown does not completely cover your tooth.

If this is the case, your dentist can apply a solution to the crowned tooth to protect the exposed dentin from temperature changes. He/she may also advise you to use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.

3. Loose crown

Tooth decay or eating sticky foods could cause your crown to become loose. If this happens, you should contact your dentist immediately. This is because the loose crown allows bacteria to leak into your remaining tooth, causing further decay and damage.

4. Chips or fractures

Porcelain is not as tough as your natural teeth. Therefore, dental crowns made of porcelain or porcelain infused metal can sometimes chip, though this is rare. If the chip is small, your dentist can use composite resin to repair the crown. However, if the chip or crack is extensive, the only solution is to replace the crown.

5. Nerve issues

All teeth have a soft pulp where all the nerves are located. The process of getting a dental crown sometimes traumatizes these nerves. This could cause discomfort ranging from mild sensitivity to excruciating pain. You might notice symptoms of nerve issues soon after getting a dental crown, or even several months after the procedure.

The best remedy for this problem is to give your tooth a root canal and get a new crown.

6. Allergic reactions

This is a very rare problem that only affects people who are allergic to any of the metals used to make the crown. The only remedy is to get a new crown made from different materials.

7. A dark line at the gum

This is very common with crowns made of porcelain infused with metal. This dark line is simply the metal of the crown showing through. While it does not pose any health concerns, it is not aesthetically pleasing. If the dark line forms in the front of your mouth, the dentist can replace your crown with an all-ceramic or all-porcelain one.

Wrapping up

Dentists shy away from using the word 'permanent' because even the most durable solutions may encounter problems. If you experience any of these dental crown problems, contact a dentist for a remedy that will solve the issue and ease your discomfort or pain.

Call us at (949) 759-8606 for more information from Peter T. Smrecek Jr. DDS Inc. or to schedule an appointment in our dentist office in Newport Beach.

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