Dealing With Dental Crown Issues

A dental crown is an oral prosthetic used to protect a tooth or restore its appearance. Also called a cap, it fully encloses the part of the tooth visible above the gums. It protects the tooth from saliva, bacteria and debris in the mouth.

Dental crowns are one of the most common oral prosthetics, and their many uses include:

• To anchor down a dental bridge
• To protect a broken, fractured or chipped tooth
• To restore the appearance of a badly stained tooth
• To protect teeth after a root canal
• To serve as an artificial tooth in combination with dental implants

Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials. Porcelain and ceramic are most often used, but crowns can also be made from gold, silver, composites and metal alloys. It typically comes down to what the patient prefers.

When getting a crown, the dentist will usually remove a small portion of enamel to ensure the cap fits snugly. Once installed, crowns do not require specialized maintenance. With good oral hygiene, crowns can last for up to 25 years.

Common dental crown issues

1. Tooth decay

When a patient fails to practice good oral hygiene after getting a dental drown, plaque and tartar can accumulate where the crown meets the tooth. While the crown itself will not be affected by the acids created by the bacteria in plaque, the inner part of the patient's tooth is still prone to decay.

The best way to prevent this is by practicing good oral hygiene. Also, patients should head to the dentist if they notice signs of decay.

2. Discomfort and tooth sensitivity

Some people experience increased sensitivity the first few days after getting a crown installed. This is usually due to the fact that the dentin is exposed when enamel is removed for the crown. The dentist will deal with this sensitivity by applying a solution to the exposed dentin to reduce sensitivity.

3. Loose crown

Eating certain foods and decay can lead to a crown becoming loose. When this happens, patients should head to the dentist's clinic. A loose crown means the enclosed tooth is no longer being protected from irritants in the mouth. Dental cement can be used to reattach a loose crown.

4. Fractures and chips

While crowns are extremely durable, they are not as tough as real teeth. Patients should keep that in mind when chewing and avoid hard foods that can damage the crown. If the crown ends up becoming chipped, composite resin can be used to restore its appearance. If it is badly damaged, the patient might need to get a replacement.

5. Irritated nerves

The nerve in the pulp chamber of a tooth can easily become irritated when a crown is being installed. This often leads to discomfort and sometimes, severe pain. At times, it can take months for the symptoms to show up.

The best way to deal with this issue is to have the nerve removed with a root canal and get a new crown.

Contact one of our dentists to learn more about dealing with crown issues.

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