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.
Here's what you need …
Request an appointment here: https://gkdentaloffice.com or call GK Dental PC at (617) 826-6075 for an appointment in our Everett office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
You could be a candidate for dental bonding if you have gaps in your front teeth. This minimally invasive procedure will close your tooth gap and enhance your smile's appearance. The composite blends in with your natural teeth, so it will not be noticeable. Continue reading to learn more about the application process and see…
Those missing teeth and seeking a way to restore their smile should consider dental implants. Dentists and their patients are discovering the many benefits of this tooth-replacement over other options, such as dentures and bridges. If you are missing one or more teeth like so many adults, dental implants offer a way to restore your…
Anyone who is not satisfied with the appearance of their teeth can benefit from getting cosmetic dental services. The appearance of your teeth plays a significant role in how people perceive you during interactions. It is one of the first things people notice about you, and it can go either way. A perfect, healthy smile…
Dental bonding can fix minor to moderate concerns with teeth, such as chips, cracks, worn-down enamel, and more. Read on to learn more about dental bonding and its uses. It is helpful to understand how dental bonding can benefit your oral health to determine if treatment is right for you or if another form of…