Dental crowns are a widely used procedure to replace damaged, decayed, or weak teeth. They consist of a tooth-shaped cap that sits on the natural tooth, restoring its look and function. While crowns are generally quite durable and long-lasting, several problems can arise. Some don't need any fixes, whereas others require major work to replace the crown. This article explores some common issues with dental crowns and what you can do to prevent and fix them.
1. Tooth decay under the crown
Tooth decay can still happen on the natural tooth remaining under the crown. Bacteria can accumulate and produce acids and plaque that wear away the enamel and weaken the tooth. Left untreated, this can lead to gum disease and potential tooth loss. The longer you wait, the more likely the dentist will need to remove the crown to fix the issue and create a new crown. This can cost significant amounts of money.
How to fix tooth decay under the crown?
Fixing and preventing tooth decay involves oral hygiene basics: brush twice daily, floss, and rinse once daily. Visit the dentist regularly so they can address any missed spots, clean your crown and tooth, and watch for signs of tooth decay or other issues.
2. Tooth sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures after a crown procedure is fairly common. This is often because the crown and dental cement materials may alter the pressure placed on the tooth's internal structures, triggering sensitivity. Post-operative sensitivity tends to fade over a couple of weeks. However, if sensitivity persists and is severe, you may have a problem, such as exposed dentin.
How to fix tooth sensitivity?
Here's how to handle typical post-operative sensitivity:
- Avoid triggering foods: Avoid eating and drinking hot and cold food and drink. Steer clear of hard and acidic foods as well if these trigger sensitivity.
- Maintain good oral hygiene: Tooth decay can increase sensitivity. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing prevent tooth decay to minimize further sensitivity and cleaning debris from the mouth.
- Use sensitivity toothpaste: Some over-the-counter toothpastes are designed to help reduce sensitivity. Patients should ask their dentist about toothpaste to buy.
- Consider over-the-counter pain medication: OTC pain medications can offer short-term relief for acute sensitivity-related pain.
If the sensitivity is severe and doesn't fade, schedule a visit with the dentist.
3. Poor crown placement
Poor crown placement is rare, given modern dental techniques and innovations, but it can happen during a dental crown procedure. A poorly placed crown can affect your bite and lead to frustration and discomfort with eating and speaking. Patients may notice their uneven bite if they clench their teeth. Poor crown placement also creates opportunities for bacteria to make their way onto the tooth, creating hard-to-reach tooth decay.
How to fix poor crown placement?
Patients must revisit the dentist for an assessment of the crown to see what additional work is needed to fix the problem. However, poor crown placement is often the result of the dentist's error. That means you may not have to pay for the corrective work, regardless of whether or not they have dental insurance.
4. Damaged crowns
Dental crowns are generally more durable and long-lasting than composite veneers, able to withstand stronger biting forces and more use. However, they are not as strong as natural teeth if made of porcelain, leading to wear and potential damage over time.
A damaged crown increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease by allowing bacteria to access the natural tooth and gumline. The bacteria can also get into the tooth if the crown originally covered damage or weak enamel, potentially leading to an infection.
How to fix damaged crowns?
Any damage requires a dental visit, but the severity impacts the complexity and cost of the repairs. Dentists can fix minor chips and cracks by applying resin to the damaged area and sealing it up. This will not cost much and won't take long. If the damage is severe, the dentist may be unable to save the crown. They may need to replace the crown with a new one.
You can protect against damage by:
- Avoiding hard foods
- Wearing a mouthguard during physical activity
- Wearing a nightguard if they grind their teeth
- Maintaining great oral hygiene
5. Grayed gums
Patients with metal crowns may notice gray gums below or above the crown. This may be more visible in patients with gum recession on the gumline where the crown is present. Although gray may look concerning, this is not an issue since it is simply the color of the metal showing through.
How to fix grayed gums?
The only way to resolve grayed gums is to get a new crown made of porcelain instead of metal. Otherwise, the issue can't be fixed since it's caused by the materials. Fortunately, it's only an aesthetic issue.
The bottom line
Dental crowns are built to withstand the same uses as regular teeth. However, since they're artificial, problems can arise. Issues like tooth decay and sensitivity can often be resolved with good oral hygiene and a quick dental visit. Meanwhile, damaged crowns or poor crown placement may be more urgent, requiring a visit to fix or replace the crown. Some issues, like grayed gums, are purely aesthetic and pose no health concerns. Patients who have damage or decay should contact their dentist right away. The sooner you act, the more likely you can resolve the issue with less time and money.
