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 (225) 360-3914 for more information from Elizabeth H Guerrero DDS or to schedule an appointment in our dentist office in Baton Rouge.
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NOTICE OF TEMPORARY CHANGE TO DENTAL CARE AVAILABILITY
Our top priority is the health and well-being of our patients, families, staff and community. In this unprecedented time, we are deeply committed to keeping everyone safe.
In light of the evolving pandemic and out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to limit patient treatment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our office is heeding recommendations to limit dental treatment for emergencies only. We believe that this shift will allow us to more effectively evaluate this dynamic situation and assist in following the CDC's guidance on social separation. If you have an appointment scheduled with us in the next week or so, our office will be in touch to help reschedule your appointment.
There will be a dentist on call in the event of a dental emergency. Should you require urgent dental care, please call our office as you normally would as Dr. Guerrero is on call.
We did not make this decision lightly. A great deal of care, research and planning guided our decision. We will continue to evaluate the situation as it evolves and determine when it is appropriate for us to return to our normal business hours.
Again, please understand that we are making this decision with the health and well-being of our patients, our families, our team and our community in mind.
We wish all of you continued health and strength during this challenging time.