Unfold the Common Dental Crown Problems and their Solutions

dental crown problems

A dental crown is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments. It is mainly performed to cover the entire tooth structure for several purposes. Some of the common reasons for using dental crown include severe tooth discoloration, extensive tooth decay, broken teeth, and root canal treated tooth. Dental crowns strengthen the tooth structure and provide a natural-looking smile.

However, like any other dental prosthesis, there are some problems associated with a dental crown. Some of the common issues include loose crowns, tooth decay, tooth sensitivity, and fracture of the crown. Usually, it can be fixed by a dentist immediately. However, you must be aware of the common problems and solutions to fix the dental crown.

What are dental crowns?

A dental crown is typically a tooth-shaped cap that covers the tooth surface to restore the shape and size of the damaged tooth. moreover, it strengthens the tooth structure and provides a natural-looking smile. (1)

A dental crown can be made from several different materials such as pure metal, all-ceramic or porcelain and metal fused with porcelain. The selection depends on the type of tooth being restored. Additionally, the aesthetic concerns of the patient are taken into consideration.

What is the purpose of dental crowns?

Typically, a dental crown is used for the following purposes –

  • It protects the weak tooth that has been damaged by tooth decay or traumatic accident, cracked or broken tooth.
  • It restores severely worn down teeth
  • It supports and covers a large tooth filling to strengthen the tooth structure
  • It reinforces a root canal treated tooth (2)
  • It helps to hold a dental bridge in place
  • It covers severely discolored teeth and provides a natural-looking smile
  • It is used to cover a dental implant
  • It can be used to whiten the smile

Dental crowns are also very useful in strengthening the tooth structure of the children. For example, preformed stainless steel crowns are used in strengthening pulpectomy treated teeth. Moreover, dental crowns in children help to prevent tooth decay, especially for those who have a poor oral health routine.

What are the common problems with a dental crown?

A dental crown is usually the last option for treating a tooth. With all the benefits mentioned above, there are also some problems that you may encounter with the placement of dental crowns. Let’s tale a close look at some of the dental crown problems.

Tooth decay

It is essential to maintain good oral hygiene even after the placement of a dental crown. Failure to do so will lead to plaque accumulation near the margins of the crown and tooth interface. This can lead to decay and damage to the tooth structure.

Tooth sensitivity and discomfort

Some patients often experience tooth sensitivity after the placement of the dental crown. Usually, this happens when the tooth enamel is cut to accommodate the size of the dental crown. The exposure of dentin leads to sensitivity to hot and cold food. (3)

Loose dental crown

It is essential to take care of eating habits after placing the dental crown. Avoid eating sticky food or hard food that may loosen the dental crown. Some other dental crown problems include –

  • Chipping of the dental crown, especially those made from porcelain while eating hard food.
  • Excessive reduction of the tooth structure for accommodating dental crown can lead to nerve damage. The patient will have excruciating pain and may require a root canal treatment in the future. (4)
  • Some people are allergic to specific materials used for the preparation of dental crown
  • Often porcelain fused metal crown has a metal exposed margin which looks aesthetically unpleasing.

What is the solution to reduce dental crown problems?

Some of the solutions of dental crown problems are listed below –

  • Right routine dental hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing will help to clean the plaque and bacterial accumulation near the margins of the crown.

In case the tooth has become decayed, the dentist will have to take off the dental crown, remove the decay, and replace the damaged part wit ha tooth filling. The dental crown can then be placed back and cemented to the tooth.

  • Tooth sensitivity usually subsides in a few days after the placement of the crown. However, in extreme cases, the dentist may apply a desensitizing solution over the tooth surface to protect the dentin from temperature changes.
  • Loose crowns should be immediately reported to the dentist to prevent bacterial infection that damage the tooth. the dentist will remove the crow and fix it back again using dental cement. (5)
  • Chips or fracture of the dental crown can be fixed by repairing the crown with composite. However, excessive crown fractures may require a replacement.
  • Allergic reactions can e treated by changing the material of the crown
  • If you are not pleased with the dark line around the gums formed by metal exposure at the margins, you can get it replaced with an all-ceramic or porcelain dental crowns.

Take away message

A person with a dental crown may experience some problems. Some of these problems include tooth sensitivity, tooth decay, loose crowns, and aesthetic concerns. It is essential to inform your dentist about any problem that occurs regarding dental crowns. The more you delay, the more damage it will do to the tooth. Moreover, you must follow a good oral health routine to take good care of the crown and increase the longevity of the dental crown.