A dental crown is a prosthetic tooth that can be used to cover a natural tooth or implant. It is usually made up of porcelain and strengthens the teeth that have suffered from tooth decay, trauma, root canal therapy, or multiple dental fillings. Apart from supporting the teeth, dental crowns can also be used to improve the teeth’ aesthetics and enhance the shape and alignment of the teeth. It is a painless procedure. The tooth is first prepared by removing the teeth outer layer. It is then attached to the tooth by making use of dental cement. Based on the teeth impressions taken, a dental crown will be designed. However, in some scenarios, dental crowns may face problems. Read to know more.
5 Reasons for Dental Crown Failure
Loose fitting crown
The dental crowns may become loose because of the grinding of the teeth or clenching of the teeth. Untreated tooth decay could transform the tooth’s structure and make the crown fitting loose. Trauma is yet another reason for a loose-fitting crown. It is desirable to avoid sticky foods while using a crown since it can pull a crown loose. Even during the initial cement setting also, a crown could become loose.
Decay underneath the crown
Even though dental crowns and implants are composed of non-corrosive materials, the teeth portion underneath the crown may be susceptible to tooth decay if proper oral care routines such as brushing, flossing, and frequent dental visits are not maintained. You may even risk developing severe dental problems like gum disease or periodontitis. When the hard tissue decays, the cement over which the crown has been affixed becomes weakened. A forceful bite may be enough to dislodge it. Please look at the gumline since it is the most prone area for tooth decay.
Pain under a dental crown
If you feel a sense of pain under the dental crown, it indicates something is not right underneath the crown. It could be a sign of tooth decay. If not, there is a possibility that the crown’s material has been cracked or broken, causing the pain.
Chipped or broken crown
Whenever the dental crowns break or chip, you will be able to know by seeing it or feeling it. There will not be any discomfort if only a minor portion of the dental crown is chipped or broken. It is desirable to visit a dentist as soon as possible, even if no pain is involved. Even though a dental crown may chip or break due to wear and tear over the years, the most common reason would be a fall or an accident.
Even biting down on hard-to-chew foods or grinding the teeth can cause a chipped or broken crown. If a significant portion is cracked or chipped, then the dentist may not be able to repair or replace a dental crown. They may recommend other procedures, such as tooth extraction or dental implants. It is one of the most common reasons for dental crown failure.
Contact sports
Those involved in contact sports are at a greater risk of dental crown failure. It is because dental trauma can happen anytime, which may dislodge or damage the dental crowns. One of the best ways to prevent dental crown failure while playing contact sports is to wear a mouthguard. It reduces the injury to the mouth, lips, jaw, tongue, inner cheeks, and face and eliminates the possibility of dental crowns getting damaged.
How to prevent dental crown failure?
Always keep your mouth clean and healthy by following good oral care routines such as brushing and flossing. Avoiding sugary foods and maintaining good oral hygiene. The plaque, and tartar that can damage the teeth, which can further affect the dental crowns, could be kept at bay through proper oral hygiene. Go for regular dental visits, allowing the dentist to look into the dental crowns and have them adjusted if necessary.
Avoid food items that could break the crown upon chewing. If you have a problem grinding the teeth, the dentist may recommend retainers so that it does not affect the dental crowns. Mouthguards also play a crucial role in preventing dental crown failure especially if the person is involved in contact sports.
