While you may do everything in your power to protect your teeth from damage, some damage is unavoidable. Thankfully, your dental office is equipped with a variety of services to protect your teeth in the event of unexpected damage, including dental crowns. Dental crowns play a crucial role in supporting your teeth following a variety of dental health problems. However, they are not infallible.
Catching dental crown problems early is an essential part of caring for this new addition to your mouth. But what is a dental crown, and how do you know when you’re experiencing unexpected problems?
At Mountain View Dental, we understand how important it is to avoid dental crown problems when possible. But to do so, you need to know how to care for them and the signs to look out for to spot problems. If you’ve recently gotten a dental crown, keep reading to learn how to care for them and how to spot the most common problems you may experience.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is used by dentists to restore weak, broken, or decaying teeth. These caps are designed to fit snuggly over the top of your tooth. To ensure the best fit, your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel before bonding the crown in place. Once installed, your dental crown should blend in well with your natural teeth.
There are a variety of reasons why your dentist may consider recommending dental crowns for your current dental health situation. Some of these reasons include:
- Protection for cracked teeth
- Strengthening weak teeth
- Restoring broken teeth
- Holding dental bridges in place
- Covering a root canal-treated tooth
How to Care for Your Dental Crowns
Immediately after your dental crown is fitted, there are a few things you should do to ensure the best chance for success. While you might be hungry, it’s best to avoid eating until your mouth is no longer numb. This prevents unexpected damage to the tooth or surrounding gums. You should also avoid eating until at least 30 minutes after the crown is installed while the cement sets.
Also, be mindful when flossing the first time around your crown. Gently slide floss off of recently crowned teeth to avoid lifting it before it has fully set. Finally, make sure to take care of your gums during the recovery process. Swish with salt water at least three times a day to calm any inflammation.
If, after your dental crown is set, you find that it isn’t fitting in your mouth well, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist. Your crown should align well with your surrounding teeth and shouldn’t cause any discomfort. If it does, your dentist can make any necessary adjustments to ensure it fits more comfortably.
Is It Common to Experience Dental Crown Problems?
As a protective measure, it is not common to experience dental crown problems. However, this does not mean that it is impossible to experience some dental crown problems. You may experience dental crown problems if you fail to properly care for your teeth or you visit an unreliable dentist.
To avoid these problems, it is essential that you continue to properly care for your teeth. Ensure proper brushing at least twice a day to remove plaque and tartar, as well as flossing at least once a day to remove food debris. Additionally, check out your dentist’s reviews and testimonials before scheduling to ensure they are a trustworthy dental care provider.
The Most Common Dental Crown Problems
While it isn’t common to experience dental crown problems, there are a few complications that may arise. Some of the most common dental crown problems include:
1. Loose Crown
It isn’t unheard of for the cement holding your dental crown in place to wash away over time. As it washes away, your crown may become looser. If your dental crown feels loose, this is likely the cause. Contact your dental care provider as soon as possible to have this corrected. Failure to address this can allow bacteria under the crown, leading to cavities and tooth decay.
2. Cracks, Breaks, or Fractures
Much like with fragile appliances like braces, it might be in your best interest to avoid overly sticky or crunchy foods. If you continue to chew on ice, hard nuts, sticky candies, or popcorn with dental crowns, you may crack, fracture, or break your dental crown. Breaking a dental crown can be painful, so it is best to avoid these foods when possible.
3. Allergic Reaction
While dental crown problems like allergic reactions are uncommon, they aren’t entirely unheard of. Some dental crowns contain metal, which can be an allergen for some. If you have inflamed gums, are itchy, or have hives, this might be a result of an allergic reaction and should be addressed by your dentist as soon as possible.
4. Tooth Decay
As we mentioned above, it is essential to properly care for your teeth after your dental crown is installed. If you don’t take proper care of your teeth, there is still a chance of cavity development and tooth decay. Once this decay has progressed, your only option may be to have the tooth removed. Once you’ve gotten your dental crown, make sure that you are as consistent as possible with your oral care routine.
5. Nerve Pain
Some sensitivity following your dental crown appointment. This is most common in newly covered teeth, so don’t worry. If you are experiencing sensitivity to hot and cold substances, make the switch to a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. This toothpaste should help make the transition much easier and prevent any more sensitivity.
6. Uneven Bite
If your dental crown isn’t properly fitted to your mouth, you may find that you have an uneven bite. This uneven bite can lead to uneven wear on your teeth, which can lead to increased sensitivity. If you find that you are dealing with an uneven bite, contact your dentist about getting it resized to better fit the rest of your teeth.
Avoid Dental Crown Problems by Choosing the Pros
When it comes to handling dental crown problems, it is essential to work with a dental team that you can trust, and our team at Mountain View Dental is just that. With years of experience helping patients across the Northern Utah area treat and prevent a variety of dental ailments, we’re confident that we can do the same for you.
In addition to our dental crown services, our team provides smile makeovers, fluoride treatments, extractions, and much more. If you are experiencing dental crown problems or it is time to get a dental crown installed, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment.
