There are many reasons that you might find yourself in need of a dental cap or crown. Perhaps a tooth is weakened and needs extra strength to make eating more comfortable. Or you broke a tooth, and it needs repair. You may need a crown before your dentist can place a dental bridge. There may be times when there is nothing physically wrong with the tooth, but it just doesn’t seem to quite fit your smile. The list goes on. Whatever the case, there may be times down the road when you experience dental crown problems.
Dental crown problem #1—sensitivity to temperature
Dental crown problems come in a few variations. One is the sensitivity to hot or cold liquids or foods. The pain shows up just as the first bite or sip takes place. The typical site of these problems is just at the line of the gums, below the crown. Though the use of specialized toothpaste can take care of the pain, you should talk to your dentist immediately. It is much better to treat the problem, not the symptom. Teeth can decay beneath crowns so regular check-ups are still necessary.
Problem #2—uneven bite
When the laboratory shapes the tooth, they take great pains to ensure a perfect fit. But problems can occur if they didn’t shape it right. After the procedure, your mouth may be numb, and you might not notice it for a while. But it may become clear when chewing. One set of teeth will close before the other set have come together. In these cases, your dentist will usually buff the tooth until it fits perfectly.
Problem #3—widening crack
No matter how big the tooth is, problems arise because a cracked tooth can’t be fixed. When in doubt, it is better to try a crown first, then to pull the tooth altogether. So, if a crown is covering a cracked tooth, dental crown problems may occur when the crack grows to the point of total failure. The crown simply will not be able to hold it at that point. Often, a root canal will be the best way to fix this problem. Contact your dentist immediately if you are experiencing one of these dental crown problems. Letting this one go for any length of time can be detrimental to your oral health.
Loss of crown
The loss of a crown can be tragic, especially if it is in the front of the mouth, where your teeth are most visible. Not only will you be struggling with keeping your mouth closed for aesthetic purposes, but you might also be dealing with possible infections. These problems are easily taken care of, however, as your dentist will re-cement the crown in place.
Avoid dental crown problems
Of course, the best way to solve any problem is to avoid it in the first place. Once the crown is in place, it is best to avoid eating and drinking foods that are really chewy or sticky as these might pull the crown from its base. Never put off fixing a loose crown. You may accidentally swallow it, or worse, inhale it.
As you take each of these steps, speak with your doctor about how to avoid complications. A temporary crown will be more delicate until the permanent crown has been made. Ask if there are any foods that you need to avoid, or if it is okay to drink hot liquids and eat ice cream. The best care is preventative, so take advantage of the knowledge your dentist has acquired.
