Dental crowns are one of the most common ways to restore a damaged tooth. Crowns “cap” all surfaces of a tooth that has lost too much structure to be restored with a simple dental filling. This can include teeth that are severely decayed, infected or broken. Most modern crowns are fabricated with strong porcelain, a durable material that can be customized in color, size and shape.
While most crowns can last five to fifteen years with proper care, its overall lifespan is determined by how well the crown was made and cemented to the affected tooth. Regardless, dental crowns are not exempt from damage, failure or problems from time to time. Just like any other dental problem, it is important to recognize the signs of crown failure early so that you can get prompt treatment at your dentist.
If you are experiencing the following types of issues around your dental crown, you should schedule an appointment sooner rather than later:
- Your Crown Margins Change
- The margins of the crown refer to the border when the crown meets your gum line. If cement is leaking out of the crown or you have untreated gum disease, you may notice that these margins begin to change, affecting the way your crown looks and feels.
- Your Floss is Snagging at the Crown Base
- This is another warning sign that you have cement washing out of your crown. When your dental floss is catching or even shredding when you floss around your crown, you may need to see a dentist for repair.
- Your Crown is Loose or Falls Out
- Not only is a loose crown disruptive to deal with, but it also means that it is no longer doing its job of protecting the weakened tooth. If your crown is not fitting as snug as it used to, you should schedule crown repair to protect your comfort as well as the health of the underlying tooth.
- Your Crowned Tooth is Sensitive to Hot and Cold
- Once your tooth has been restored with a dental crown, it should be fully protected from decay, infection and other threats. However, if you suddenly experience pain in that tooth when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks, this could be a sign that bacteria has invaded the underlying tooth.
- Your Crown Chips or Breaks
- Just like your natural teeth, your dental crown can suffer damage. If you have a teeth grinding habit or use your teeth to open bottles or chomp ice, your dental crown may not be strong enough to withstand these extra pressures.
Schedule Crown Repair at Park South Dentistry
At Park South Dentistry, we understand that your dental crown is a notable investment and critical component of your overall smile. If your crown looks, feel or functions less than optimal, please give us a call. In many cases, crowns can be easily repaired or replaced.
