Dental Crown Complications You Need To Know About
At some point, you might need a dental crown. A dental crown implant is needed when a tooth is severely damaged or decayed but you avoided an extraction. Dental crowns are common and typically do not have complications associated with them. However, things can happen on rare occasions that you may want to know about:
Decay
Although a crown is used to get rid of decay, it can still happen. The crown may not cover the entirety of the tooth. The area of the tooth that is still exposed can suffer from decay. This can lead to gum disease and even loss of the tooth. You must continue to brush and floss around the crown to prevent decay.
Tooth Sensitivity
Before the crown is placed, the dentist will reshape your tooth so the crown can fit properly. The tooth is shaped by shaving down the enamel. The dentin of the tooth will be exposed. In some applications, the crown may not cover all the dentin. If dentin is exposed, it can be painful, especially when it is exposed to hot and cold temperatures. If you experience sensitivity, you should see your dentist to have this issue repaired.
Chipping
Dental crowns are made of very strong materials, so chipping is not typically a problem. However, porcelain crowns may become chipped, especially if they do not have metal support on the inside of the tooth. A small chip may be repairable with a filling. Larger chips or breaks might require a replacement of the crown.
Loosened Crown
A crown could become loose at some point. A crown is held down by cement. If the cement fails, the crown can become loose or even fall out. If your crown starts to feel loose, you need to see your dentist right away to avoid it falling out. If the crown does fall out, keep it and take it to the dentist with you. When the crown is in good shape, the dentist may be able to reset it back into place. If the crown is damaged, you might have to start over with a new crown.
Gum Issues
It is possible that a dental crown can cause some irritation to your gums. A crown can result in inflammation and even recession. These issues can cause pain and damage to your gums. To help prevent this from happening, always follow the care instructions after you get your crown. Brush and floss every day to keep your gums healthy and avoid problems.