Have you ever cracked a tooth and run to the dentist for a quick fix? You probably left that day with a dental crown or a plan to come back for one later. Dental crowns in Naples FL are tooth-shaped caps that cover a damaged tooth. They aim to restore its shape, strength, length, and function. Crowns are considered to be a long-term solution for a variety of oral problems that require full coverage and support with a restoration. They’re very durable and long-lasting, but this doesn’t mean they’re not susceptible to damage. Without proper care, you’ll likely encounter problems at some point. In this article, we will discuss the common dental crown problems and their remedies.
What are Some Common Dental Crown Problems?
Sensitivity
When a tooth has undergone some sort of restorative procedure, like crown placement, you’ll more than likely experience some level of sensitivity. However, this should only be a minor symptom when the tooth comes in contact with something really hot or really cold. If you experience a degree of discomfort that you simply can’t bear a few weeks post-procedure, then you need to come back in. It may be that the crown isn’t covering the whole tooth or we need to supply you with toothpaste to help with the sensitivity. Sometimes it can also be a symptom of nerve death inside the tooth if the tooth does not have a root canal.
Decay
Dental crowns aren’t susceptible to decay, but the tooth underneath it is. If you don’t practice good oral hygiene, plaque will accumulate at the area where your crown and tooth meet. That buildup can develop into decay or even gum disease. Brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing is the best way to prevent decay. However, if you already have a small area of decay around a crown, your dentist will either place a filling if they can reach the area and it is small, or might need to replace your crown with a new one.
Loose Crown
Eating sticky or hard foods can cause your crown to become loose. So, stay away from the candy corn this Halloween! If the crown becomes loose, visit your dentist immediately. A loose crown will allow bacteria to enter into your tooth, causing further decay or infection. Other factors that can cause a loose crown are root fractures, or a lack of sufficient tooth structure to support a crown. Sometimes the movement of the bite in people who grind their teeth can also cause crowns to become loose.
Chips and Fractures
Crowns are durable, but they’re not as strong as your natural teeth. If you use them beyond their limits, they will likely chip or break. You should avoid eating hard foods and using your teeth as a tool. This includes using your teeth to tear a bag of chips or open a can of soda. If your crown does chip, your dentist can smooth the broken piece if it is not a functional issue. If the crown breaks in certain ways though, the entire thing will need to be replaced with a new one.
Looking for Dental Crowns in Naples, FL?
Take good care of your dental crowns in Naples FL to prevent problems from occurring. At Gulfside Dental, we offer high-quality dental crowns at a reasonable price. We aim to give our patients the quality smile they deserve!