What's Going On With Your Crown? How To Cope With A Few Common Dental Crown Issues
Posted on: 23 March 2021
Once in place, dental crowns look and feel natural and may last for years with little to no maintenance. These relatively trouble-free dental enhancements could raise concerns for some, however, as time goes on. Here are some common dental crown issues that may need to be brought to the attention of your dentist right away.
A Visible Black Line
Having a black line that appears at the top (or bottom) of your crown near the gum line is common with some crowns. Crowns may be made of 100% porcelain or ceramic. Some, however, are made of a metal alloy with porcelain layered on top. When metal alloy crowns are placed, the porcelain may wear off a bit on the edge over time. When that happens, it can create a dark appearance. Fortunately, you can have your crown fixed by opting for a non-metal alloy crown of ceramic or porcelain to take its place.
Chips, Cracks, and More
Crowns can be constructed of a variety of different materials and some of them are tougher than others. While the pearly appearance of a porcelain crown is very desirable, porcelain is not as hardy as ceramics. Depending on the material, crowns can chip or crack after years of use, after a blow to the teeth, or when eating hard foods. Minor issues can be dealt with using dental cement but some crowns will need replacing.
Decay Strikes Again
In many cases, dental decay can bring about the need for a crown in the first place. Decay can nearly destroy a tooth and what is left must be protected, strengthened, and replaced with a crown. However, your natural tooth that rests underneath the crown continues to be vulnerable to decay on an ongoing basis. If bacteria enters your crown at the gum line or by other means, the tooth underneath can become decayed. While a crown itself won't decay, you might still have to have your crown removed so that this problem can be dealt with.
Loose Crowns
What might have fitted your natural tooth perfectly at first could become loose over time. As you bite down on sticky, hard, or tough foods, your crown could become loose as the dental cement deteriorates and becomes ineffective. When your crown may feel like it can be wiggled back and forth, make an appointment with your dentist. A loose crown can bring about a series of problems that will only worsen as time goes by. When the crown doesn't fit tightly, bacteria can invade the gum and natural tooth to cause decay, infections, and gum diseases.
If any of the above issues pop up, talk to your dentist right away.
Share