Dental crowns play a pivotal role in restorative dentistry, often being the unsung heroes that bring back both functionality and aesthetics to our smiles. However, like any dental procedure, they can come with their own set of issues. In this blog, we'll explore some of the most common concerns patients have about dental crowns and provide expert insights into solving these problems.

How Do You Tell if a Tooth Crown is Not Fitted Properly?

A well-fitted dental crown should feel comfortable and blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, functioning just like your original tooth. However, a crown that isn't fitted properly can lead to several issues, compromising not only your comfort but also your overall oral health. Here's how to tell if your crown might need a dentist's attention:

Discomfort or Pain: This is one of the most immediate signs of a problem. If you feel pain when biting down, sensitivity to temperature, or an ongoing discomfort that wasn't there before the crown was placed, it's a sign that the crown may not be aligned correctly or might be putting undue pressure on the tooth or surrounding teeth.

Visible Gaps: A properly fitted crown should meet the gum line snugly. If you notice visible gaps between the crown and the gum, it's a cause for concern. These gaps are not just aesthetically displeasing but can also be breeding grounds for bacteria, leading to decay or gum disease.

Looseness: A crown should feel as secure as your natural teeth. If it wobbles or feels loose when you touch it or during normal activities like eating or speaking, it's a red flag. A loose crown not only fails to protect the tooth underneath but can also fall out, leading to an emergency dental situation.

Irregular Bite: When your crown is fitted, your bite should feel natural. If you notice that your teeth don't come together properly or if the crown seems to be higher than the surrounding teeth, it may indicate an improperly fitted crown. An irregular bite can lead to problems with your jaw and even cause wear and tear on other teeth.

Swelling or Inflammation of Gums: Sometimes, a poorly fitted crown can irritate the surrounding gum tissue, leading to swelling, redness, or bleeding. If you notice these symptoms, especially around the crowned tooth, it's important to get it checked.

Change in Speech: If you find a noticeable change in your speech, like a lisp, that developed after getting the crown, it might be due to its shape or fit.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to consult your dentist promptly. A poorly fitted crown not only causes discomfort but can also lead to further oral health issues, including tooth decay, gum disease, and in severe cases, tooth loss. Early intervention can prevent these complications and ensure your dental crown fulfills its purpose – enhancing the health and appearance of your smile.

Why is it Black Around My Crown?

Noticing a black line around your dental crown can be disconcerting. This black line usually occurs for a couple of reasons:

Metallic Base Crowns: Some crowns have a metal base with a porcelain overlay. Over time, the gum line can recede, exposing the metal base, which appears as a black line.

Crown Decay: If the crown does not fit well, plaque and bacteria can accumulate at the margin, leading to decay and a dark line.

To address this, your dentist may recommend replacing the crown, especially if it's an older one with a metallic base. Modern all-porcelain or ceramic crowns can be a great aesthetic and functional replacement.

How Do You Fix Tooth Decay Under a Crown?

Tooth decay under a crown is not only a tricky issue to address but also a fairly common occurrence. It's important to recognize that even though a tooth is crowned, the natural tooth material underneath is still susceptible to decay. The process of treating this decay is meticulous and involves several steps to ensure the longevity and health of both the tooth and the new crown. Here's an expanded view of what the process typically involves:

Assessment

• Initial Examination: Your dentist will start with a visual examination of the affected tooth and surrounding gums. They will check for signs of inflammation, gum recession, or any visible abnormalities around the crown.
• X-rays: To assess the extent of the decay accurately, X-rays are a crucial tool. They help in determining the depth and location of the decay, which is essential for planning the treatment.
• Determining the Treatment Plan: Depending on the severity of the decay, your dentist will formulate a treatment plan. This might range from a simple filling to more complex procedures like a root canal if the decay has reached the tooth's nerve.

Removal of the Crown

• Gentle Removal: The crown must be removed with care to avoid damage to the underlying natural tooth. This process requires precision and skill, as the aim is to preserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible.
• Inspection of Underlying Tooth: Once the crown is off, your dentist will thoroughly inspect the tooth to understand the extent of the decay and any potential damage to the tooth structure.

Treating the Decay

• Cleaning the Decay: The dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth using specialized dental tools. This step is crucial to ensure that all decay is eliminated to prevent further deterioration.
• Filling the Tooth: After cleaning, the dentist will fill the cavity using a filling material. This material is chosen based on the location and extent of the decay, as well as aesthetic considerations.
• Checking for Precision: Post-filling, the dentist will check the bite to ensure the filling doesn't affect the way your teeth come together.

Re-crowning

• Impression for New Crown: If a new crown is needed, your dentist will take an impression of the prepared tooth to create a new crown that fits perfectly. This also includes color matching to ensure the new crown blends in with your natural teeth.
• Temporary Crown: In most cases, while your new crown is being made, a temporary crown will be placed to protect the tooth and maintain aesthetic appearance.
• Placing the New Crown: Once your new crown is ready, your dentist will place it on your tooth, making necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable and accurate fit.

Follow-Up

• Aftercare Instructions: Proper aftercare is critical. Your dentist will provide instructions on how to care for your newly crowned tooth, including hygiene practices and dietary recommendations.
• Regular Check-ups: Regular dental visits are essential to monitor the health of the crowned tooth and to prevent future decay.

Addressing decay under a crown promptly is crucial to prevent more severe problems like infections or the need for root canal therapy. With the right treatment and care, a newly crowned tooth can last for many years, contributing to a healthy, functional, and aesthetically pleasing smile.

Your Smile Deserves the Best Care

At our dental office, we understand the importance of not just treating dental issues but preventing them. If you've noticed any of the signs mentioned above or have concerns about your dental crowns, don't hesitate to reach out. Our team of experts is equipped with the latest technology and techniques to ensure your crowns are fitted perfectly and your oral health is in top shape.

Don't wait for discomfort to turn into pain. Schedule your appointment today and let us help you maintain a healthy, confident smile!