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Dental crowns are among the most common dental procedures, with many materials being introduced in the past few decades. The newer materials like Zirconia and Lithium Disilicate (ceramic crowns) are known for being robust as well as natural-looking while the older ones such as Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal crowns and Gold crowns are reliable and have stood the test of time.
Maintaining good oral health is essential, especially when it comes to dental restorations like porcelain crowns. Dental care around the gum line is crucial to prevent complications such as gum disease or tooth sensitivity. When a dental crown fails, it can affect not only the crowned tooth but also surrounding teeth and gums, making prompt attention necessary to ensure long-term oral health.
A crowned tooth should function like a natural tooth, but sometimes there are signs of a failed dental crown. If a crown is failing, you may experience pain, tooth sensitivity or even gum issues. Nevertheless, dental crowns, like all things in life, have a certain lifespan and if not taken care of properly, can run into problems over time. Let’s walk through 10 common causes of dental crown failure and what you can do to fix it.
1. Tooth decay under the crown
Even though a crown covers your tooth, the tooth underneath isn’t immune to decay. If bacteria sneak under or around the crown, they can cause decay, leading to sensitivity, pain and even infection.
How to fix it:
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The best fix would be prevention. Keep up with regular brushing, flossing and dental check-ups. Sometimes, the decay might have already started and there may not be any symptoms. Therefore, regular check-ups are helpful as your dentist will monitor and check for early signs of tooth decay around the crown.
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If decay does occur, your dentist may need to remove the crown, treat the decay (root canal treatment may be necessary if the decay touches the nerve), and fit a new crown.
2. Crown damage such as fractures or chips
Crowns are tough but they can still crack or chip, especially if you accidentally bite down on something hard or grind your teeth at night.
How to fix it:
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Small chips might be repairable by filing, smoothing and polishing down the chipped edges.
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Moderately sized chips can be repaired using composite resin, which is a material used for filling of teeth cavities.
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Larger fractures could mean replacing the crown.
- To prevent chipping of crowns, your dentist may recommend a nightguard, especially if you have a teeth grinding habit.
Read more about dental crown damage and chips over here.
3. Loose crowns
A crown can become loose for several reasons, such as the dental cement wearing out over time or any trauma to the tooth. If your crown feels wobbly, don’t wait—see your dentist.
How to fix it:
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If your dental crown comes loose, remember not to throw it away. Bring the crown along with you to your appointment as your dentist might be able to re-cement it.
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If re-cementation is not possible, a new crown will need to be made.
4. Sensitivity
It is common to have increased sensitivity to certain hot or cold foods and drinks after a dental procedure. This can happen if the tooth underneath is still adjusting. If the sensitivity does not subside after a week or so, it is good to consult your dentist.
How to fix it:
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Brushing with sensitivity toothpaste and dental fluoride treatment can help.
- If the crown is causing sensitivity because of your bite, a small adjustment to the crown might do the trick.
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Sensitivity may also occur if the crown is not placed properly. If the problem persists, your dentist may need to adjust the crown.
5. Gum recession
Your gums can recede over time, which might expose the edge of your crown or make the tooth underneath more vulnerable to decay. This is more evident in porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns, where the crown is made of a metal base with a porcelain cover. The black line is the junction where the tooth and crown meet — if this margin occurs near the gum line, then a dark line shows.
How to fix it:
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Prevention is key. Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene can help slow gum recession.
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In severe cases, your dentist may recommend a new crown.
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In some cases, your dentist may suggest to get gum surgery to restore the lost gum tissue and improve its appearance.
Read more about why there there is black line around your crown, here.
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- Pros and cons of dental crowns, and are dental crowns necessary?
- Same Day Dental Crowns Near Me: Fast and Convenient!
6. Metal allergies
Some crowns are made with metal and while rare, some may have allergic reactions to these materials, particularly nickel. If you notice redness, irritation, or discomfort around your crown, it could be due to a metal allergy.
How to fix it:
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In this case, your dentist can replace the crown with one made from a non-metal material, like zirconia. Zirconia crowns are known to be more biocompatible with the gums as well.
Click here to read more about zirconia crowns.
7. Wear and tear
Dental crowns can wear down over time, just like our natural teeth. Chewing, grinding and general use can take their toll, especially on crowns that are several years old.
How to fix it:
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If your crown is showing signs of significant wear, it might be time for a replacement to ensure your tooth stays protected.
8. Feels uneven when biting
Each person’s bite is unique and while dentists aim to create a crown with a perfect biting surface, it’s not uncommon for the crown to need some adjustment once it’s cemented in place. An uneven bite can lead to discomfort, pain or sensitivity when biting or chewing.
How to fix it:
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If your crown feels like it’s affecting your bite, reach out to your dentist. They can check the bite and make the necessary adjustments to ensure your bite feels natural and comfortable.
9. Colour of crown does not match with natural teeth
Dental crowns can be customised in a variety of shades to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. This is especially important for front teeth, as they show when you speak or smile. However, if the colour doesn’t match well, the crown can stand out and look out of place.
How to fix it:
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Always check your dental crown under different lighting before getting it fixed permanently.
- Remember, crowns are made from materials different from your natural teeth, so there might be a slight colour difference.
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If you’re not satisfied with the colour match, you have the option to discuss it with your dentist. They can remove the crown and either adjust the colour or create a new one that better matches your natural teeth.
10. Poor fitting or placement of crown
If a crown isn’t placed correctly, it can allow bacteria to enter, leading to potential tooth decay or discomfort. Proper care during crown installation is key to avoiding problems.
How to fix it:
- If you notice any discomfort or suspect the crown isn’t fitting well, consult your dentist to address the issue before it leads to more significant problems.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues with your crown, the best course of action is to see your dentist as soon as possible. They’ll assess the situation and recommend the best solution, whether it’s a simple adjustment, a repair or a full replacement of the crown.
Conclusion
Dental crowns are a reliable way to protect and restore your teeth but they need care just like your natural teeth. By staying vigilant and addressing any issues early on, you can ensure that your crown lasts as long as possible, keeping your smile healthy and strong.
If you’re concerned about your crown or just want to make sure everything is in good shape, don’t hesitate to schedule a check-up with your dentist. A little maintenance goes a long way in preventing bigger problems down the road! Simply drop us a message here.
References
- Briggs, P., Ray-Chaudhuri, A., & Shah, K. (2012). Avoiding and managing the failure of conventional crowns and bridges. Dental update, 39(2), 78-84.
- Mitchell, C. A., & Orr, J. F. (2005). Engineering properties and performance of dental crowns. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part H: Journal of Engineering in Medicine, 219(4), 245-255.