Dental Crowns - Potential Problems
Placing dental crowns requires specialized skills and techniques that are not usually taught in a basic dental curriculum. Dentists who are able to fit and place crowns for their patients have usually undertaken at least two years of additional coursework and training in cosmetic dentistry techniques. If your family dentist, who probably practices general dentistry, determines that you are in need of dental crowns, s/he will refer you to a specialist who has the skills and training for this procedures.
Living With Dental Crowns
Although they are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth, dental crowns differ from them in many significant respects - and you’ll need to make some adjustments accordingly.
In addition, dental crowns are prone to problems that are not an issue with natural teeth. While such problems are rare when dental crowns are properly done, they are known to happen. If you have dental crowns, here are some potential problems of which you should be aware.
Discomfort. Chances are good that a newly-crowned tooth will be especially sensitive to heat and cold; some pain when biting down may also be possible. This should ease over time; meanwhile, you may wish to use a toothpaste especially formulated for sensitive teeth. If pain when piting down persists, this may be an indication that the crown is set too high. This is a relatively minor adjustment however, and the dentist should be able to correct this quite easily.
Chipping. If your dental crowns are all-ceramic, they may be prone to chipping. Depending on how much of the surface is damaged, it may be easily repaired with a special type of composite resin formulated for this purpose, or it may require a complete replacement.
Loosening. When dental crowns are placed, the dentist uses a special type of bonding adhesive. On rare occasions, this adhesive may wash away, causing the crown to become loose. This is a potentially dangerous condition, as bacteria that causes plaque can slip in underneath the crown and attack the remaining tooth - and there will be little that can be done about it. Loose dental crowns ahould be treated professionally as soon as possible.
Loss. If a crown has been improperly placed or insufficient amounts of bonding materials were used, the crown may fall off altogether. Should this happen, call your dentist’s emergency number immediately. S/he will advise you as to the proper course of action to take until you can be seen (usually within 24 hours at most dental offices).
Allergies. This is usually an issue only for cases in which metals are used. Allergic reactions to porcelain, although known to happen, are extremely rare.
Discoloration. A dark line adjacent to the gum line sometime appears with the porcelain-fused-to-metal type of dental crowns. This is caused by the metal showing through the porcelain material. Although unsightly, it is not indicative of gum disease or tooth decay.
