If you're looking to enhance the appearance and health of your teeth, dental crowns could be an excellent option. They can conceal discolored or damaged teeth, safeguard a tooth from breaking under stress, or fill gaps to perfect your smile. Crowns are also frequently used as a final step in root canal treatments or dental implant procedures.
But are dental crowns safe?
How can you determine if a dental crown is suitable for you? Are there any complications associated with this restorative procedure?
Let’s find out.
What Are Dental Crowns? 
A dental crown is a covering, or a “cap,” fitted over a tooth to restore its shape, size, and durability. It can be crafted from different materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal.
Why Would You Need a Dental Crown?
- To protect a weakened tooth
- To restore a broken or worn tooth
- To cover a discolored tooth
- To support a tooth after a root canal
- To secure a dental bridge
- To enhance the shape of a tooth
- To cover a dental implant
- To restore a tooth with a large filling
Are Dental Crowns Safe?
Dental crowns are a widely used and generally safe dental procedure, but, like any medical treatment, they do carry some potential risks and complications.
Let's explore the possible risks and complications associated with the question, "Are dental crowns safe?"
Allergic Reactions
Most dental crowns are made of porcelain, although people also like to opt for options like gold and metal alloys. While allergic reactions to gold or metal crowns are uncommon, they can still occur.
Infection Around the Crown
An infection can sometimes develop beneath a dental crown due to bacteria getting trapped underneath. This can lead to significant pain, making prompt treatment essential. When you experience such an infection, you may notice symptoms like sharp pain in the affected area, swelling, redness, and fever. If an infection occurs, removing the crown and undergoing root canal treatment may be necessary.
Gum Disease
You can be diagnosed with gum disease if you have inadequate oral hygiene or if a poorly fitting dental crown leads to plaque buildup underneath it. Gum disease leads to receding gum tissue and deterioration of the underlying bone, which may expose the tooth root. This exposure can result in the tooth becoming loose and potentially falling out.
Loose Crowns
This issue often arises from inadequate dental hygiene, teeth grinding, or gum disease. A loose crown may fall off and require replacement. It's important to visit a dental professional promptly if this occurs so they can identify and address the underlying issue anbd re-cement or replace the crown as necessary. Loose crowns can also be a complication associated with temporary crowns.
Increased Sensitivity
Following a dental crown procedure, you may experience increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. This occurs because your tooth enamel is thinner, and the tooth nerve is closer to the surface. Typically, this sensitivity should decrease after a few weeks, but if it persists, you should consult your dentist.
Crown Fractures
These typically occur when the crown placed is too thin or not correctly bonded to the tooth. While metal crowns are less prone to fractures compared to composite resin or porcelain crowns, they can still break.
Ill-Fitting Crowns
Poorly fitting crowns are a common issue caused by factors such as inaccurate impressions, improper placement, or tooth movement during the procedure. An ill-fitting crown can lead to discomfort and potential damage to the tooth. Additionally, it may trap food particles, which can lead to other problems.
Chipped Crown
Your dental crown might chip from biting something hard, grinding your teeth, or an accident. Small chips can often be repaired with composite material, but larger chips may require replacing the entire crown. Chipping is more common in porcelain and all-ceramic crowns but can also happen with metal crowns.
What Causes Dental Crowns to Fail?
Although dental crowns are generally an excellent long-term solution for tooth replacement, they can sometimes fail. Here are some reasons why this might happen:
Tooth Decay: Accumulation of bacteria around the crown can weaken the cement holding it in place, leading to the crown becoming loose and potentially falling out.
Poor Fit: If a crown is improperly sized—either too large or too small—it may not fit correctly, which can cause it to come loose over time.
Dental Trauma: An injury to the mouth can severely damage the dental crown, causing it to become loose or fall off.
Bruxism: Grinding your teeth at night can exert continuous, uncontrolled pressure on the artificial tooth, leading to loosening, breaking, or eventual loss of the crown.
How to Keep Your Dental Crowns Safe
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from around the crown and between your teeth.
Regular Dental Check-ups
Schedule regular visits to your dentist, who can keep your crown safe with professional dental cleanings and exams.
Avoid Hard Foods
Avoid chewing on hard foods, ice, or other non-food objects that could damage or loosen the crown.
Wear a Mouthguard
If you grind your teeth or participate in contact sports, use a mouthguard to protect your crowns from excessive pressure and trauma.
Avoid Excessive Force
Refrain from using your teeth as tools for opening packages or other tasks that could stress the crown.
Check Crown Fit Regularly
Ensure that your crown fits comfortably and doesn’t cause any discomfort or issues with your bite.
Conclusion
Dental crowns are a very popular and highly effective restorative dentistry treatment. They can address various dental issues. Crowns can support weakened teeth, are durable, and can be conveniently customized to match the appearance of your natural teeth.
Although dental crowns are generally safe, complications may arise due to various reasons. If you encounter any problems with your crown, it's important to visit your dentist promptly for evaluation and appropriate treatment.
For any questions or concerns about dental crowns, contact Sunflower Dental Spa today!
You can book an appointment online or call our clinic at (321) 358-1730.
