Uncovering the truth behind problems with dental crowns

Dental crowns are the second-most frequently performed restorative dental care service, right behind tooth fillings. They’re often used to protect teeth that have been damaged or weakened from tooth decay or periodontal disease. Crowns are also used as part of root canal therapy treatment and to form a prosthetic tooth for dental implants.

With millions of dental crowns being placed every year, it isn’t a surprise that occasionally the restoration doesn’t go as planned, leading to a few lingering misconceptions about crowns. The truth is the vast majority of dental crown problems are preventable. With a skilled dentist and proper oral hygiene at home, the chances of you having a negative experience with your dental crown are quite slim.

Let’s take a look at some common misconceptions about crowns and how they are avoided.

Fake Appearance

Long gone are the days of fake-looking dental crowns! Dentists like Dr. Alhadef are experts in both restorative and cosmetic care, meaning they understand the importance of function as well as beauty.

Dr. Alhadef’s dental crowns are exceptionally lifelike in appearance and colored to blend in with your smile. It isn’t uncommon for a patient to take a look at their new crown in the mirror and not be able to tell which one has been restored.

Darkness at the Gum Line

Darkness along the gum line is a common issue with PFTM or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. These crowns are made of a combination of porcelain and metal. While the porcelain can look quite realistic, the metal does not, leaving a dark line around the tooth right along the gums.

Dr. Alhadef focuses on using same-day CEREC crowns and zirconia lab-created crowns, both of which are metal-free and ensure a natural, tooth-colored appearance.

Tooth Decay Under the Crown

Dental crowns are made of materials that can’t decay, but that doesn’t mean the tooth underneath is impervious as well. Tooth decay under a crown can occur if a tooth wasn’t properly prepped and all the decay removed. Tooth decay may also occur if plaque builds up on the gum line due to poor hygiene.

You can prevent tooth decay from occurring by maintaining six-monthly dental cleanings with Dr. Alhadef and following a thorough at-home dental care routine. Be sure to floss around your crowned tooth!

Sensitivity and Discomfort

It’s normal for a newly placed dental crown to feel a little sensitive for a week or two. Extreme sensitivity, discomfort, and pain are not normal, however. An improperly prepared tooth or ill-fitting dental crown often results in constant discomfort from the day it was placed. Delayed pain that develops months or years later may point to tooth decay.

In the event you develop delayed sensitivity, Dr. Alhadef will quickly pinpoint the problem and find a solution to get your tooth feeling wonderful again.

Loosened Crown

A loose crown can happen if the underlying tooth wasn’t properly prepped or the adhesive used wasn’t properly cured. A secondary cause may be a poor fit, with the crown being a bit too large to fit the prepped tooth well.

Dr. Alhadef follows strict guidelines for prepping teeth and only uses high-quality, long-lasting dental adhesives or dental cement. Coupled with the use of 3D imaging systems to craft finely detailed crowns, your dental crown will fit like a glove.

Chips or Fractures

Chips, fractures, and other forms of damage can happen to dental crowns for a couple of reasons. The most common cause is a low-quality ceramic crown material. An improperly shaped crown may also become chipped if it doesn’t blend in with the neighboring teeth.

Dr. Alhadef’s same-day ceramic crowns are extremely durable and designed to last just as long as porcelain or zirconia crowns. As long as you take care to not chew on ice cubes or similarly hard objects, your dental crown is unlikely to become damaged.

Nerve Damage

Nerve damage from a dental crown can range from an annoying itchy sensation to a downright painful jolt whenever the tooth is disturbed. Nerve damage with a crown is usually caused by a dentist removing too much of the natural tooth enamel, exposing the nerves underneath.

Dr. Alhadef is conservative with enamel removal during the tooth prep stage, only removing as much as necessary to allow for a comfortable-fitting dental crown. In the event extensive decay damage may expose nerves, an alternative form of treatment will be used.

Allergic Reactions

An allergic reaction in the mouth can be a very troubling experience. Allergic reactions from dental crowns typically occur when the crown is made of metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal. Though rare, an allergic reaction of this type can be quite painful and even cause damage to the natural tooth and gums.

Dr. Alhadef eliminates allergy concerns by only using hypoallergenic materials, such as Emax ceramic and zirconia.

Bite Misalignment

An improperly shaped or sized dental crown can change how your teeth touch, leading to a bite alignment issue. Bite misalignment can lead to difficulty chewing and even pain around the tooth.

Dr. Alhadef takes his time, artistically and expertly shaping his dental crowns to ensure a seamless fit. In fact, a perfectly designed dental crown can even enhance your bite alignment if your natural tooth was originally crooked or misaligned.

You can avoid these dental crown problems by trusting Dallas Cosmetic Dental with your dental care.

The best way to protect your smile against dental crown trouble is to choose a skilled dentist. Dr. Alhadef and the Dallas Cosmetic Dental team provide compassionate, gentle dental care coupled with advanced dentistry practices and the latest in dental technology.

If your tooth needs a crown or you’re looking for a new dentist in Dallas, schedule your consultation by calling our office or filling out this online form.