Patients with a large cavity, fracture, or other form of dental damage can benefit from a crown at our Missouri City, TX dental practice. Not only does a crown improve the aesthetics of your smile, it also helps protect your oral health and prevent future issues from developing.
Dental crowns can be used in both cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Although modern materials allow us to fabricate strong and resilient restorations, they will not last forever. On average, a dental crown lasts about 15 to 20 years with proper care and maintenance.
Here, our experienced team at Fort Bend Dental will explore common causes of damaged dental crowns and explain how to address replace these restorations.
About Dental Crowns
Used in the field of dentistry for decades, dental crowns can restore decayed, damaged, or weakened teeth. Custom-crafted from a wide range of high-quality materials, this type of restoration is designed to fit snugly over the entire tooth structure, providing optimal reinforcement and strength.
To place a dental crown, some natural tooth structure must be removed so that your new restoration will fit properly. Next, impressions are taken so that your crown can be fabricated. At our practice, we can provide same-day crowns in most cases. Once your crown is placed, your doctor will check the fit and make any necessary adjustments.
Common Causes of Damaged Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are made from resilient, long-lasting materials. However, they are not invulnerable. For example, crowns can become damaged due to:
- Decay: While a crown may be impervious to cavities, the underlying tooth structure is not. If decay develops underneath a dental crown, the restoration may become dislodged.
- Trauma: A car accident, sports-related injury, or other trauma can cause your crown to chip, crack, or become dislodged.
- Bite issues: If you suffer from malocclusion, or a misaligned bite, it can place excessive stress on your crown, leading to fractures or shifting.
- Bruxism: Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can take a toll on your crown as well as the natural teeth, leading to erosion and other problems. Patients who suffer from this issue can wear a custom night guard to protect their teeth and restorations from undue pressure.
- Poor habits: Patients who use their teeth as tools and bite on pens, pencils, ice cubes, and fingernails significantly raise their risk for dental damage. In addition, failing to practice proper oral hygiene habits at home can lead to serious issues such as decay and gum disease.
How to Recognize Symptoms of a Damaged Restoration
How can you tell if a crown is damaged? Look for these telltale signs:
- You are experiencing heightened temperature or pressure sensitivity.
- Your bite feels “off” or your teeth feel misaligned.
- You develop a toothache in the affected tooth.
- You notice a visible abnormality, such as a crack, chip, or hole.
- You feel a rough texture on your restoration when you did not feel it before.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, schedule a visit with your dentist right away. He or she can help you determine if your dental crown needs to be replaced.
Contact Fort Bend Dental Today
If you think you may have a damaged dental crown, schedule a consultation at Fort Bend Dental. Contact us online anytime or give us a call at one of our office locations.
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