Five Common Causes of Damaged Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are the most effective way to restore weakened, decayed, or fractured teeth. Though they are strong, they can still become damaged. To avoid complications, it is important to know what factors can lead to damaged restorations.
Here, Dr. Louis J. Buono and our Garden City, NY team discuss five common causes of damaged dental crowns and explain how to tell if you have a compromised restoration.
#1: Poor Oral Hygiene
Crowns are made with durable dental materials, and unlike natural teeth, they are not susceptible to decay. However, the underlying tooth structure can still be vulnerable to cavities.
That is why proper oral hygiene is so important. Furthermore, oral bacteria can lead to gum disease, which can erode the supporting jawbone and put you at risk for further problems.
#2: Bad Habits and Behaviors
Made from a variety of materials, such as metal, zirconia, all-ceramic, or porcelain-fused-to-metal, crowns are resilient. But nothing will ever be as strong as your natural teeth.
Avoid eating extremely hard or chewy foods, which can damage or dislodge your restoration. Furthermore, refrain from using your crowns (and natural teeth) to tear off tags, open packages, or bite your fingernails. These behaviors can crack or fracture dental materials.
#3: Teeth Grinding or Clenching
Chronic bruxism can lead to several problems, such as dental erosion, TMJ issues, and damaged dental crowns. If you clench or grind your teeth, consider a custom oral appliance to protect your smile. This can help alleviate painful symptoms and safeguard your crowns from breakage.
#4: Orthodontic Misalignment
Any time the teeth are out of alignment, it can interfere with your bite. Crooked, overlapped, gapped, or rotated teeth can place excessive pressure on certain areas, impeding proper function and oral health. Crowns cannot sustain tremendous pressure, and can become damaged under strong bite forces.
#5: Trauma
One of the more obvious causes of damaged dental crowns is trauma or injury. Car accidents, sports-related injuries, or physical altercations can result in chipped, cracked, or fractured restorations.
If you play contact sports of any kind, we recommend investing in a mouth guard to protect your smile.
How to Tell if You Have a Damaged Dental Crown
There are a few warning signs that could indicate a damaged dental crown. Contact our office if you:
- Notice a difference in the way your bite feels
- Have sensitivity to pressure or extreme temperatures
- Develop a crack, hole, or chip in the surface of the crown
- Notice a rough or irregular texture around your crown
- Develop pain or discomfort around your crowned tooth
In some instances, a damaged crown may not cause any symptoms or warning signs. That is why it is so important to visit your dentist routinely. Regular checkups can help ensure your crowns are still in good shape and functioning properly.
Contact Our Practice to Learn More
If you think you could have a damaged dental crown, schedule an appointment at Garden City Smiles. Dr. Buono can either repair or replace your restoration and help preserve your oral health. Contact us by calling (516) 294-0375.
