5 Signs You Have a Dental Crown Problem

Crowns play a crucial role in protecting and restoring your teeth, but this doesn’t mean they aren’t immune to problems. Over time, crowns can experience issues that compromise their effectiveness, comfort, or appearance. Whether you have a traditional porcelain crown or a same-day crown, our Orange Park dentist urges you to address whatever has gone wrong promptly so further complications can be prevented and your smile can stay in top condition.

Here are 5 key signs that indicate it might be time for a dental crown replacement or at the very least, repair.

Alert Our Team If You’re Experiencing:

• Your Crown Becoming Dislodged

It’s always alarming when a dental crown becomes dislodged or completely falls off. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, including decay under a dental crown, oral trauma, or the weakening of the dental adhesive over time. When a crown falls off, it exposes the underlying tooth, making it vulnerable to damage, decay, and sensitivity. If this happens, it’s essential to contact our Orange Park dental office immediately to have the crown re-cemented or swapped out.

• Cracks or Fractures on Your Crown

Although dental crowns are designed to be strong, they are not indestructible. Biting down on hard foods, grinding teeth at night, or experiencing a blow to the face can cause a crown to crack or fracture. A cracked crown can cause discomfort and compromise the integrity of the restoration, leading to potential damage to the underlying tooth. If you notice a crack or fracture in your crown, Dr. Marino recommends giving our office a call so we can assess the extent of the damage and determine the best course of action.

• Severe Pain or Discomfort

While some minor tenderness is expected after the dental crown procedure, severe or persistent pain is not normal and can indicate an underlying problem. This pain may be due to an ill-fitting crown, a crown that has shifted, or issues with the tooth beneath the crown, such as decay or an infection. If you experience significant pain, it’s a sign that you need to visit Dr. Marino promptly. Handling the issue right away can prevent more serious complications and provide relief from discomfort.

• Crown Looseness

Dental crowns are designed to fit snugly over teeth. If your crown feels loose or wobbly, it may not be properly secured. This can happen if the cement holding the crown in place starts to wear away or if there is decay underneath the crown that has affected its stability. A loose crown should be treated as more urgent of an issue because it can easily fall off, exposing the unprotected tooth to damage and decay.

• Damage to Surrounding Teeth or Gums

Occasionally, a dental crown can cause damage to the surrounding teeth or gums. This might occur if the crown is not properly aligned, causing it to rub against adjacent teeth or irritate the gum tissue. Symptoms include gum inflammation, bleeding, or discomfort in the surrounding teeth. Prompt attention from Dr. Marino can address these issues and ensure that your crown fits comfortably and securely.

What You Can Do in the Meantime

If you find yourself having a significant issue with one of your dental crowns, taking action as soon as possible can help mitigate the situation until you can be seen by Dr. Marino. As with most other things in life, waiting has the potential to worsen the situation.

Give your smile the best chance by:

• Saving the Crown: If your crown has fallen off, try to retrieve it and keep it in a safe place. Bring it with you to your dental appointment.
• Protecting the Tooth: When a crown is out of place, it’s important to protect the exposed tooth by avoiding hard foods and using dental wax or temporary dental cement (available at pharmacies) to cover the area if needed.
• Prioritizing Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can also provide temporary relief.
• Seeking Professional Help: Call our dental office as soon as possible to explain the situation and schedule an appointment. Describe your symptoms and any actions you’ve taken up to this point so we’re aware.

Call Our Office for Dental Crown Help

Recognizing the signs that something might be wrong with your dental crown is essential for maintaining your oral health. Our dentist serving Orange Park and Greater Jacksonville, FL, is ready to meet you where you’re at and fix the issue surrounding your restoration. Call Marino Family Dentistry today at (904) 269-2185 to request an appointment.