Top Signs Your Dental Crown Needs Attention

Dental crowns are designed to be durable and long-lasting, but like any dental restoration, they don’t last forever. Over time, crowns can become worn, damaged, or even loose, leading to discomfort or potential oral health issues. If you have a dental crown, it’s important to recognize when it might need professional care. At Dr. Tejal Kakade’s office in Carrollton, we help patients maintain their dental work and address any issues before they become serious problems. Here are the top signs your dental crown may need attention.

1. Pain or Sensitivity

A properly fitted dental crown should feel comfortable and natural. If you’re experiencing pain or sensitivity when eating or drinking, it could indicate a problem.

• New sensitivity: If you notice sudden sensitivity to hot or cold, your crown may have shifted, exposing part of your natural tooth.
• Persistent pain: Pain while biting or chewing could mean that the crown is not aligned properly with your bite.
• Decay beneath the crown: If bacteria sneak under the crown, they can cause cavities in the natural tooth structure, leading to discomfort.

2. A Loose or Wobbly Crown

Dental crowns are securely bonded in place, but they can loosen over time due to wear and tear or changes in your dental structure.

• Feeling movement: If your crown moves slightly when you bite or touch it, the cement holding it in place may have weakened.
• Food getting trapped: A loose crown can create small gaps where food particles and bacteria accumulate, increasing the risk of decay or gum irritation.
• Risk of falling out: If not addressed, a loose crown may completely detach, leading to an urgent dental visit.

3. Visible Damage or Wear

Although dental crowns are made from strong materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal, they can still chip or wear down over time.

• Chipped or cracked surface: Even minor fractures can weaken the structure of your crown and make it more susceptible to breaking.
• Thinning material: If your crown appears worn down or uneven, it may no longer provide the necessary protection for your tooth.
• Metal showing through: If you have a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown and the metal is becoming visible, it may be time to replace it for both aesthetic and functional reasons.

4. Receding Gumline Around the Crown

Healthy gums should fit snugly around your dental crown. If you notice receding gums or inflammation near the crown, it could be a sign of an underlying issue.

• Gum irritation or redness: This may indicate an allergic reaction to the crown’s material or poor oral hygiene habits.
• Increased sensitivity at the gumline: Receding gums can expose the root of the tooth, leading to discomfort and a higher risk of decay.
• Possible infection: A deep pocket forming around the crown may harbor bacteria, potentially leading to gum disease or an abscess.

5. Changes in Your Bite

Your teeth should come together comfortably when you bite down. If your dental crown suddenly feels out of place or affects your bite, it’s a sign that something isn’t right.

• Uneven pressure: A misaligned crown can place extra stress on certain teeth, leading to jaw pain or headaches.
• Difficulty chewing: If your crown is preventing you from chewing properly, it may need to be reshaped or replaced.
• Jaw discomfort: A poorly fitted crown can contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, causing pain or stiffness in the jaw.

When to See Your Dentist

If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. A damaged or ill-fitting crown can lead to serious oral health concerns if left untreated. At Dr. Tejal Kakade’s office in Carrollton, we provide expert crown evaluations and restorative treatments to ensure your smile stays healthy and functional.

Schedule an appointment today if you suspect your dental crown needs attention. Addressing the issue early can save you from more extensive dental work down the road.