Ever had that peculiar metallic taste in your mouth or spotted an unusual discolouration on your tooth? You might be experiencing symptoms of a faulty dental crown. Faulty crowns can cause more than just aesthetic issues; they can disrupt the harmony of your bite and even impact your sense of taste.
Visible damage, such as cracks, chips or complete breakage, are clear signs of bad dental crowns. But it’s not always this obvious. Many people remain unaware of these indicators until their dentist brings them to light. The good news is, once identified, these problems can be addressed before they escalate.
Symptoms of Faulty Crown
Common Signs of Faulty Dental Crowns
Faulty dental crowns can manifest in several ways. One common sign you might encounter is an unusual taste in your mouth, often metallic. This occurs when the crown doesn’t fit properly, leading to nerve irritation and disruption of your taste buds.
Visible damage to the crown itself is another clear indicator. This includes cracks, chips, discolouration or even complete breakage of the crown. This damage is usually a result of wear and tear over time but can also occur due to ill-fitting crowns or the use of low-quality materials.
Causes of Bad Crown Symptoms
The causes behind bad crown symptoms vary. An improperly fitted crown could lead to an uneven bite and later irritate nerves in your mouth. The result? Malfunctioning taste buds and a strange metallic taste.
Using low-quality materials for your crowns could also contribute to visible damage like cracks, chips or discolouration over time. In some cases, even the pressure from grinding your teeth while asleep could cause damage to your crown.
Finally, poor dental hygiene practices or a damaged crown can expose the tooth underneath to bacteria, increasing the risk of decay and cavities which may also lead to pain and discomfort.
Diagnosing Crown Issues
Symptoms of Improper Crown Fit
An improperly fitted crown can cause more than just discomfort; it can lead to bigger issues down the line. If your crown doesn’t fit well, it may disrupt your bite, causing an uneven distribution of force when you chew or grind your teeth. This imbalance could lead to pain in your jaw, headaches or even damage to other teeth.
One telltale sign of an ill-fitting crown is a change in taste. An improper fit might irritate nerves in the mouth, leading to malfunctioning taste buds and a metallic taste. This symptom isn’t always immediate and may develop over time as the fit becomes increasingly uncomfortable.
Sensitivity and Pain
Another common issue with dental crowns is sensitivity and pain, particularly when exposed to hot or cold temperatures. The tooth underneath the crown contracts and expands with temperature changes, triggering nerve endings and causing discomfort or even sharp pain. You’ll likely notice this most near where the crown meets your gum line – the weakest part of the dental crown.
Pain with a temporary crown isn’t uncommon either and there are many causes for this discomfort such as infection or grinding. Severe pain requires immediate medical attention.
Visible Damage and Aesthetic Concerns
Visible damage to a dental crown is a clear sign that something’s not right. Over time, wear and tear on a crown can result in cracks, chips, discolouration or even complete breakage.
Aesthetically speaking, an abnormally shaped or discolored tooth can also indicate problems with a dental crown. In some cases, a dentist may recommend a traditional or same-day crown if there are visible cosmetic issues such as significant discoloration or an irregularly shaped tooth.
Potential Complications of Faulty Crowns
Dental crowns, as valuable as they are for restoring the functionality and aesthetics of damaged teeth, aren’t immune to complications. Specifically, if you have a faulty crown, you could be exposed to risks such as tooth decay, infection and gum irritation.
Tooth Decay and Infection
Tooth decay is one common problem associated with faulty crowns. If your crown doesn’t fit properly or has become damaged, it can create spaces for bacteria to seep in. Over time, this can lead to tooth decay at the border of your tooth and crown – a tricky spot that’s hard to detect especially if it’s on your back teeth.
But that’s not all. When left untreated, this decay can progress into an infection that spreads into your tooth and throughout your mouth. This could potentially reach your jawbone or result in an abscess near the crown. Besides, severe cases might necessitate extraction of the tooth underneath the crown.
Here are some signs indicating possible decay or infection:
- Redness and tenderness around the crown
- Swollen or sore gums surrounding the crown
- A constant sensation of warmth on one side of your mouth
- Yellow clear or greenish discharge near the crown
- Bad breath
- Running a fever
- Swollen neck glands
Gum Irritation and Inflammation
Another common complication with faulty crowns is gum irritation and inflammation. It’s normal to experience some discomfort after having a dental procedure but if pain persists beyond two weeks after getting a temporary or permanent dental crown installed, it might be indicative of a problem.
Plus to persistent pain, swollen or sore gums around the area where the dental crown was placed could signal an issue with the crown itself. For example, an ill-fitting or loose dental crown might place undue pressure on your gums causing them to become inflamed.
Management and Prevention
When to Seek Professional Help
Don’t ignore signs indicating a potential problem with your dental crown. If you notice visible damage to the crown, such as cracks or chips, it’s crucial to seek professional help immediately. Similarly, if you experience severe toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, or discomfort while eating or drinking, it’s indicative that your dental crown is failing. Early intervention can prevent further complications and protect your oral health.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine is essential in caring for your dental crown. Brush twice daily using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean all surfaces of the teeth and gums effectively. Flossing daily helps remove food particles lodged between teeth and along the gum line.
Avoid hard foods that can damage crowns, like nuts and hard candies. Instead, opt for softer foods that won’t exert too much pressure on the crowns. Regular check-ups with your dentist allow early detection of any issues with your dental crown.
Early Detection and Care for Dental Crowns at Dentistry on Wellington
Spotting bad crown symptoms early is crucial, and Dentistry on Wellington can help. From a metallic taste to bite disruption or aesthetic issues, being aware of these signs can save you from further complications. Faulty crowns can lead to tooth decay, infection, and gum irritation if not addressed promptly. Don’t ignore redness, tenderness, or swelling around your crown as these may indicate underlying problems.
Regular check-ups and proper oral hygiene can maintain your dental crowns and prevent issues. If you notice any discomfort or damage, seek professional help immediately. Remember, good oral care habits are essential for keeping your smile healthy.
Dr. Thapar is a highly skilled and passionate dentist who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his practice in Toronto. With a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree specializing in Health Services Management from McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business and a dental degree from the prestigious University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry, he is dedicated to providing exceptional dental care to his patients.
During the initial years of his career, Dr. Thapar served under serviced areas in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), gaining valuable experience and contributing to improving oral health in underserved communities. Now, he is excited to bring his enthusiasm and commitment to excellence to the heart of Toronto in the St. Lawrence Market Neighborhood.
Dr. Thapar is a proud member of several esteemed professional organizations, including the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, the Ontario Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) Tau Tau Chapter, which places him in the top 10% of graduating dentists of his class. Membership in these organizations reflects his dedication to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in dentistry and providing his patients with the highest quality of care.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Thapar is an avid sports fan, particularly supporting the Toronto Blue Jays and the Toronto Raptors. When he’s not in the office, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two children, creating cherished memories together.
With his exceptional qualifications, commitment to community service, and passion for dentistry, Dr. Thapar is dedicated to delivering personalized and compassionate dental care to the residents of Toronto. Patients can trust in his expertise and expect a comfortable and enjoyable dental experience under his care.