Signs that Your Crowns Need Adjustment
Porcelain crowns are a great treatment option that can restore dental strength and appearance. After a dental crown is placed, it should look and feel natural. However, there are cases in which a crown adjustment may be necessary. Philadelphia dentist Bruce Wilderman offers these tips on the signs to look for when a crown adjustment may be necessary.
Do My Dental Crowns Need Adjustment?
There are many reasons why a dental crown may require adjustment. Once a dental crown is placed, you shouldn't feel discomfort around the treated tooth. Dental crowns should feel natural and unnoticeable. In some cases, dental crowns may require adjustment to improve their fit and appearance. Some signs that your dental crown may require adjustment include:
- Pain or sensitivity while eating or biting: If you experience pain or sensitivity while eating or chewing, this may indicate the crown is too high and may require adjustment.
- A noticeable dark line on the dental crown: Some dental crowns are made of a metal base with a porcelain outer layer. These dental crowns can sometimes reveal a dark line, which is the exposed metal, close to the gum line. Although this is only a cosmetic issue, some patients may prefer to seek crown adjustment, especially if this affects the front facing teeth.
- Ill-fitting crown: In some cases, the bonding cement used to adhere the crown to the tooth may wear down, affecting the fit of the dental crown. A loose fitting crown will need adjustment to ensure a snug, proper fit.
- Wear of the opposing teeth: A dental crown may require adjustment if it begins to wear the opposing teeth.
When Is Dental Crown Replacement Required?
In some cases, dental crowns require full replacement rather than an adjustment. Although dental crowns are durable and long lasting, they may require replacement for the following reasons:
- Root canal infection: A root canal infection may develop in teeth treated with dental crowns. To treat a root canal infection with root canal therapy, the dental crown must be removed and replaced.
- Tooth decay: Tooth decay may occur in teeth treated with dental crowns, specifically at and below the gum line. Depending on the extent of decay, the dental crown may need to be removed to treat the tooth decay.
- Damaged dental crown: Dental crowns may chip or break as a result of injury or general wear. Damaged dental crowns will require replacement.
- Color no longer matches: Porcelain crowns are crafted to match the color of the surrounding teeth. However, over time, the surrounding natural teeth may discolor, making the color of the crown appear noticeably different. Dental crowns do not respond to whitening treatments, so if the crown no longer matches the color of the natural teeth, it will require replacement.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have concerns about your dental crowns, or would like to learn more about alternative treatment options, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wilderman. We look forward to seeing you.
