Several years ago I decided to take a trip to the dentist after skipping multiple appointments for over 15 years. I truly had a dental anxiety and had a hard time getting over my fears. Thankfully, my dental visit went smoothly with only four cavities identified. What I did find from this dental visit was that there was a great deal of new information and technology that I had been missing out on. Laser-based technology and digital imaging are just a few examples. With this blog, I want you to understand that you can get over your fears and learn about this new technology like I did, so enjoy the information.
If you have a broken tooth, then your dentist may suggest the placement of a dental crown to repair it. This is best to restore the function, appearance, and shape of the tooth. The dental professional will shape your tooth and then create a mold. It will be sent to a laboratory where a more durable wax mold is created, and the crown is then fabricated. Most crowns are made to fit perfectly on the teeth, but some complications can still arise with the devices. Your dentist will often not be able to anticipate these difficulties, and this means that you need to visit the professional as soon as a problem arises. Listed below are a few complications that you should look out for.
Biting Problems
Dentists will usually place temporary crowns on the teeth to protect a dental break while a permanent crown is constructed. This crown must be released from the tooth before the new crown is adhered. To reduce your discomfort during the procedure, the professional will use lidocaine to numb the tooth. As the permanent crown is placed in your mouth, the dentist will ask you to bite down and indicate if the crown scrapes against the tooth above or below. Carbon paper will also be used to show high areas across the crown that may cause a problem.
Sometimes, the crown may be adhered a little too high, because your numb mouth will not be able to feel the bite properly. This can lead to increased pressure on the tooth and the disruption of the delicate and natural tooth material underneath the crown. When this happens, pulp can become injured and tissues may start to deteriorate. Dead tissues cause internal tooth infections and a root canal may be necessary.
How is the Issue Fixed?
If your dental crown hits hard against the other teeth when you bite, then you should make an appointment as soon as possible with your dentist. The professional can easily fix the issue by grinding a small amount of porcelain away from the crown biting edge.
A drill with a tungsten carbide bit will be used to remove a fraction of a millimeter of porcelain at one time until the bite is more comfortable. Lidocaine is not required during the process, and this will help to ensure better bite input from you during the drilling process.
Sensitivity Issues
Crowns are created to cover the entire exposed area of your broken or damaged tooth so that natural enamel and dentin can be properly protected. This helps to reduce cavity and erosion concerns in the future that may lead to crown replacement, root canal procedures, and dental extractions.
Unfortunately, if you form gingivitis around the crown tooth, then gum recession is likely to occur and a small amount of the dental root will become exposed. Damaged teeth are often extremely sensitive due to trauma, and the tooth root will emit strong sensations when you eat hot and cold foods.
How is the Issue Fixed?
Fortunately, your dentist will not need to remove your dental crown to fix sensitivity issues. The exposed area of the tooth will be treated instead. Generally, your dentist will apply a desensitizer to the tooth root to block the small openings within the dentin that cause pain sensations to be sent to the brain. Fluoride treatments may also be suggested to naturally strengthen the exposed tooth material to reduce sensitivity.
If a large portion of the tooth root becomes exposed underneath your dental crown, then your dental professional may want to complete a gum graft procedure at some point. This will help to thicken and lengthen the gums around the crown so the dental root is no longer exposed.
Broken teeth often require the placement of dental crowns, and your dentist will work with you to make sure the device is properly fitted on your tooth. Issues can sometimes occur after crown adhesion though, so meet with your dental professional as soon as possible if you notice bite or sensitivity problems. If you are experiencing trouble with your dental crown, but your regular dentist is no longer practicing, then check out a dental clinic like Maplewood Dental Associates, PA.
Share5 March 2015
