Is Your Crown Fitting Properly

One of the most common procedures in restorative dentistry, a dental crown is a tooth-shaped cover applied to a damaged tooth. When placed correctly, crowns, also called caps, are both useful and durable. They should feel like part of your natural tooth and can last for decades. If they’re not fitted properly, though, they can cause a number of issues.

• What happens when a crown doesn’t fit correctly? A crown with a less than ideal fit can cause problems with oral health and overall health. It can cause a misaligned bite that leads to bite issues, cheek biting, a cracked tooth, or even jaw problems like temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ). Ultimately, an ill-fitting crown can lead to gum disease and cavities, and a bad fit can even shorten the lifespan of the crown itself.
• How do you know if your crown is fitted properly? Sometimes, it can seem like a crown isn’t fitting correctly for the first few days after it’s placed. Especially after the jaw has been held open for a long time while the crown is placed, a person’s bite can feel off. However, after a couple of days you should settle in with your new crown and it should be comfortable. If it isn’t, that’s indicative of a problem. Sometimes problems become apparent very quickly after a crown is placed, while sometimes it takes a long time for a problem to become noticeable. A crown could be poorly placed from the outset, or it could become displaced by physical trauma, tooth grinding, sticky sweets, or tooth decay. Signs your crown isn’t properly fitted include:
• Pressure where the crown is or on the opposite side from the crown
• Stiff or sore jaw joints or muscles
• Red, inflamed gums
• Pressure on the teeth near the crown
• Crown that feels loose or shifts
• Difficulty flossing around the crown
• Food getting stuck beside the crown
• Painful or inefficient chewing.
• What is defined as a perfect fit for a crown? A crown should look and feel like a natural part of your mouth. You should not even notice your crown, and it should allow you the same bite force as your original, healthy teeth.
• What can be done to fix a crown that doesn’t fit? A crown can be reshaped or adjusted by a dental professional. If you believe your crown does not fit properly, contact your dentist as soon as possible.

At West County Dental, we provide personalized family dental care using state of the art procedures. Adhering to a standard of excellence, we provide comprehensive treatment, from preventive care to restorative dentistry. When you reserve a visit with West County Dental, you can be confident that our team of highly-trained dental professionals will provide you the care you need for a healthy smile. Call (314) 488-2921 or contact us through our website today!