Common Symptoms of a Badly Fitted Crown

Dental crowns in Rowlett, TX, are designed to preserve the look and function of damaged teeth. However, a crown must fit correctly to avoid complications. When it doesn’t, you may experience discomfort and other issues that can largely affect your oral health. This blog will discuss the common symptoms of a badly fitted crown and why early intervention is crucial.

Persistent Discomfort or Pain

After getting a crown, some discomfort is normal as your mouth adjusts to the new addition. But, if the pain persists or worsens, it could be a sign of a bad-fitting crown. Persistent discomfort is often due to misalignment, where the crown doesn’t sit properly on the tooth. This can create pressure on the surrounding teeth or the crown, leading to pain.

Misalignment can cause the crown to press on adjacent teeth or gum tissue, resulting in ongoing pain. If you find that the pain doesn’t subside within a few days or becomes more intense, it’s essential to consult your dentist in Rowlett, TX. Ignoring this symptom could cause more severe problems, including damage to surrounding teeth or even the crown itself.

Signs of a Poor Fit:

• Continuous pain in the crowned tooth or surrounding area
• Pressure or pain when biting down
• Unexplained toothache that doesn’t respond to pain relief

If you experience these bad fitting crown symptoms, it’s a clear indication that your crown might not be fitted correctly, and it’s time to seek professional help.

Sensitivity to Hot and Cold

Sensitivity to temperature changes is another common sign of a poorly fitted crown. After the placement of a dental crown, some sensitivity is normal. However, if you notice heightened sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks that don’t go away, it could indicate an issue with the crown’s fit.

This sensitivity often occurs because the crown doesn’t completely seal the tooth, leaving exposed areas that react to temperature changes. A well-fitted crown should protect the tooth from these extremes, but a gap or misalignment can cause discomfort.

Distinguishing Normal from Problematic Sensitivity:

• Temporary sensitivity is expected after crown placement
• Ongoing sensitivity to hot or cold, especially if it increases over time, may indicate a bad-fitting crown
• Sharp, instant pain when consuming hot or cold food items and beverages

When sensitivity persists, it’s important to visit your dentist to ensure your crown functions as it should. Early intervention can help to avoid more problems.

Difficulty in Biting or Chewing

A well-fitted crown should allow you to bite and chew without any issues. However, if you find it difficult to bite down or chew your food comfortably, it might be due to a crown that isn’t aligned correctly. This problem can affect your bite, leading to discomfort and even jaw pain.

An improperly fitted crown can interfere with your natural bite, causing one side of your mouth to bear more pressure than the other. Over time, this imbalance may even cause your jaw alignment to shift and cause uneven tooth wear.

Impact on Chewing Function:

• Difficulty biting down or feeling like your bite is uneven
• Pain or discomfort when chewing, especially on the side of the crown
• Jaw discomfort due to uneven pressure

If you notice these symptoms, it’s essential to have your crown evaluated by a professional. Ensuring that your bite is correct can prevent long-term issues with your dental health.

Gum Irritation and Inflammation

Healthy gums should fit snugly around a well-placed crown. But, when a crown doesn’t fit properly, it can cause irritation and inflammation in the neighboring gum tissue. This often occurs because the crown’s edges are too rough or extend too far below the gum line.

Gum irritation from a poorly fitted crown can cause more severe issues like gum disease if left untreated. Inflammation can cause swelling, redness, and even bleeding around the crown, indicating that the fit isn’t right.

Signs of Gum Issues:

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums around the crowned tooth
• Ongoing irritation or discomfort in the gum area
• Gum recession near the crown

If you observe these symptoms, it’s important to address them promptly. Seeking care from your dentist in Rowlett, TX, can guarantee that your crown fits comfortably and slows down the advancement of gum disease.

Crown Loosening or Shifting

A dental crown should feel secure and stable in your mouth. If you observe that your crown feels loose or shifts when you touch it with your tongue or chew, it’s a sign that the crown isn’t securely placed. This can occur due to improper cementing or because the crown doesn’t fit well on the tooth.

A loose crown is not only uncomfortable but can also pose a risk of falling out completely. If the crown becomes dislodged, it exposes the underlying tooth to bacteria and decay.

Warning Signs of a Loose Crown:

• The crown feels like it’s moving or shifting in your mouth
• The sensation of the crown being loose when biting or chewing
• The crown detaches entirely or feels like it might

If your crown feels loose, it’s crucial to go to a dental professional as soon as possible. Securing the crown properly can prevent complications ahead and ensure the longevity of your dental work.

Appearance Concerns

One of the main reasons people get crowns is to restore the appearance of their smile. A crown that doesn’t fit properly can affect your smile’s look, making it noticeable that something is off. Whether it’s due to the color, shape, or size of the crown, appearance concerns can be a sign that the crown wasn’t fitted correctly.

A well-fitted crown should blend flawlessly with your natural teeth. If it looks out of place, it could be due to issues with the crown’s fit or the materials used.

Appearance Indicators of a Badly Fitted Crown:

• The crown appears too large or small compared to adjacent teeth
• Noticeable gaps between the crown and other teeth
• The color of the crown doesn’t match the rest of your teeth

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your crown, it’s worth discussing your concerns with your dentist. Adjusting the fit can improve function and enhance your smile’s overall appearance.

Conclusion

Recognizing the bad fitting crown symptoms of a badly fitted crown is essential for maintaining your dental health. From persistent discomfort to issues with appearance, these signs should not be ignored. Addressing these problems early with the help of a qualified dentist can prevent further complications and ensure that your crown functions as it should.

Experiencing Crown Discomfort? Schedule Your Appointment Today!

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or have concerns about your dental crown, it’s important to schedule an evaluation with Lakeside Dental Solutions. Our Rowlett, TX team is here to ensure that your crowns are fitted perfectly, providing comfort and peace of mind. Don’t hesitate—book your appointment today and protect your smile.