When you have teeth that are weakened by disease or trauma, dental crowns are an excellent way to strengthen them and improve the look of your smile in the process. If properly maintained, crowns can last up to 15 years or more. Unfortunately, sometimes they fall out long before that. Here are two reasons why your dental crown may detach from the tooth and what you can do about it.
The Tooth Deteriorates Further
One of the most common reasons people need dental crowns is because they develop severe cavities. While it is true crowns can protect the teeth they're covering from further damage, it doesn't make them completely immune from harm. A crowned tooth can still get cavities, just in other places not covered by the device. Hence, new cavities will often form at the intersection where the end of the crown meets the tooth at the gum line. This can happen when the gums recede and you fail to maintain good oral health habits, such as brushing every day.
Therefore, it's essential that you practice good oral hygiene on a daily basis. Brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once per day between teeth to get rid of leftover food particles your brush couldn't reach. Rinse with a medicated mouthwash to help eliminate bacteria.
If you have a problem with dry mouth, work with your doctor or dentist to resolve it. Saliva helps move food residue and bacteria out of the mouth. Inadequate saliva production means these things stay on your teeth longer, increasing your risk of getting cavities.
You Love Chewy, Sticky Foods
Another reason your dental crown may fall off—or rather, be pulled off in this case—is you frequently indulge in chewy foods that tend to stick to the teeth. The glue holding the crown in place is generally pretty strong. However, sticky foods can gradually work the crown loose over time, eventually leading to it being dislodged.
The easiest thing to do is to avoid eating chewy sticky foods altogether, which can significantly improve your overall oral health. If you love those foods, however, try to chew on the side of your mouth that doesn't have a crown or indulge less often.
A crown can be glued back onto the tooth it came from, as long as the tooth is still strong enough to hold it. If the tooth broke or became significantly weaker, it may be necessary to remove it and replace it with an implant or denture device.
For more information about dental crowns, contact a local dentist.
Share24 February 2017
