What is Crown Failure? Why Does It Happen?
What is Crown Failure?
Crown failure is a condition in which crowns (veneers) used as a dental restoration lose their function over time for various reasons. This can be caused by factors such as decay of the tooth under the crown, weakening of the adhesive material, gum recession, physical impact, excessive chewing force or teeth grinding.
Why Does Crown Failure Occur?
Crown failure can be caused by a variety of reasons and can be influenced by both material and oral health factors. Firstly, the quality of the material used to make the crown and the accuracy of the application process are of paramount importance. An improper impression or incorrect placement can cause the crown to not fit the tooth properly and loosen over time. In addition, underlying dental problems such as gum disease, caries or inadequate root canal treatment can also cause the crown to fail over time.
What are the Symptoms of Crown Failure?
Symptoms of crown failure can manifest in various ways and can lead to more serious problems over time. Here are the most common symptoms of crown failure:
- Pain and Sensitivity: If you experience persistent pain or hot-cold sensitivity after the crown is placed, this may indicate that the tooth under the crown has decayed or nerves have been affected.
- Loosening or Movement: If the crown is not fixed and moves, the underlying adhesive may be weakened. This can lead to the crown coming off completely or further damage to the tooth.
- Gum Recession: If there is recession or inflammation of the gums around the crown, it may be a sign of infection or incompatibility in this area.
- Damage to the Crown: Cracking, fracture or abrasion of the crown can occur as a result of prolonged use or excessive pressure and requires treatment.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Crown Failure?
The most common causes of crown failure include poor oral hygiene, incorrect application, inappropriate material selection, gum disease and excessive chewing forces. Insufficient attention to oral hygiene can lead to plaque accumulation around the crown and thus to the formation of caries or infection. If the dentist takes the crown impression incorrectly or places an incompatible crown, it can lead to edge leakage and caries development over time. The durability of the material used is also of great importance; a poor quality or incorrectly selected material can cause problems such as breakage or abrasion.
What are the Solutions for Patients Experiencing Crown Failure?
- Application of a New Crown: If the existing crown is severely damaged or has failed due to incompatibility, a new crown should be designed and customised for the patient.
- Gum Treatment: If the crown has failed due to gum recession or inflammation, gum health must first be improved. Professional cleaning, antibiotic treatment or graft applications may be required in this process.
- Application if Root Canal Treatment is Required: If the cause of failure is infection or nerve damage in the interior of the tooth, the tooth can be protected with a new crown after root canal treatment.
- Evaluating the Implant Alternative: If the tooth root is severely damaged and cannot be saved, implant treatment should be considered after tooth extraction.
Can a Failed Crown Be Corrected?
A failed crown can usually be corrected, but the procedure depends on the type of problem. If the crown has become loose or has fallen off, the dentist can re-glue it back into place or fix it using a new adhesive. If the crown is broken or cracked, repair may be possible, but often a new crown will need to be made. Also, if there is decay under the crown, a new crown may need to be applied after the area has been cleaned and treated.
Is There a Durability Difference Between Metal, Porcelain and Zirconium Crowns?
Metal Crowns are the strongest option in terms of durability. When produced from materials such as gold alloys and stainless steel, it shows resistance to abrasion for many years. However, since it is aesthetically different from the tooth colour, it is generally preferred for the back teeth.
Porcelain crowns are the closest aesthetic solution to natural tooth appearance. However, its durability is lower than metal crowns and there is a risk of cracking or breaking with the pressure of hard foods.
Zirconium crowns are a balanced option in terms of both durability and aesthetics. It is more resistant than metal-supported porcelain and can imitate natural tooth colour. Thanks to its biocompatible structure, it does not cause gum sensitivity and is long-lasting.