Common Causes of Damaged Crowns and Fillings
When decay, erosion, or other types of oral problems have damaged a tooth, dental restorations can be placed to improve oral health. These restorative dentistry treatments repair dental damage and shield the tooth from the most common causes of dental complications. While dental restorations can restore and preserve a healthy smile, they do need to be cared for properly to prolong their lifespan. Just like the natural teeth, restorations such as crowns and fillings are susceptible to damage. Dr. Andrew G. Mortensen discusses the most common causes of damaged crowns or fillings for our Fountain Valley, CA patients.
How Do Dental Restorations Become Damaged?
Dental crowns and fillings are restorations that are used to repair dental damage so that the strength and function of the teeth can be restored. Dental restorations are fabricated using strong materials that are meant to withstand the everyday wear and tear of biting and chewing. However, there are circumstances that can lead to damage. Below are the most common causes of damaged crowns and fillings:
- Excessive force: The teeth bite down on food multiple times a day, so crowns and fillings are built to withstand this force. However, there are many dental habits that place an excessive amount of force on the teeth and any dental restorations that are in place. Some of the practices that put too much force on the teeth include nail biting, using the teeth as tools, clenching and teeth grinding, and aggressive tooth brushing.
- Oral injury: Any injury that causes damage to the teeth can also cause damage to dental restorations. Common causes of oral injury (and damaged dental work) include sports injuries, slips and falls, and car accidents.
- Tooth decay: Because crowns and fillings are fabricated using composite materials, they cannot develop tooth decay. However, any remaining tooth structure around the filling or crown can be damaged by decay. If a tooth with a dental restoration develops further decay, or if adjacent teeth are damaged by decay, a dental crown or filling can be compromised. Decay can either alter the fit of a dental restoration, or require treatment that necessitates the removal of the restoration.
- Aging: Aging is the most natural cause of damaged crowns and fillings. Continual wear and tear will gradually weaken a dental restoration. Eventually, a crown or filling will be worn down to the point that replacement treatment is necessary.
What to Do When a Restoration Is Damaged
Fortunately, when a dental crown or filling is damaged, it can be repaired or replaced. Dr. Mortensen can examine each patient’s individual case to determine the most appropriate treatment method for restoring the strength and function of the tooth.
Schedule an Appointment
Damaged dental work threatens the health and strength of the teeth. If you have a dental crown or filling that has become damaged, it is important to seek professional dental treatment. To learn how Dr. Andrew G. Mortensen can repair your smile, schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience.
