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Dental Crowns: How to Identify When Something is Wrong
Struggling with tooth damage or decay? Fortify your tooth with top-tier dental crowns in Clearwater and Tampa, Florida. At Happy Smiles, Dr. Mamata Ponnaganti and her team combine premium materials with technical skills to place dental crowns that look and feel like natural teeth.
Don’t let a damaged tooth ruin your comfort, functionality, and confidence. Schedule your appointment today and experience the difference our crowns can make in your everyday life.
How are dental crowns placed?
Getting a dental crown at Happy Smiles is a comfortable and seamless procedure that needs 2-3 visits. First, your dentist will examine you with advanced tools to determine your suitability for a crown. If so, we’ll use powerful anesthetics to ensure a comfortable procedure. We then gently prepare your tooth to create a sturdy foundation for your crown.
Once your crown is ready, you’ll visit our Tampa or Clearwater office for placement. The dentist makes the necessary adjustments to ensure a secure, comfortable fit. Then it’s adhered to your tooth with strong adhesives.
It’s natural to experience mild sensitivity for a few days. Our team will provide post-op instructions to ensure a seamless recovery. Dental crowns last 10-15 years or more. However, maintaining good oral hygiene and scheduling routine visits are essential to ensure your crown lasts for many years.
How do I know my crown has a problem?
Dental crowns are one of the most reliable methods for restoring damaged teeth. They strengthen weak teeth, protect them from further decay, and improve your smile’s appearance. When properly cared for, crowns can last many years. But like any dental restoration, problems can occur over time.
Here’s how to tell when something might be wrong with your dental crown.
- Pain or sensitivity: Mild sensitivity after getting a crown is normal, especially when consuming hot or cold foods. However, pain or lingering sensitivity weeks or months later is not. If you feel sharp pain when biting, your crown might be sitting too high. This uneven bite can put extra pressure on the tooth or the surrounding area. Moreover, sensitivity could mean that the tooth beneath the crown is exposed or that the cement seal has weakened. In some cases, decay may have developed under the crown.
- A loose or wobbly crown: A crown should feel just like your natural tooth—secure and stable. If it moves or feels loose, something isn’t right. This can happen due to trauma. Sometimes, a crown may loosen if the dental cement breaks down or if the tooth structure underneath changes. A loose crown can allow bacteria to sneak underneath, leading to decay or infection.
- Visible cracks or chips: Our dental crowns are created from resilient porcelain material. While strong, porcelain crowns aren’t indestructible. Your crown can still chip or crack, especially if you grind your teeth, bite on hard foods, or have an accident. Sometimes, it’s possible to see or feel the damage with the tongue. Other times, X-rays can detect the damage. Even a small crack can allow bacteria to enter, risking infection or further damage to the tooth underneath.
If you suspect something is wrong with your crown, don’t ignore it. Schedule an appointment with Happy Smiles right away. Our team can inspect the fit and condition of your crown and recommend the best course of action.
We would love to hear from you
Clearwater Office: (727) 535-2700 | Tampa Office: (813) 743-4520
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Do you need a dental crown?
Are you considering getting a dental crown? Happy Smiles is happy to help! Get in touch with our offices in Clearwater (727) 535-2700 or Tampa (813) 743-4520. We offer high-quality dental crowns that make your tooth look and feel as good as new.
Dr. Mamata Ponnaganti
Dr. Mamata Ponnaganti is a trusted dentist in Tampa, FL, and Clearwater, FL, with over 20 years of dedicated experience. She earned her dental doctorate from Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine and has advanced training in oral sedation, laser dentistry, and dental implants. Dr. Ponnaganti is an active member of the American Dental Association and the Florida Dental Association, among others. Her commitment to personalized patient care and community service, including organizing dental camps for underserved populations, underscores her trustworthiness and passion for improving oral health.