The Top 4 Reasons that Your Dental Crowns Might Fail

Posted on 10/15/2025 by West End Dental

Dental crowns are an excellent option for restoring damaged teeth, protecting teeth from further damage, and improving your smile. However, like any dental restoration, crowns can also fail. Knowing the common causes of crown failure can help you take steps to prevent it and extend the life of your crown.

Reasons for Crown Failure

Here are the top four reasons why dental crowns might fail:

1. Poor Oral Hygiene: Just like your natural teeth, dental crowns require proper care to prevent decay and gum disease. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash. If you don't take good care of your oral hygiene, bacteria can build up around the crown and cause decay or gum disease. This can weaken the tooth and eventually lead to the crown falling off.

2. Excessive Wear and Tear: Dental crowns are incredibly durable, but they are not indestructible. Over time, excessive wear and tear from chewing, grinding your teeth, or biting down on hard objects can damage the crown. This can lead to cracks, chips, or even complete fracture of the crown.

3. Underlying Tooth Decay: In some cases, a dental crown may be placed on a tooth that already has some decay. If this decay is not properly treated, it can continue to progress and eventually weaken the tooth beneath the crown. This can lead to the crown becoming loose or falling off.

4. Improper Fit or Cementation: A crown must be properly fitted and cemented to the tooth to ensure a good seal. If the crown is not fitted correctly or the cement is not applied properly, it can allow bacteria to leak in and cause decay or gum disease. This can weaken the tooth and eventually lead to the crown failing.

Preventing Crown Failure

While some factors that contribute to crown failure are beyond our control, there are steps we can take to prevent most causes of crown failure. Here are a few tips:

•	Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush twice a day, floss daily, and use an antiseptic mouthwash.
•	Avoid chewing on hard objects: This can damage the crown and lead to cracks or fractures.
•	See your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings: This will allow your dentist to monitor the health of your crown and address any problems early on.
•	Inform your dentist if you grind your teeth: They may recommend a nightguard to protect your crown from damage.
•	Ask your dentist about the best way to care for your specific crown: They can provide you with personalized advice based on the type of crown you have and your individual needs.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent your dental crown from failing and extend its lifespan. Remember, dental crowns are a significant investment in your oral health, so it is important to take good care of them.

Conclusion

If you have any questions about dental crowns or are experiencing problems with your crown, be sure to talk to your dentist. They can help you determine the cause of the problem and recommend the best course of treatment.

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