Dental restorations are cavity-resistant resolutions for damaged or missing teeth. They look as natural as your own teeth but they’re much more durable. A dental crown can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, but their lifespan depends on many different factors. Your dental hygiene, your diet and the use nicotine products or alcohol can all affect their longevity. Keep reading for 5 signs that it’s time for a dental crown replacement.
Your Crown is Damaged
It may seem obvious, but when your crown has visible damage, it’s time to get it replaced. Dental crowns that are made from resin, porcelain or ceramic can get worn down, get chipped or even crack. If this happens, it’s a good idea to visit your dentist as soon as possible. Once they do an exam, they will be able to determine whether it can be patched or will need to replace it.
Your Bite Has Become Uneven
Your dental crown was designed to fit in perfectly with your other teeth. But if your bite has started feeling a bit off, it could mean that your crown has become loose. If this is the issue, your dentist may simply reattach your crown. If there’s too much damage, they might replace it altogether.
The Tooth Beneath Your Crown is Sensitive
Porcelain crowns or crowns that are made from porcelain that has been fused to metal can be damaged by items you eat or teeth grinding while you sleep. Breaks or cracks in your crown can expose the underlying tooth and possibly your tooth’s nerve. This can cause pain or sensitivity to sweets or extreme temperatures. If you are experiencing aching or swelling around your crown, you should schedule a visit with your dentist.
You Have Receding Gums Around Your Crown
When gingivitis advances to gum disease, your gums will begin to pull away from your tooth, or begin to recede and expose the root. Receding gums create pockets or gaps between your teeth and your gum line where infection and bacteria can start to buildup. If this occurs around your crowned tooth, you might have an issue with gum disease, or your restoration was not placed correctly. At the first sign of gingivitis, or swelling, redness and irritation of the gums, you should contact your dentist right away. The sooner your dentist can treat your gingivitis, the more likely they are to be able to stop it before it progresses to gum disease.
You’ve Had Your Crown for Many Years
If you’ve had your crown for more than 10 years, it may be a good idea to replace it. Using nicotine products or drinking beverages that are known to stain like coffee, black tea or red wine can stain your dental restorations. Clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth can also be the cause of worn-down or cracked dental crowns
A dental crown doesn’t have to cause pain or show signs of visible damage in order to be replaced. Visiting your dentist in Houston regularly, brushing and flossing daily and paying attention to what you eat can all help your dental restorations last for many, many years.
About the Author
Dr. Cher Rich and her team of dental professionals pride themselves on being a dental practice you can trust to provide personalized, top-quality dental care. She is committed to helping the residents of Houston achieve the healthy, beautiful smiles they deserve. Dr. Rich earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas at Houston Dental School in 2002. If you’ve noticed signs that your dental crown may need to be replaced, contact the office at (281) 469-6281 or visit the website to schedule an appointment.