Dental crowns are a durable and life-like solution for patients with decayed or damaged teeth. Although they are designed to be stronger than your natural teeth, they aren’t indestructible. With proper maintenance, your dental crown can last anywhere from ten to fifteen years. That being said, there are several factors that can reduce their lifespan, so it’s best to treat them with care. Here are 5 signs it’s time for your dental crown to be replaced.
#1. It’s Been 10 or More Years
Your dental crown is not designed to be a life-long appliance. If your crown is ten years or older, talk to your dentist about whether or not it’s due for a replacement. Even if your crown is in good condition, being proactive about consulting your dentist can prevent losing or breaking it at a more inconvenient time.
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are the perfect opportunity for your dentist to catch any issues before failure occurs.
#2. Your Crown Has Sustained Damages
While dental crowns are made of strong materials, over time, they can get chipped, cracked, or worn down.
Wear and tear can be a sign of your crown’s age, but it could also be a result of teeth grinding or poor oral hygiene. If you grind your teeth, ask your dentist for a mouthguard to protect both your pearly whites and dental work.
Crowns that are made with porcelain can chip or crack. If this happens, make an appointment with your dentist. They should be able to tell you whether your crown can be repaired or if it has to be replaced entirely.
#3. You’re No Longer Satisfied with How It Looks
If you don’t want your crowns to stand out, opting for porcelain crowns allows for your restoration to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
However, if the porcelain is fused to metal, there may be a dark line along your teeth where the metal might show through. Or, maybe your natural teeth don’t match the color of your crown anymore. Both of these cosmetic concerns can result in your dentist replacing your crown.
#4. Your Bite Has Changed
When your crown is first fitted and placed, your bite shouldn’t feel any different than usual. However, if after a while your bite starts to feel “off” or uneven, something may have happened with your crown. Make an appointment with your dentist to see if it needs to be adjusted or replaced.
#5. It’s Affecting Your Oral Health
Bacteria are more likely to gather around a tooth with a crown than a natural tooth, increasing your risk for gum disease. Thankfully, maintaining a good oral hygiene regimen as you should be and using antibacterial mouthwash can prevent issues from arising. If your gumline is receding, your crown may need to be replaced or adjusted.
Pain, swelling, or inflammation surrounding a crowned tooth is something you should take seriously. It’s time for a trip to the dentist. If you are experiencing discomfort or sensitivity while chewing, your crown could be in need of replacement.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Melton has been committed to helping every patient get the healthy, confident smile they deserve for over a decade. At Oak Point Dental, he offers durable, life-like dental restorations that are so seamless it’s as if your pearly whites never sustained any damage at all. If you are looking to replace your dental crown, Dr Melton can be reached via his website or by phone at (972) 727-4415.
