A dental crown can be an excellent way to save a single tooth from extraction, capable of lasting for up to twenty years with proper care and maintenance. However, there comes a time when it’ll need to be swapped out for a new one. Each crown is unique and some will need to be replaced sooner than others, but only a dentist can make a definitive call that one has come to the end of the line. Here are some signs that you might need to see a dentist to have your crown replaced.
Is It Affecting Your Oral Tissues?
A dental crown that has outlived its usefulness can have negative effects on the surrounding teeth and tissues in the mouth. Because it provides more surface area and shelter, a tooth with a dental crown is more likely to be colonized by bacteria than a whole tooth. Without proper hygiene, a dental crown can become a launching pad for the germs that cause gum disease. If your gumline is receding around the dental crown, or if you experience pain or swelling around the tooth, your crown could be due for a replacement.
Is It Not Fitting Right?
Does your bite feel “off?” Eating with a dental crown should feel completely normal, but after years of chewing, it can begin to shift its position in the mouth. If you find that your bite is becoming more uneven over time, it might be due to your crown no longer fitting properly with your teeth. It may need to be adjusted or replaced.
Is It Just Not Looking Great?
The human mouth is a high-pressure environment, and the wear and tear that comes from that workspace can really start to show on a crown over time. Your crown might also age more quickly due to chronically inadequate hygiene or teeth grinding. If your crown is showing chips or cracks or a thin dark line of metal around its base, it might require repairs or replacement.
In any case, when your crown is ten years or older, it is time to start keeping an eye on it for signs that it might need replacement. Any dental crown should be monitored during routine dental appointments and cared for with a solid oral hygiene regimen. It’s safer and more comfortable to get a crown replaced before it fails, so being aware of the signs that your crown is aging can keep your smile functioning beautifully for years.
About the Author
Dr. Julie Young earned her doctorate from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in 1986 and has trained with some of the world’s foremost general and cosmetic dentists. She is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Her office in Corte Madera, CA offers general, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry in addition to dental crown treatments. If you’re wondering if you need to replace your dental crown, contact her office online or dial (415) 924-5300.
