Dental crowns are a highly-effective solution for restoring damaged teeth. They provide our patients with both very reliable functional and cosmetic benefits. While crowns are much-loved by those we serve, it is important to note that they do not always last forever. If you’re wondering if one or more of your dental crowns are in need of replacement, we hope that this article offers you some helpful guidance!
SIGNS YOUR CROWN IS WORN OUT AND IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT
Sign #1: Visible Wear, Chips, or Cracks
We recommend regularly inspecting your crown for any visible signs of wear – including chips or cracks. While dental crowns are durable, they aren’t always ever-lasting or indestructible. After all, many activities in your daily life can cause damage. For example, chewing ice, eating hard or sticky candy, and teeth grinding can all damage crowns. Of course, trauma to the teeth can cause damage as well. While many people assume that small cracks and chips aren’t anything to worry about, even the smallest crack can compromise the protection that the crown provides to the underlying tooth. In turn, your oral health is also compromised, as you become more vulnerable to decay and infection.
Sign #2: Sensitivity, Discomfort, or Pain
We always tell our patients that if they begin experiencing sensitivity, discomfort, or pain around their crowned tooth it could be a sign that the crown needs to be replaced. However, do note that some sensitivity is normal immediately after a crown is placed. It is only the persistent or new discomfort thereafter that can indicate that the crown is no longer fitting correctly. Sensitivity, discomfort, or pain can also be a sign that decay has developed at the edge of the crown. When experiencing these concerning symptoms, it is of utmost importance that you reach out to us for an urgent dental appointment.
Sign #3: Receding Gums Around The Crown
Gum recession is the exposure of the roots of the teeth caused by a loss of gum tissue and/or retraction of the gingival margin from the crown of the teeth. Likewise, gum recession around the base of a crown will also expose the tooth root. As a result, this creates an area that is much more susceptible to sensitivity-causing tooth decay. It is important to make an appointment with us if you have noticed that your gums pull away from your crown, as recession around a crown can affect both the crown’s stability and can also lead to serious, painful, and most costly dental issues when left untreated.
Sign #4: Changes In Alignment or Bite
Any dental crown can become worn down over time, but this is especially true for people who grind their teeth. As the crown becomes worn down, a person’s bite or teeth alignment can become detrimentally affected. If you have noticed that your bite feels off or your crowned tooth suddenly doesn’t align with other teeth, this is a good sign that your crown likely needs to be replaced. When a crown fits properly, it should feel comfortable and be in alignment with your natural teeth.Since misalignment can wreck havoc on your oral health, it is important to have any such problems addressed without delay.
Sign #5: Cosmetic Concerns
As the years go by, a dental crown can become stained or discolored. This is especially true if you have a crown that is made from porcelain fused to metal and the metal begins to show through the porcelain – not a great look that many of our patients want to accept! Even though this sort of discoloration poses little health threat and is primarily a cosmetic concern, most people who wish to maintain a natural-looking smile will opt for crown replacement when this occurs. Additionally, sometimes patients come to us wanting a replacement crown due to it not matching their natural teeth. This can occur if the crown was not perfectly color-matched prior to placement or if the patient’s natural teeth have changed color since placement.
Get A Crown Replacement
At Dental Arts Center, we can assess the overall condition of your crown and the underlying tooth to determine whether or not a replacement is needed. Due to our modern techniques and advancements in dental technology, replacing a dental crown is a very comfortable, pleasant, and efficient process for our patients. Regardless of whether you need a crown replaced for health or cosmetic reasons, our team of experts will ensure that your smile stays beautiful and functional for life!
“When you need a new crown, we know that you do not want to wait. At Dental Arts Center, we pride ourselves on our ability to offer rapid, high-quality dental care to our patients!”
Eddie Lorents, DDS