A dental crown helps to protect your tooth structure and improve how your mouth works. As time goes by, the crown can wear down, get damaged, or stop fitting right. You should not ignore these problems. This could hurt your dental health or even cause tooth decay or infection. Knowing when you need a new dental crown is important. It keeps your teeth strong and lets you use them like you should. This guide will show you the signs to watch for, how long crowns often last, and what steps to take to keep your crown working well.
Lifespan of Dental Crowns
Several factors can affect the longevity of dental crowns, but most last between 5 and 15 years. The type of crown you get is important. Some, like ceramic crowns or porcelain crowns, look good in your mouth, but they may not last as long as metal crowns. Good dental care can help your dental restorations last longer. This means you need to go to regular check-ups and try not to eat hard or chewy foods. The health of your teeth and gums also matters. If you have tooth decay or gum problems, your crowns might not last as long. It is essential to take good care of your mouth to keep dental crowns functioning properly.
Early Warning Signs Your Dental Crown Needs Replacement
A change in how your dental crown fits or feels is a sign that you should have it checked. You may feel more sensitive when eating hot or cold foods, or when biting down. This can indicate that you have tooth decay or a weak tooth beneath the crown. Food may also become stuck more frequently around the gum line. This may show that the dental crown is becoming worn out. If you notice the color changing or dark lines around the edge, these can also be signs of trouble. It is essential to watch for these signs so you can take care of your dental health and prevent more significant issues with your tooth structure.
Visible Damage: Chips, Cracks, or Wear
Your dental crown may need to be replaced if you see any chips, cracks, or wear on it. Watch for these signs:
- Chipped crowns are common, especially if you have a porcelain one. Small chips can sometimes be fixed for a short time, but big chips mean you should get a new crown.
- Big cracks make the crown weak, especially when you bite down.
- If you notice wear, especially near large fillings, the tooth structure under the crown may become visible.
This type of damage can affect the appearance of your crown and may lead to tooth decay underneath it. If you see these problems, visit your dentist soon. This will help prevent the damage from worsening.
Changes in Fit or Bite Alignment
Over time, your bite alignment can change. The fit of a new crown can also become different. If you feel your crown is not even when you bite, the prepared tooth under it may have moved, or the crown might be loose.
If your crown does not fit well, it can cause discomfort to the natural teeth nearby. You may experience pain when chewing or talking. If you do not address these problems, it could harm the adjacent teeth or cause swelling in your gum line. Your dentist can help by adjusting the crown’s fit. They might also say you need a new crown.
Ensuring your crown fits well helps you feel more comfortable. It’s also beneficial for your dental health.
Advanced Signs Indicating Immediate Replacement
If you experience persistent pain near your dental crown or notice swelling at the gum line, it may indicate that you need a new crown soon. Cracks or significant breaks in the dental crown can damage the tooth structure underneath. This could make things worse, such as an infection. You may also notice dark lines at the gum line or where your dental crown meets your natural teeth. These dark marks can show that it is breaking down. Taking quick care of it can help you avoid more serious steps in restorative dentistry.
Persistent Pain or Sensitivity
After receiving a root canal treatment, it is normal to experience some discomfort. However, if you experience persistent pain around your dental crown, it may indicate more significant issues. This pain or sensitivity may be due to decay. It could also be due to a problem with the way your new crown was put in. Both things can hurt the tooth that had the root canal.
If you let these problems persist, they can worsen. The pain might start to bother the teeth next to it. You may need additional dental work if the condition worsens. Your dentist can attempt to correct this by adjusting the crown, providing additional treatment, or replacing the crown entirely. It is best to address these issues promptly so you do not encounter more significant problems later.
Gum Recession or Swelling Around the Crown
If you notice your gums pulling back or if swelling near your crown persists, you should have it checked. The gum may be reacting to a problem with the crown, or there may be an infection under it.
Gums that go back can show a dark line. This is easy to spot right under a crown that uses metal. If you see this line, it may indicate that bacteria are present or that the crown does not fit properly. Swollen gums can also indicate a deeper issue with your dental health.
Keep an eye on your teeth and gums. Watching for these signs can help stop things from getting worse.
Risks of Delaying Dental Crown Replacement
If you do not replace a damaged dental crown, it can worsen the condition of your teeth. When a crown is weak or broken, it can allow bacteria to reach the tooth underneath. This may cause tooth decay, and you might end up needing a root canal. If your crown moves out of place, it can also cause the opposing teeth to shift. This may cause you pain and can lead to those teeth wearing down over time. All these problems can hurt your dental health. That is why it is essential in restorative dentistry to replace your crown when it needs to be done. Taking care of your crowns now can save you from more complicated and expensive procedures later.
Schedule a Replacement for Your Dental Crown
Knowing when to replace your dental crown is crucial for maintaining good dental health. Be aware of signs such as stains, cracks, or pain. These can indicate that your crown is not functioning correctly. Acting early helps prevent tooth decay, infection, or other problems from worsening.
You should also pay attention if your bite feels off or if the crown does not fit the same. This could indicate that other issues require prompt attention. If you notice any of these changes, contact Stiles Dental Care today.
