Dentistry: It's More Than Drilling and Filling

Dental crowns are strong and durable, but they don't last forever. Many dental crowns last between 10 and 15 years, after which they require replacement. Below are some signs that indicate it's time to replace your dental crown. 

The Crown Looks Worn or Damaged

Dental crowns suffer wear and tear whenever you eat, grind, or clench your teeth. The crown might develop holes, fractures, chips, or cracks. In some cases, you might also notice damage on the corresponding teeth.

Contact your dentist for help when you notice such damages. The dentist may need to diagnose and deal with the cause of the damage before replacing the crown. This step is especially necessary if the crown has lasted less than a decade. Otherwise, the new crown might suffer the same fate.

The Crown Is Loose

Your dental crown should bond with and become one unit with your teeth. The bonding material that dentists use for crown attachment might deteriorate and weaken with time. The crown will loosen if that happens. A loose crown may allow bacteria and other debris to get under it, potentially damaging the teeth.

The solution depends on the crown's condition. The dentist may reattach the crown if it's otherwise intact. However, additional damage calls for the crown's replacement.

You Have Pain, Swelling, and Gum Recession Around the Crown

Pain, swelling, and gum recession around the crown are signs of an imperfect crown. The pain and swelling indicate that the crown has not protected the tooth as well as it should have. That might be if the crown has suffered damage, lost its bond with the tooth, or never fitted perfectly from the beginning. You need to treat the infection and replace the crown.

The Crown and Teeth Color No Longer Match

Ideally, your dental crown should match your natural teeth color. The dentist will customize your crowns to match the teeth during installation. Unfortunately, your natural teeth color will change over the years. Your diet, oral hygiene level, and diseases affect how fast the color change occurs. After some time, you may wish to replace your crown to maintain the matching.

The Crown Has Lasted Over a Decade

You don't have to replace your crown because it has lasted over ten years. However, a crown that has lasted that long requires a dentist's examination. The dentist will advise you whether you need a replacement. Sometimes, the dentist may monitor the crown to see if it's still functional, giving you time to plan the replacement.

If you have questions about dental restoration, contact a professional today.