How Can You Tell if Your Crown Needs to Be Replaced?

Dental crowns have an average lifespan of between five and 15 years, but some have lasted as long as 30 years with excellent at-home and professional care. If your crown is coming up on the end of its life and you think you need a new one, there are a few signs that you can look out for to tell when it’s time to schedule a visit to your dentist in Dallas. Read on to learn how you can extend the lifespan of your crown and how to tell that it needs to be replaced.

Getting the Most Out of Your Dental Crown

If you just got a dental crown and want to make the most out of your investment in your oral health, follow these maintenance tips:

• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time and floss daily.
• Avoid eating any foods that are excessively chewy or sticky.
• Protect your teeth if you grind or clench them by investing in a nightguard.
• Visit the dentist every six months for routine checkups and cleanings.

5 Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Dental Crown

Unfortunately, dental crowns aren’t able to last forever, which is why it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for these signs that it’s time to get yours replaced:

• Your Gumline is Receding – Gum recession is when the gums begin to pull back from the tooth and reveal more of the tooth structure. This is a common sign of bacteria accumulation and gum disease.
• Your Tooth is Painful or Your Gums are Swollen – When the gumline around a crown is swollen or a tooth being protected against a crown is painful, it’s a sign that the tooth beneath the crown needs to be treated. This may require you to also receive a new dental crown.
• Your Crown is Chipped or Noticeably Damaged – A damaged crown could give way for harmful oral bacteria to get trapped beneath, leading to problems like tooth infections or cavities.
• Your Bite Feels Off – If a crown becomes dislodged or is misplaced within the mouth, it can cause the bite to feel “off,” meaning it may need to be replaced or re-secured onto the tooth.
• Your Crown is Over 10 Years Old – After a decade, it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on your dental crown and have it examined by your general dentist every six months when you go in for checkups and cleanings.

Knowing when it’s time to replace a dental crown and the signs to look out for can help you avoid more serious dental issues down the road due to an improperly-fitted restoration, like a tooth infection. With the help and knowledgeable eye of your general dentist, you can help curb the risk of consequential damage and keep your tooth intact and healthy.

About the Author

Dr. Arrechea has over 20 years of experience as a dentist and offers truly comprehensive dentistry, from routine checkups and cleanings to more advanced procedures like dental implants. She uses the highest quality of dental materials to craft her restorations from, allowing her patients to rest-easy knowing their teeth will remain protected for years to come. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Daily Smiles Dental’s website or call 214-233-9460.