Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps used to restore decayed, misshapen, or damaged teeth. Although they’re durable, they can still wear down after years of use. Proper care can have them last an average lifespan of 10-15 years, but eventually, they’ll need to be replaced. If you ignore the signs that it’s time to replace your dental crown, it can lead to further damage to your tooth and potentially require more extensive dental work in the future. Keep reading to learn about four signs that it’s time to get new dental crowns.
#1: Dental Crowns Sustained Damage
Advancements in dental crown materials have led to increased durability and improved aesthetics, but chips and cracks can still occur with time. This is a common occurrence despite their sturdiness, and it’s important to address any signs of wear to ensure the longevity of the restoration.
Dental crowns can become damaged due to various reasons, such as biting something hard, a fall, a sports-related injury, using your teeth as tools, or natural wear and tear. If the crown cannot be repaired, your dentist may recommend replacing it with a new one.
#2: Your Crowns Are Showing Signs of Advanced Age
If your dental crown is over 10 years old, it’s important to discuss replacing it with your dentist, even if you don’t see any visible signs of damage. The age of the crown itself can become problematic and compromise its functionality. Grinding your teeth (bruxism) can also cause premature wear.
To maintain a healthy smile, it’s essential to schedule preventive exams with your dentist regularly. This will allow them to evaluate the condition of your dental crown and recommend replacing it if necessary.
#3: Your Gumline is Receding
The gums surrounding a dental crown are more prone to bacterial accumulation than those surrounding a natural tooth. This raises your risk of gum disease if proper oral hygiene is not maintained. Daily brushing and flossing can help prevent complications, but some issues may still arise despite your efforts.
If you notice your gumline receding, it’s important to visit your dentist as soon as possible. This could indicate that bacteria are damaging your gum tissue or that the dental crown was not placed correctly. Early detection and treatment can prevent further damage and help maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
#4: You’re Experiencing Pain or Swelling Around Your Dental Crown
If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or inflammation around a tooth with a dental crown, it’s crucial to seek immediate dental attention. Discomfort may indicate that the crown needs replacement. Also, a constant toothache, increased sensitivity, or gum swelling could signify that the crown is damaged, outdated, or improperly placed. Seeing your dentist promptly can prevent further complications and ensure the appropriate treatment.
About the Practice
If you have missing teeth, dental crowns can be an effective solution to restore your smile. At Open Smiles Dental, they offer dental crowns to fill in the gaps and provide you with a natural-looking and functional smile. In addition to this, they can also replace your existing dental crowns when they show signs of wear and tear, ensuring that your dental restorations are always in good condition. If you’re interested in learning more about dental crowns or want to set up an appointment with Open Smiles Dental, you can call their office at (301) 843-0225 or visit their website.