Although today’s dental crowns are strong and durable, they are not likely to last the rest of your life. Most crowns last between five and 15 years before needing to be replaced (or at least repaired).
Understanding When Crown Replacement Becomes Necessary
Dental crowns are designed to withstand the daily pressures of chewing, speaking, and normal oral function. However, like any dental restoration, they can experience wear and deterioration over time. Recognizing when a crown needs replacement is crucial for maintaining your oral health and preventing more serious complications.
Several factors can contribute to crown failure, including normal aging of the restoration, changes in your oral health, trauma to the tooth, or underlying issues with the tooth structure beneath the crown. You must identify the problems early before they lead to pain, infection, or damage to the underlying tooth.
In some cases, it is evident that you need to replace a crown because it has fallen out or suffered extensive damage; in other circumstances, it is less obvious that there is a problem with a crown. Ignoring signs of a problem could end up causing you pain and discomfort.
Signs Your Crown May Need Replacement
Below, Dr. Gordon Bell of The Center for Dental Excellence discusses scenarios in which your dental crown may need to be replaced.
Your Bite Feels “Off”
When your crown is first fitted and placed, your bite should feel completely normal. If, over time, your bite starts to feel uneven, something may have occurred with your crown and it may need to be adjusted or replaced.
The Gums Around Your Crowned Tooth Are Receding
If you notice your gum tissue pulling away from the crowned tooth, it could indicate that the crown was improperly placed. It could also indicate that you have gum disease and need to seek periodontal treatment with your dentist.
Your Crown is Very Old
Crowns that are older than five years are more likely to develop problems due to natural wear and tear. It is critical to have your crowns checked twice a year to allow your dentist an opportunity to inspect your restorations and ensure everything is healthy and functioning properly.
You Have Pain In or Around a Crowned Tooth
While it is very rare for a metal crown to break or chip, porcelain crowns or the porcelain component of a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown can sometimes suffer surface damage due to the wear and tear of everyday use, eating, or excessive force caused by bruxism. Broken or cracked crowns may expose the underlying tooth and can cause pain, swelling, or tenderness.
In the case of a fractured or damaged crown, it is crucial to restore the crown’s integrity so it can continue to protect the underlying tooth. Depending on the extent of the damage, it may be easily repaired with a quick buffing, or it may require replacement.
Protecting Your Crown Investment
Taking proper care of your dental crowns can significantly extend their lifespan and help you avoid premature replacement. With the right preventive measures, many patients can maximize their crown’s durability and maintain optimal oral health.
Practice excellent oral hygiene. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly around your crowned teeth. While the crown itself cannot decay, the underlying tooth structure and gum line remain vulnerable to bacteria and plaque buildup.
Be mindful of what you eat. Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or fingernails. Be cautious with sticky foods that could pull at your crown, and consider cutting hard foods like apples into smaller pieces rather than biting directly into them.
Address teeth grinding. If you grind or clench your teeth, especially at night, ask Dr. Bell about a custom night guard. Bruxism can place excessive force on crowns and lead to premature wear or damage.
Maintain regular dental visits. Professional cleanings and examinations every six months allow Dr. Bell to monitor your crowns for any signs of wear, damage, or underlying issues before they become serious problems.
Don’t use your teeth as tools. Resist the temptation to open packages, crack nuts, or perform other tasks with your teeth that could damage your crowns.
The Crown Replacement Process
When Dr. Bell determines that your crown needs to be replaced, the process is typically straightforward and comfortable for patients. Understanding what to expect can help ease any anxiety about the procedure.
- Initial consultation and examination. Dr. Bell will thoroughly examine your crown and the underlying tooth structure, often using digital X-rays to assess the health of the tooth root and surrounding bone. He will discuss your options and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
- Crown removal and tooth preparation. During your first appointment, the old crown will be carefully removed. Dr. Bell will then evaluate the underlying tooth and make any necessary preparations, which may include treating decay or reshaping the tooth structure to ensure proper fit for the new crown.
- Impression and temporary crown placement. Precise impressions of your prepared tooth will be taken to ensure your new crown fits perfectly. A temporary crown will be placed to protect your tooth while your permanent crown is being crafted, typically taking one to two weeks.
- Final crown placement. At your second appointment, Dr. Bell will remove the temporary crown and carefully fit your new permanent crown. He will make any necessary adjustments to ensure proper bite and comfort before permanently cementing the crown in place.
- Follow-up care. Dr. Bell will provide specific care instructions and may schedule a brief follow-up visit to ensure your new crown is functioning properly and comfortably.
If you are experiencing any problems with your crowns and would like to have them checked out, schedule an appointment at The Center for Dental Excellence. Contact us at (717) 757-4878 or email us today to book your visit.