4 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Dental Crown

Dental crowns are one of the most versatile treatment options in all of dentistry, capable of completely restoring severely damaged or decayed teeth and giving them a second shot at life. However, there comes a time when a dental crown must be replaced in order to continue functioning properly and prevent oral health issues from progressing. Keep reading to learn about four of the tell-tale signs that it’s time to have a dental crown replaced so that you can ensure your smile continues to look and feel great for the foreseeable future.

1. Noticeable Wear & Tear

In a perfect world, dental crowns and other types of tooth restorations would last indefinitely—sadly, this is not a reality. Crowns generally have a lifespan of around 10 years or so, but can last longer if they’re properly cared for. However, over time, they’ll sustain wear due to daily use, especially around their edges. This won’t just compromise the overall functionality of the crown, but it’ll also make it stick out due to its roughened appearance. It might also be a sign of a serious oral health issue like bruxism, gum disease, or extensive decay.

2. Gum Recession Near the Crowned Tooth

It might seem hard to believe, but bacteria are actually more likely to gather around a crowned tooth than an uncrowned one. This means that good oral hygiene is crucial if you have a dental crown; otherwise, your gum tissue can begin to recede and pull away from your crowned tooth, which allows further infiltration by bacteria.

3. Your Bite Doesn’t Feel Quite Right

When crowns are initially fitted, they feel quite natural and don’t impede your bite pattern whatsoever. However, this can change over time as your crown becomes worn out, and your bite might begin to feel a little uneven. This often means your crown needs to be refitted, or even replaced entirely.

4. Pain & Inflammation

Compromised crowns can expose the vulnerable underlying tooth, causing tenderness and inflammation around the area that might feel quite painful at times. This means that treatment is a must; depending on the circumstances and extent of the damage, the crown might be easily repaired with a quick buffing; or it may require total replacement.

About the Practice

The talented team at Blue Coast Dental Group has proudly served patients and families in the Torrance, CA community for several years. The practice is excited to offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options including dental crowns. If you have any questions about the blog or you believe it might be time to replace your dental crown, don’t hesitate to contact the practice online or by phone for assistance. Telephone: (310) 424-3100.