Your dental crown was designed to protect your tooth from further decay and damage, all the while restoring its appearance and function. But although it may last for ten or more years with proper care and use, it will eventually need to be replaced. Here are four important signs that the end of its life may be near, and what you should do if you experience them!
What Is a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are essentially deluxe fillings, but instead of sealing small areas of removed enamel, they fit over the entire reshaped tooth structure like a hat or crown. They can be used to treat a variety of dental damage, including decay, cracks, and chips. Crowns are designed to look and feel just like real teeth, so nobody but you and your dentist will ever need to know they’re restorations, and with proper care and use, they could even last ten or more years!
4 Important Signs it’s Time to Replace Your Dental Crown
While the longevity of a dental crown will vary from patient to patient depending on a variety of individual circumstances, these four signs could indicate it’s time to replace yours.
Receding Gums
If your gum tissue begins pulling away from your teeth making the line where the crown meets the gums visible, this is an important sign that it’s time to see your dentist and have your crown examined. It could also be an indicator of gum disease, so don’t delay getting the care you need!
Swelling or Pain
If your crown no longer feels comfortable when you chew, or if you notice pain or sensitivity around it, this could mean you have a cavity or infection forming underneath, and you should see your dentist as soon as possible.
Damage or Wear
While it’s true that your dental crown was made strong enough to help you enjoy a full diet, it can become worn down or damaged over time. Thus, if you spot any signs like chips, cracks, or excessive deterioration, call your dentist for help.
Old Age
While many crowns can last ten or even 15 years, it is not uncommon for them to wear out sooner depending on your individual lifestyle and diet. A good rule of thumb is that if it’s been more than ten years, it’s time to see your dentist and upgrade your crown.
Remember, although it’s certainly true that your dental crown wasn’t meant to last forever, with proper care and oral hygiene practices like brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist twice a year for your checkups and cleanings, it could last for ten or more years. If you notice any signs of damage or premature wear and tear, don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact your dentist today and protect your underlying tooth with an upgraded dental crown!
About Our Practice
At Temple Choice Dental, our team of dentists wants to give your smile the royal treatment with a new dental crown. Whether this is your first or it’s time to upgrade, we are pleased to offer solutions like CEREC Same Day Crowns to get your smile back on track without any dangerous downtime. To schedule a consultation for dental crowns, visit our website or call us today at 254-727-7144.