25 Sep Signs that Your Dental Crown Needs to be Replaced
Dental crowns are a natural-looking tooth restoration solution that, with proper care, can last 15 years or more. But sometimes dental crowns need to be replaced even before they wear down naturally. If you ignore a dental crown that needs to be replaced, you increase the risk of tooth decay, infection, damage to the tooth root, tooth loss, or more serious dental complications. Whether you’ve had your crown for a long time or it’s brand new, it’s important to become familiar with the signs that a dental crown needs to be replaced so you know what to look for and can get treatment before further complications arise.
6 signs that your dental crown may need to be replaced
Dental crowns are meant to fit, feel, and function, just like natural teeth. If you experience pain, swelling, looseness, or if you notice chips or cracks, it means something is not right. Talk to your dentist as soon as possible if your dental crown is bothering you in any way. The crown replacement may or may not be the solution, but either way, the sooner the problem is resolved, the sooner you’ll be comfortable again. Take a look at the following 6 signs that your dental crown may need to be replaced.
#1. Pain or swelling
Swelling of the gums around the crown, pain when you bite down, or sudden sensitivity of the crowned tooth may be a sign of infection or a dislodged or damaged crown. Crowns should not hurt. If they do, depending on the reason, crown replacement may be a part of the solution.
#2. Dental decay
A cavity under a dental crown may call for crown replacement. It can be difficult to detect without an x-ray, but if you feel sensitivity, alert your dentist as soon as possible and schedule an examination. Any tooth decay present will have to be treated before it becomes worse and results in more serious dental problems.
#3. Gum disease
If you have gum problems around the crown, including gum recession, swelling, or pain, it could be a sign that you have gum disease. Poor oral hygiene and improperly fitted crowns can result in a buildup of bacteria at the gum line. If you have gum recession or infection at the base of the crown, it could indicate that you need your crown replaced.
#4. Worn or damaged crown
Older crowns that have withstood the pressure of chewing for years and years become worn down and more susceptible to fractures. Additionally, people who clench their teeth or grind their teeth tend to wear out their crowns more quickly. Worn-out crowns are more likely to chip or fracture, allowing bacteria in and increasing the risk of tooth decay and tooth infection. Excessively worn crowns need to be replaced to help keep the tooth structure healthy.
#5. Loose dental crown
Dental crowns can loosen as the result of tooth grinding, sticky foods, dental decay, or even aggressive flossing. In some cases, the loose crown can be re-adhered to the tooth without need for a full crown replacement. Other times, a new crown may be necessary.
#6. Nerve problems
Reshaping a tooth to fit a crown requires a gentle touch in order to preserve as much of the tooth as possible. But if too much of the tooth was removed at the time the crown was placed, it can cause nerve exposure and intense sensitivity. If this is the case, a root canal and crown replacement may be needed to relieve the nerve pain.
In addition to the above reasons a crown may need to be replaced, some people also choose to replace their dental crowns for aesthetic reasons as well. If your dental crown has become stained or if a teeth-whitening procedure has resulted in a color imbalance between your crown and your natural teeth, a new crown that is color matched to your teeth will help restore your smile’s radiance.
Need a dental crown replaced? Call University Dental today!
Whether you are in need of a first-time dental crown or a replacement dental crown, we can help. Our practitioners are highly skilled and experienced with every kind of crown, and we use the latest dental technology in order to provide our patients with superior dental care—while keeping them as comfortable as possible every step of the way. For more information about dental crowns or to schedule a consultation, give us a call at (619) 582-4224 today.