How to Know When to Replace a Dental Crown
Ideally, it’d be great if a dental crown lasted forever and you never needed to have it replaced. As we know, accidents happen and life gets in the way thus preventing that picture-perfect reality. When it’s time, our Ann Arbor, MI, dentists are ready to put in a new crown for you for an improved appearance and easier chewing.
Here’s how you can tell and the general staying power of this type of restoration.
How Long Can I Expect a Crown to Last?
No one wants to undergo a restorative procedure only to have what’s placed quickly deteriorate soon after. Fortunately, dental crowns can last for up to 15 years, or sometimes longer, if proper oral hygiene is practiced. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily will keep plaque from building up and causing damage to your crown(s).
The is also dependent on an individual’s diet and whether there is excessive grinding or clenching of teeth. When you consume hard or acidic foods and beverages, you risk either breaking or corroding the crown. Avoid early replacement by watching what you eat and sip on throughout the day.
Much like the types of foods eaten, if you have a history of bruxism, it will affect how long your crown lasts. Regular grinding or clenching at night will lead to the crown becoming worn faster than it would if the habit didn’t exist. Our dentists can provide you with a custom made night guard so you and your teeth don’t suffer from the effects of bruxism.
Concerning Signs of Crown Wear
Unless you recently experienced obvious dental trauma or injury, it can be difficult to tell when your crown is on the way out. Some signs are more apparent than others, so it’s wise to keep an eye on how your crown looks and feels. If anything feels off, let our dentists know so the issue can be dealt with promptly.
For example, we’ll need to replace your crown if you have:
- Receding gums around the tooth that has a crown
- One that is over 10 years old or it fell out
- A bite that seems uneven or abnormal
- A crowned tooth or surrounding area that’s painful, swollen, or inflamed
The Importance of Removing “Bad” Crowns
are meant to protect the vulnerable tooth they’re covering. If they can no longer fulfill that purpose, it’s time to have the crown swapped out. Leaving a damaged crown in place or one surrounded by infection can put you at risk for unwanted oral complications and more intensive dental work.
For example, if you develop a cavity underneath a crown, our dentists will need to remove the crown to fill it or the decay will spread deeper into the tooth. Moreover, neglecting the issue further can lead to root canal treatment being required. Having a crown replaced is much more straightforward, comparatively.
Whether your crown became cracked after munching on candy or you had it placed many years ago, don’t put off necessary treatment or you may face larger consequences down the road.
Let Us Make the Necessary Repairs
Why continue with a crown if it’s broken or compromised when our dentists in Ann Arbor, MI, are here and willing to fix it? Come into our office and we’ll take a closer look at what’s going on before recommending the best course of action. Call Excel Dental today at (734) 929-9999 to request an appointment.