It should come as no surprise that dental restorations are not designed to last forever. While it would be nice to enjoy these protective, artificial teeth forever, that’s unfortunately, not the case. Over time, wear and tear, discoloration, and even damage can occur, causing it to weaken and ultimately fail. In this article, we will look at four ways you can tell it is time to talk to your dentist about dental crown replacement.
The Crown is Damaged
Unlike dental crowns created 40 or 50 years ago, those used by dentists today are designed to be more resilient against potential damage. But you should know they’re not indestructible. Eating hard foods, playing sports without a mouthguard, or even chewing on pens and pencils can cause chips and cracks to form, resulting in less protection for your weakened tooth as well as an aesthetic that may cause embarrassment. By identifying the problem early on, you can prevent your crown from failing by getting with your dentist to discuss the timeline for a new restoration.
It Is Significantly Worn
Over time, daily chewing and eating will eventually cause your dental crown to wear down. If you are prone to bruxism, however, the act of teeth grinding and clenching will only quicken the process, leaving you with a dental crown that appears worn in a matter of a few years. If this is the case, you’ll need to talk to your dentist about treatment options to not only minimize the damage occurring to your restoration and natural teeth but also prevent more serious issues with your temporomandibular joints (TMJ). You will then also need to consider replacing your dental crown to avoid more injuries to the underlying tooth.
Your Crown is More Than 10 Years Old
It is unlikely that a dental crown will last longer than 10-15 years. Of course, if you take care of the restoration and properly maintain it, there’s a good chance it may last much longer. However, if you grind your teeth, have unhealthy eating habits, or apply unnecessary pressure to your teeth (i.e., chewing on ice, using your teeth as tools), this will shorten the lifespan of your crown and cause your dentist to recommend a complete replacement.
The Crown is Discolored
Although the crown may still be fully functional and capable of protecting your weakened tooth, it may no longer provide the aesthetic it once did. Should your crown become discolored over the years, or a dark ring appears around the base of your tooth because of the metal used, it may be time to have it replaced, especially if you’re concerned about others noticing the difference in your teeth.
Don’t wait until your dental crown completely fails. Knowing what to look for will help you and your dentist to get ahead of the problem and restore your smile before more serious problems occur.
About the Author
Dr. Joanne Bancroft has been practicing dentistry since 2003. Earning her dental degree from the State University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in 2002, she earned the recognition of being one of Westminster’s Top 3 Local Dentists in 2019 as well as one of Colorado’s Top Dentists in 2020. When it comes to repairing infected or broken smiles, she and her team offer optimal protection with the help of dental crowns. Although not designed to last forever, Dr. Bancroft can keep your smile looking and feeling its best by replacing these custom restorations at the appropriate time. If you think you need dental crown replacement, contact us at (720) 458-6561.