Dental crowns are built to last, offering years of protection and functionality for your tooth. But even the strongest crown has a limited lifespan — around 5-15 years, on average.
At Moskin Dental Associates, cosmetic and general dentist Kimberly Chan, DDS specializes in providing high-quality dental restorations, including implants, bridges, and crowns. Whether you need a new restoration for a damaged or missing tooth or it’s time to replace an existing crown, Dr. Chan can help.
Don’t let a failing crown compromise your smile or your oral health. How do you know when your dental crown needs replacement? Here’s what to look for and what to do next.
Sometimes, the problem reveals itself right in the mirror. Examine the crown closely and look for any chips, cracks, or fractures on its surface. Even a tiny break can compromise the crown’s protective seal, potentially exposing the tooth underneath to decay or sensitivity.
If you have an older porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown, pay attention to worn areas where the underlying metal shows through. This not only affects the appearance, but it can also be a sign of wear, indicating that the crown is no longer providing optimal protection.
And don’t forget your gums. Take a look at your gum line, where the restoration meets your tooth. A noticeable gap, gum recession exposing the edge, redness, or swelling can signal an ill-fitting crown or bacterial buildup that can lead to tooth decay or gum disease without prompt professional care.
A visual assessment can tell you a lot, but you can often feel the first signs of trouble before you see them. A persistent ache or sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures around the crowned tooth can be a red flag, indicating issues like decay under the crown or irritation to the tooth’s nerve.
Discomfort when biting down or chewing may result from a hidden crack or uneven pressure from an ill-fitting restoration. Over time, the dental cement that bonds the crown could degrade — or the natural tooth underneath might shift or wear — leading to a less precise fit. If the crown feels loose or unstable, see Dr. Chan as soon as possible.
You might also notice food getting caught around the base of the crown. This suggests that a gap is forming where bacteria can thrive. Any change in your bite — where the crown no longer feels like it fits in when your teeth meet — could be a sign of shifting, wear, or an alignment problem that needs to be addressed.
Not all issues with your dental crown will announce themselves with immediate visible or physical signs, however. Some serious problems — like decay forming under the crown or hairline fractures in the tooth or crown material — may not cause any initial discomfort, but they can lead to more extensive damage or even tooth loss if left untreated.
This is why it’s especially important to see Dr. Chan for regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings when you have a dental restoration.
During these visits, she can see how your crown is holding up and examine the health of the tooth beneath it, allowing her to spot problems before they become emergencies. If a replacement is necessary, Dr. Chan guides you through the process and explains the best options to improve the function and aesthetics of your smile.
Wondering if it’s time for your crown to be replaced? Schedule an appointment at Moskin Dental Associates in Chicago, Illinois, for a comprehensive assessment.
