Dental crowns are a great way to restore cracked or broken teeth. People get them for cosmetic or medical reasons, and they can last a long time with proper care. However, like all dental work, they eventually show their age, and regular visits to your dentist can prevent a crisis. Keeping an eye out can fill the gaps between visits. Read on to learn how to tell if a crown is on the way out and what you can do to get the most time out of it.
Why Should I Worry About Replacing My Dental Crown?
Dental crowns can last from ten to fifteen years, but individual crowns are unique. They should each be regularly evaluated. Aging dental crowns are factors in many dental health concerns. They can increase the risk of gingivitis or result in pain or swelling, making chewing difficult.
An old crown also might just not look as good. Cracks, chips, and wear and tear can take toll as time goes on. If improving your smile was part of why you got the crown in the first place, you can ensure continued success with regular dental checkups.
How Can I Tell If I Need a New Crown?
There are ways to tell if your crown is ready to retire. A few signs are:
Your bite feels wrong.
When you first get your crown, it should feel perfectly normal. As the years go by, the pressures of chewing can wear it down and shift its position. If your bite is beginning to feel uneven, your crown may require adjustment or replacement.
The neighboring gums are receding.
Receding gums around the crown can mean it was placed improperly. They can also mean gum disease.
There is pain in the crowned tooth.
Breaks and cracks in the crown can expose the tooth underneath, resulting in pain, swelling, or tenderness. A fractured crown must be restored to prevent damage to the tooth.
The crown is just old.
Crowns can start developing problems after five years. After ten years, they are considered especially vulnerable. Older crowns need frequent dental monitoring so they can be replaced before needless complications occur.
How Can I Get the Most Out of My Crown?
A crown should last for many years without trouble if properly maintained. Some tips include:
- Good oral hygiene: Brush twice and floss once daily. Use an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Professional cleanings: You should get one at least twice a year at your dentist’s office.
- Good chewing habits: Don’t try to crush ice, nuts, kernels, or hard candy between your teeth. Avoid sicky foods like taffy or caramel that can pull at the crown.
- Avoid excessive sugar: The sugar in soft drinks and candy can feed acid-producing bacteria in your mouth, which can decay the tooth beneath the dental crown.
While crowns need eventual replacement, good hygiene and eating habits can keep them healthy for more than a decade. To catch problems before they occur, keep showing up at the dentist’s office and regularly inspect any you have.
About the Practice
Beck Dental Care of Columbia has served its Tennessee town for the past four decades. Led by Drs. Matthew Hart, Kyle Williams, and Philip Matthews, the team sets the standard for quality dentistry with compassion and dedication. The practice has been voted the best dental office in Maury County for the past six years. For more information on dental crowns, contact the office online or at (931) 548-6154.