Dental crowns or caps preserve worn, broken, or recently root-canaled teeth, allowing the wearer to eat and speak normally. While they last up to 15 years, these tooth restorations eventually need replacing. Here, review signs it’s time to replace a dental crown to continue enjoying a healthy mouth.

What Are Some Signs It’s Time to Replace a Dental Crown?

1. Bite Changes

As the crown wears down from daily chewing, it can change your bite. If your bite feels uneven and the crown is over five years old, it has likely worn down and needs replacing. Uneven bite issues can also mean the tooth restoration has shifted, either from incorrect placement or trauma to the area.

2. Chip or Other Significant Damage

Whether your crown sustained a large chip from a sporting event collision or any other type of trauma, it can leave sharp edges behind that injure tongue tissue. A broken crown also risks further fracturing and swallowing hazards in addition to increasing the affected tooth’s susceptibility to damage. If the restoration covers a severely worn tooth, for example, chips expose it to wear from chewing actions.

3. Swelling & Pain

When the area around the restoration becomes swollen and painful, there’s one of several issues needing immediate professional attention. A hole or crack, for example, increases the underlying tooth’s sensitivity. It also exposes the tooth to bacteria that can lead to decay and infection. An improperly placed crown causes pain and swelling as well because the restoration is rubbing against the gum line; it may also result in gum recession without professional care.

4. Age

Even if your crown has not worn down, chipped, or begun to fail from faulty placement, it will eventually need replacing. Any crown over the 10-year mark should be examined by a dentist. Replacing an older crown before it gets damaged will help you preserve your beautiful smile.

 

If it’s time to replace your dental crowns, make an appointment with Larry G. Hubbard, DDS. The dental practice has served Statesboro, GA, as well as the rest of Bulloch County and the surrounding areas since 1978. They provide same-day crowns, in-house orthodontics, IV sedation, oral cancer screenings, 3D dental X-rays, and many other services. Call (912) 764-9891 today to schedule your appointment, or visit the dentist online to fill out a patient form.