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When your teeth are severely decayed or fractured due to an accident, a common filling may not be enough to restore them. In these cases, teeth crowns in Coral Gables are necessary to restore your smile in both strength and appearance. With proper care, your crown will last several years—sadly, this doesn’t mean it lasts forever.
Dental crowns may wear out over time and need replacement. Knowing the signs that your crown needs to be replaced is fundamental to preventing further dental problems and restoring your smile to optimal condition immediately, so here are ten signs to look out for.
While dental crowns are sturdy, they’re not invincible. Crowns can break or fall out due to several circumstances, from the constant wear or tear of your chewing motions to sudden accidents that make them come loose.
Some of the most common reasons include:
Several factors can shorten the lifespan of your dental crowns. Some are preventable, like maintaining proper oral hygiene and following your regular checkups with a qualified dentist—but others, like accidents, are beyond your control.
As the saying goes, there’s no use crying over spilled milk, though. Whatever the reason, if your crown has come loose, it’s fundamental to replace it promptly. Some signs this may be your case include:
If you experience persistent discomfort or pain around the area where the crown is placed, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong. This discomfort may occur when you bite down, chew, and even when you speak.
It originates from a poorly fitted or loose crown, which can irritate your gums or expose the underlying, sensitive tooth to factors that can cause pain, like hot or cold drinks.
A visit to your dentist for a checkup and a replacement can alleviate the pain and protect the underlying tooth.
Trauma, teeth grinding, or normal wear and tear can crack or chip your crown, giving bacteria an unwanted entrance to your underlying natural tooth. If you notice visible cracks or chips, it’s a strong indication that it may no longer provide the same level of protection to the tooth underneath.
Even small cracks can eventually worsen and lead to tooth damage, infection, or sensitivity, so consult your dentist about getting a replacement even if your crown shows the slightest sign of damage.
If your crown starts to feel loose, shift around, or move when you chew, it may be a sign that it needs a replacement. Over time, the adhesive that holds the crown in place can weaken, causing it to detach or move.
A loose crown exposes the tooth beneath to plaque and bacteria, raising the possibility of decay or infection. Immediate attention is fundamental to ensure your tooth remains protected.
Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures after receiving a crown is normal to some extent. However, prolonged or severe sensitivity could indicate an issue. If your crowned tooth becomes extremely sensitive or painful when you consume hot or cold liquids, it may be damaged, or the underlying tooth may be exposed.
This may also indicate a weakening seal between the crown and the tooth, necessitating a replacement to restore complete protection.
Food and drink stains or the aging process can cause crowns to discolor over time. However, if the color has changed significantly, it might be a sign that your crown is not working correctly.
A gray or yellow crown may also indicate that decay has begun in the tooth underneath. In this case, consulting with a dental professional will help determine what’s normal and what isn’t.
If the gums around your crown become inflamed, swollen, or bleed when brushing or flossing, your dental crown may be causing an issue. Irritation often results from a misplaced or poorly fitted crown, which leaves spaces where bacteria can accumulate and irritate the gums.
You will need to replace the crown to restore the seal and prevent additional oral health problems, such as gum disease.
One of the most serious reasons for replacing a dental crown is signs of deterioration on the supporting natural tooth. Crowns' main purpose is to protect a weakened tooth, but if the seal around it breaks down, it may cause the opposite outcome.
If you notice cavities around the crown or experience pain, these are signs of decay that must be addressed immediately. To prevent further damage or infection, your dentist must remove the old crown, treat any decay, and then replace it.
If your bite feels uneven or your crown hurts, it may indicate that your crown is misaligned. This misalignment may result from the crown moving out of place or from its original placement being off.
A misaligned crown can result in problems with bite, teeth grinding, and more wear on neighboring teeth, so replacing it with a better-fitting one is key to restoring your bite and preventing further complications.
The lifespan of dental crowns varies depending on the material used, the crown's location, and how well it has been maintained. After all, crowns are not made to last forever.
A dental crown usually lasts between ten and fifteen years. However, as it ages, the crown may deteriorate, lose strength, or become more vulnerable to harm. Even if there are no problems, it is a good idea to talk to your dentist about whether it is time for a crown replacement if it is nearing the end of its anticipated lifespan.
Crowns can break or fracture under stress even though they are composed of sturdy materials like metal alloys, porcelain, or ceramic. When you grind your teeth or bite down on hard foods, you can force your porcelain or ceramic crown excessively, making it more prone to chip or crack.
If the original material has cracked or fractured, a replacement crown is required to preserve the tooth and restore its functionality.
Issues with your dental crown can happen, but you can significantly reduce its chances by following these simple tips:
By following these steps, you can help extend the lifespan of your dental crown and maintain your oral health.
Dental crowns are crucial to many restorative dental procedures because they strengthen and protect damaged teeth. However, like all dental work, they do not last forever.
Knowing the signs that your dental crown needs replacement can help you maintain optimal oral health and prevent further dental complications, ensuring you enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come. If you suspect that could be your case, contact Coral Gables Dentistry immediately!
We value your time, so we always run on schedule, respecting your commitments, with no double bookings and minimal wait times. Experience dentistry like never before in our award-winning clinic.
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