Crowns represent an effective option for restoring a tooth’s structural integrity and maintaining the appearance of your smile. Their lifespan is approximately 10 to 15 years with good oral care. But what happens when you need to replace one?
Here’s how to know when it’s time for a dental crown replacement and what to expect from the procedure in Atlanta.
The 10-Year Rule
After about a decade of wear, dental crowns start to weaken and can compromise the health and comfort of your teeth. Around the 10-year mark, you should visit your dentist and discuss dental crown replacement. One of the reasons early replacement is so important is that older crowns often crack. These tiny cracks may not be visible to your eye, but food and debris can get trapped in them and cause decay. Once tooth decay advances, it’s much harder to control.
Yellowing and Discoloration
One of the reasons you may have chosen to receive a crown in the first place is for aesthetics. If your crowns are starting to yellow or turn different colors, it may be time to replace them.
Porcelain dental crowns are popular, as they’re designed to match the color and texture of your natural teeth. However, certain foods, drinks, and lifestyle habits can discolor them over time.
For example, tobacco smoke stains dental crowns due to the chemicals and tar in it. If you’re a smoker, your crowns may not hold up cosmetically for as long as a non-smoker’s. Acidic drinks like coffee can also stain your crowns.
Tooth Sensitivity and Irritation
A key sign that you may need a dental crown replacement is sudden tooth sensitivity. Gum inflammation, irritation, and bleeding can also signify that it’s time to replace a crown.
This happens when a dental crown cracks or becomes worn down, which alters the shape and compromises the integrity of the crown. These changes put pressure and strain on your tooth and the surrounding gum tissue.
You should make a dentist appointment right away if you notice sudden sensitivity and irritation in your mouth. Your dentist can evaluate the health of your crown and recommend replacement if necessary.
An Uptick in Cavities and Tooth Decay
If you’re someone who doesn’t usually get cavities and your dentist notices a sudden increase in tooth decay, your dental crown could be the culprit. Cracks and breakage in crowns give bacteria more opportunities to infect your teeth and gums, leading to more cavities.
The best way to tell if this is happening, apart from a professional dental exam, is to consider your oral hygiene habits. If you brush and floss your teeth regularly but are still experiencing cavities, talk to your dentist about replacing your crowns.
Crown Loss or Obvious Damage
If your dental crown falls out or experiences major damage, you’ll need a prompt replacement. You don’t want to wait to address crown issues like this, as they can make your teeth sensitive and painful. Your teeth will also be more vulnerable to infections and decay until your new crown is placed.
If you’re not sure whether a crown needs to be replaced or repaired after damage, you should consult your dentist.
Frequent Teeth Grinding
Grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism, can cause faster wear of your dental crowns as well. Night guards can help prevent this wear and tear by providing a barrier between your teeth, but teeth grinding can still ultimately age your crowns.
The lifespan of your crowns will depend on the severity and frequency of your teeth grinding. Patients who constantly experience bruxism may need dental crown replacements as soon as five years after the initial procedure.
What to Expect During the Crown Replacement Procedure
Crown replacement is a relatively straightforward dental procedure. If you have temporary dental crowns, your dentist can simply take them out using a soft paste that loosens the crown for removal.
Permanent dental crown removal involves a few more steps.
How Dentists Remove Permanent Crowns
Much like the first time you got a crown, the area will be numbed to keep you comfortable. Your dentist will remove the existing crown and thoroughly clean the tooth underneath. Depending on the reason for the replacement, they may need to perform a root canal to remove internal tooth decay.
Your dentist can then take new impressions, or molds, of your teeth to ensure the new crown fits properly. While you wait for the new crown to arrive, you’ll receive a temporary crown to protect your teeth.
See Dr. Brett Langston for Dental Crown Replacement in Atlanta
If you’re dealing with crown issues or think it might be time for a replacement, Dr. Brett Langston and the friendly team at Dental Implant and Aesthetic Specialists can help. We can personalize a treatment plan unique to your specific needs to ensure you enjoy a beautiful, comfortable smile for years to come. Book a visit with us today.
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