Nothing Lasts Forever: 4 Signs That You Should Replace Your Dental Crown

Dental crowns are durable, but all that chewing over the years can wear down even the toughest customer. Crowns can last for a decade or even longer, but eventually they may need to be repaired or replaced. Let’s talk about 4 common warning signs that it may be time to have your crown evaluated so you can address it before it becomes a problem.

1. Your Crown is Cracked or Damaged

A crown can become cracked, chipped, or fractured from normal wear, an injury, or biting down on something particularly hard. Even a small chip shouldn’t automatically be ignored.

Damage can affect the crown’s ability to protect the tooth underneath. Depending on the extent of the problem, your dentist may be able to repair the crown or may recommend replacing it.

2. Your Crown Feels Loose

A dental crown should feel stable when you eat and speak. If your crown begins to wiggle, shift, or feel different when you bite down, schedule a dental appointment.

A loose crown may result from deterioration of the cement holding it in place, damage to the underlying tooth, or changes in the surrounding structures. Continuing to chew on a loose crown could potentially cause additional damage.

Don’t try to permanently reattach a crown yourself. Contact your dentist for guidance.

3. You Feel Pain or Sensitivity

New or persistent pain around a crowned tooth deserves attention. You might notice sensitivity to hot or cold foods, discomfort when biting, or a dull ache around the tooth.

These symptoms don’t necessarily mean the crown itself needs replacement. The tooth underneath could have developed decay, a crack, or an infection. Your dentist can determine the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.

4. You Notice Decay or Gum Problems Around the Crown

Although a crown covers the visible portion of a tooth, it doesn’t make the tooth immune to decay. Cavities can develop along the edge of a crown if plaque and bacteria accumulate there.

You may also notice gum redness, swelling, bleeding, or recession around the crowned tooth. These symptoms should be evaluated rather than assuming they’re a normal part of having a crown.

A crown that looks fine may still have an underlying problem, which is why regular dental checkups are essential. Your dentist can check the condition of your crown, the tooth underneath it, and the surrounding gums. Replacing a crown when necessary protects the underlying tooth and keeps a molehill from turning into a mountain!

About the Practice

If it’s time to replace your old crown with a new one, our team at Souris Valley Dental Group in Minot can help! Our restorations are made from long-lasting, tooth-colored materials, making for a durable solution that’ll blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile. Contact us online for an appointment or call (701) 852-5595.