Have you recently undergone a root canal, or do you have a severely decayed or damaged tooth? If so, your dentist will likely recommend a dental crown. These versatile prosthetics are among the most common dental procedures because they can effectively rebuild an injured tooth’s functionality and appearance. Plus, they can last 10+ years if cared for correctly.
However, these prosthetics aren’t intended to last forever. There’s a good chance that you’ll eventually need to have it replaced. If you’re unsure whether to refresh your restoration, read on to learn 3 signs that it’s time!
Indicator #1: Your Gumline Is Retracting
Although your dental crown can protect your broken tooth from sustaining additional injury, that doesn’t mean the underlying tooth is invincible. Bacteria are more likely to colonize around a treated tooth, which increases the likelihood of developing gum disease.
If your connective tissues seem to be receding or you notice that more enamel than usual is exposed, you likely have developed this condition. This commonly occurs if your crown wasn’t positioned correctly initially, which allows unwanted germs to have better access to the injured tooth beneath. Treating the issue will likely require gum disease therapy, like scaling and root planing, in addition to a new crown.
Indicator #2: Your Tooth Hurts
Your prosthetic’s purpose is to protect the underlying tooth from additional decay, disease, or injuries that could cause pain or infection. While it’s normal to have some mild discomfort when it’s new, it typically dissipates after a few days.
If you have prolonged or sudden discomfort or sharp pain when biting down, your dental crown might be too worn or damaged to do its job effectively. The underlying nerves of your treated tooth may have been exposed to bacteria that can cause a painful infection. You may need a root canal procedure in addition to a new dental crown to preserve your grin moving forward.
Indicator #3: It Looks Worn
Most restorations are made from resilient ceramic that’s coated with a glaze durable enough to resist a certain amount of chipping and discoloration. However, it’s still possible for your dental crown to become stained or worn down with repeated daily use.
If yours looks more yellow or brown than white or is full of other flaws and blemishes, you might feel anxious about spending time with others. Having a grin that you can proudly show is worth investing in a replacement!
Calling your dentist to schedule a consultation is the best way to verify whether it’s time for you to replace your dental crown!
About the Author
Dr. Aliana Henkin has nearly 20 years of experience helping people build beautiful, healthy smiles. She earned her dental doctorate from the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, and has focused continuing education on topics like cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Today, she offers a full array of services to meet all your needs under one roof, including CEREC same-day dental crowns. She combines a compassionate approach with state-of-the-art equipment to enhance patient comfort while delivering accurate results meant to last. If you’re worried about your dental crown, you can request an appointment on the website or call (973) 949-0925.