Which Signs Point to Needing Dental Crown Replacement?

When living with a dental crown, you might forget that they’re not designed to last forever. Over time, they can succumb to normal wear and tear, which means that a replacement is usually required every 10-15 years. But how can you know when a dental crown should be replaced if you’ve yet to reach the decade mark? Discover which signs to watch for so you can maintain a healthier, better protected smile.

Which Signs Warrant Dental Crown Replacement?

While it is strongly advised that you keep regular six-month checkups and cleanings with your dentist so that they can examine not just your regular teeth but also your restorations, problems with your crown can arise between appointments, and you may not even know it.

It’s important to be mindful of the kind of problems that can develop and when you should seek help from your dentist. These include:

• A recessed gumline caused by gum disease
• Significant wear and tear caused by bruxism or poor oral hygiene
• Pain or swelling that forms around the crowned tooth
• Pain and sensitivity when chewing
• Facial trauma that damages the crown
• Discoloration or a dark line that forms around your teeth (if it contains metal)
• Your bite is no longer even but instead feels off-kilter

What Can You Do to Avoid Replacing a Crown Sooner Than Expected?

Although not all situations are avoidable (a sudden dental injury), you can take steps to ensure that your dental crown lasts the full 10-15 years before needing replacement. Some of the most valuable tips you can expect to receive from your dentist include:

• Continuing to see your dentist every six months for regular checkups and cleanings, as these will allow them to check for any damage or potential decay that may pose a threat to your smile.
• Wearing a protective mouthguard should you choose to play sports.
• Wearing a nightguard if you struggle with grinding and clenching your teeth at night.
• Incorporating healthier foods that don’t consist solely of sugars and carbohydrates.
• Practicing twice-daily brushing with fluoridated toothpaste, flossing at least once a day, and rinsing regularly.
• Giving up bad habits that can cause further damage to your dental crown.

Having a dental crown put into place requires an investment in time and money on your part, so make sure that you’re doing all you can to keep your dental crown firmly in place for as long as possible. In following these tips, you can be sure that you’ll continue to enjoy a healthier smile for longer.

About the Author
Dr. Jeffrey DeMartino completed his dental degree at the Fairleigh S. Dickinson School of Dental Medicine in 1988 before joining his father, Dr. Gaeton J. DeMartino, at DeMartino Dental Group.  Offering beautifully crafted dental crowns to repair and restore damaged or decayed smiles, he and his wife, Dr. Nélida Garcia-DeMartino, ensure all dental work remains subtle so that others never notice the difference between real and artificial teeth. Contact us at (908) 859-5260 to find out more about our natural-looking restorations.