When living with a damaged or decayed tooth, you need professional help to protect the vulnerable area and ensure it avoids further harm. With the help of a customized dental crown, you can feel confident that your new tooth will deliver exceptional results that make it easy to resume normal activity after treatment. But at what point does your crown need to be replaced? Here are 3 reasons why you should go ahead and schedule an appointment with your dentist to inquire about a new tooth.
Your Crown Looks Worn Down
It’s natural that over time, your teeth (and crown) will begin to wear down. Eating and talking can take their toll on your pearly whites, so if you notice that your artificial tooth appears a bit worn, it’s time to talk to your dentist.
This is also possible if you are prone to bruxism, which is grinding and clenching of your teeth at night while you sleep. This can lead to extensive jaw pain and problems that include tooth sensitivity. To remedy this issue, you’ll need to find out about receiving a custom-made nightguard to protect your teeth at night and extend the lifespan of your crown.
You’re Suffering From Gum Disease
If you notice that your gums are receding, it’s probably because you are suffering from gum disease. This is likely to occur if bacteria are attacking the bone and gum pockets are forming. As your teeth appear longer, the dental crown will become more visible.
In this situation, not only will you need to be treated for your gum disease, but your dentist will also need to replace your dental crown so that it fits properly in place and blends in with your existing smile. Allowing a crown to remain in place while dealing with gum recession will further your chances of more damaging decay.
Your Crown is Old
Unfortunately, dental crowns are not meant to last forever. They are only temporary and require replacement after 10-15 years. Depending on how well you care for them during this time will determine how long they last.
If you have had your crown for longer than a decade, your dentist will likely need to replace it with a new one. But during your regular dental visits, you can expect that your team will review your smile each time and check on the status of your restoration.
There are other possible reasons that you may need to have your dental crown replaced (i.e., damage, tenderness around the tooth, or a stained tooth), so making sure you keep an eye on your artificial tooth will ensure that you get the treatment you need and continue to enjoy your healthy and fully restored smile.
About the Authors
Dr. Sivan Patel is a native of Des Plaines and earned his dental degree from the Boston University Goldman School of Dentistry in 2009. Working alongside Dr. Amir Danesh Sani, who received his postdoctoral training in periodontology and implant dentistry at New York University, the two work to rebuild and repair smiles no matter the type of damage. When a dental crown needs to be replaced, our team can easily fix the problem so that patients like yourself can be on your way, enjoying everything a fully restored smile can offer. If you need a new crown, contact us at (847) 297-0808.
