Typically, dental crowns can last up to fifteen years, but each crown is different. Over time, your dentist in Lakewood Ranch, FL, will need to evaluate and repair your crown earlier than the expected lifespan. Your crown may have sustained damage or has worn out. If you continue to use an ill-fitting crown, you can experience discomfort and pain.
Replacing Your Dental Crown
In general, the replacement procedure starts with removing the old crown to prepare for the new one. Your dentist will numb your tooth and gums with local anesthesia to ensure a painless procedure. After removing the crown, your dentist will prepare the remaining structure of your teeth for the new crown. This involves reshaping your tooth and making an impression to get its dimensions. If your new crown will have to be fabricated in a dental laboratory, your dentist will fit a temporary crown to your tooth.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Dental Crown
It may be time to get a new dental crown if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Gum line recession. Often, patients visit their dentist because of tooth decay. Tooth decay under the crown can lead to gum recession. If this occurs, the root surface of your tooth can be exposed and develop a cavity. If there is decay under your dental crown, your dentist will drill a hole into it or get rid of the crown and clean out the decay.
- Pain In and around your crowned tooth. Metal crowns rarely break or chip, but porcelain crowns can sustain surface damage because of daily wear and tear, bruxism, or eating. When a crown breaks or cracks, it exposes the underlying tooth, causing pain, tenderness, or swelling. If the crown is damaged or fractured, its integrity must be restored to protect the underlying tooth.
- Old dental crown complications. Sometimes, older crowns, particularly those made from older kinds of porcelain, will require replacements with age. Old porcelain crowns can create dark shadows along your gum line. Your dentist can use a better-quality ceramic crown to replace your old crown.
Over time, your bite can begin to feel uneven due to an old crown. Also, dental crowns can become loose for many reasons, such as tooth grinding and clenching, chewing sticky foods, and flossing upwards. If your crown has loosened, schedule a dental visit as soon as possible to get a replacement crown.