4 Signs Your Dental Crown Needs to Be Replaced
Dental crowns are tooth-colored caps commonly used to restore, protect, and improve the appearance of teeth.
A dental crown is permanently bonded to the tooth and can last between 10 and 15 years. However, they can become cracked, chipped, or broken without proper care and maintenance. If your crown has visible damage or you experience severe tooth pain, it needs to be replaced. Learn the common signs to look for a failing dental crown.
1. Tooth or Gum Pain
If you start to notice pain or swelling of the gum tissue around the crown, it is important that you schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can evaluate the integrity of the crown to ensure there are no cracks for bacteria to damage the tooth underneath.
Pain may be more noticeable when eating or biting due to the added pressure on the tooth. You may also experience discomfort while brushing or flossing.
Hot or cold foods and liquids may cause sensitivity or what feels like nerve pain. Reasons for these symptoms include decay in the underlying tooth or cracks in the crown. Your dentist may be able to perform a root canal to remove decayed areas of the tooth or repair the crown. Early intervention may help to avoid the need for a replacement crown.
2. Dental Crown Fracture
A crown fracture is one of the most common reasons for a crown replacement. If you have a fractured crown, you may notice visible damage such as chips or cracks.
Grinding your teeth at night, excessive force when biting down, facial trauma, chewing hard food, and general wear and tear over time may lead to cracks and fractures. Your dentist may be able to repair superficial chips and cracks, but if a fracture is severe, the crown will need to be replaced.
3. Loose Crown
A loose crown usually indicates that the bonding material used to attach the crown to the tooth may be weakening. If a crown becomes loose enough, it may dislodge and fall out. A loose crown also creates space between the crown’s interior surface and the natural tooth, allowing food debris and bacteria to cause tooth decay.
If your crown becomes loose, schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately. If the crown has not been damaged, your dentist may be able to recement it in place.
4. Change in Tooth Appearance
Dental crowns are frequently used to improve the appearance and aesthetics of your smile. After a few years of having a crown, you may notice a difference in the color between the crown and surrounding teeth.
If you have porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns, you may notice dark edges forming along the gum line. This often occurs when the porcelain coating chips or wears away. It may also be due to gum recession which causes a space between the base of the crown and the gumline.
Get High-Quality Replacement Crowns at Hinsdale Dental
If you notice signs of a damaged or worn crown, make an appointment with Hinsdale Dental for an evaluation. We can provide you with the best treatment options for your oral health and smile. Call us today at (630) 323-5200.
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