Dental crowns are an important part of many people’s smiles. They protect teeth from damage and decay and can also improve teeth’ appearance.
However, like all dental products, crowns can eventually need to be replaced. In this article, we will discuss when dental crowns need replacement.
Dental crowns can repair broken teeth or take care of aesthetic concerns, enhancing the health and beauty of the smile.
While dental crowns are a long-term solution to many dental health problems, they may need to be replaced at some point. A team of dentists at a reliable dental office may offer dental crown replacement to patients in Newton, MA, and surrounding areas.
So, when do dental crowns need to be replaced? Find out as you take a closer look at dental crown replacement done in a dental office in Newton, MA.
Dental Crown Lifespan
Dental crowns take about 10 to 15 years but can last even longer with proper care and maintenance. Replacing crowns at the first signs of damage or other issues is important for esthetics and oral health.
Knowing when to seek dental crown replacement is essential for protecting the underlying teeth and preserving your smile. The following are the most common reasons dental crowns may need to be replaced.
Damaged Crown
Dental crowns are durable but can chip or break over time, especially with poor care and maintenance.
A broken dental crown leaves the underlying tooth vulnerable to decay and further damage. Broken dental crowns should be replaced as soon as possible
Loose Dental Crown
Some dental crowns may become loose over time. Loose crowns can allow plaque, bacteria, and food remnants to reach the underlying tooth, increasing the risk of decay.
A loose crown may also come completely off the tooth and leave it vulnerable to further damage and decay. Replacing loose crowns is important to protecting dental health.
Aesthetics
Occasionally, a dental crown may be replaced for cosmetic reasons, even when there is nothing wrong with it.
Dental crowns are usually made of tooth-colored porcelain but may also be made of metals, such as gold. Dental crown patients may decide they no longer like the appearance of their metal crowns, or their porcelain crowns may match the color of the surrounding teeth. Replacing an old dental crown with a new one can resolve these problems.
Decay Beneath the Crown
Although dental crowns offer protection to damaged teeth, it is possible for teeth treated with dental crowns to develop decay. Generally, when decay occurs in teeth treated with dental crowns, it develops at or below the gum line and often as a result of gum recession.
Decay that begins at the gum line, where the dental crown ends and the natural tooth is exposed, can make its way under the crown itself. If this happens, the crown must be removed and replaced to treat the decay.
How to Prolong the Life of Dental Crowns
Newton patients’ dental crowns can last well over a decade with proper care and maintenance. Fortunately, caring for dental crowns is much like caring for your natural teeth.
You can aid in extending the life of your dental crowns by:
- Brushing and flossing teeth twice daily, paying special attention to the gumline surrounding your dental crown
- Avoiding biting on hard, non-food objects as these can chip or break dental crowns
- Seeking treatment at the first sign of crown damage
Conclusion
Dental crowns are an outstanding way to defend your teeth from further damage, but they will eventually need to be replaced. It is vital to keep up with your oral hygiene and see your dentist regularly to ensure that your crowns last as long as possible. If you think your crown may be damaged or loose, immediately see your dentist in Newton, MA.
We offer numerous dental services for the entire family at the Waban Dental Group. The Waban Dental Group, founded in 1983, is the gold standard for the superior treatment. Best of Newton winners from 2017 to 2019, according to Newton Magazine, and Wicked Local readers ranked them as Newton, Massachusetts’ top dental practice. Book an appointment in our dental office in Newton, MA!
