Dental crowns are a great way to provide additional support to your already missing teeth. However, after a certain point, it needs to be replaced. Dental crowns last about 10-15 years, depending on how you take care of them. The best way to know if it is time to change your crowns is by visiting the dentist. However, if you have any other signs mentioned below, your crowns need to be replaced as soon as possible.
Signs Your Dental Crown Needs To Be Replaced
1. Crown Feels Loose
Over time, with constant use, there’s a high possibility your crown will become loose and even fall off. There are different reasons for a loose crown, for instance, the use of temporary cement, failure of bonding agent to cure, or if you consume sticky foods, you have a cavity under your crown. In such cases, you need to act quickly and get it repaired, as a loose crown can expose your already weak teeth to bacteria and put you at risk for infections.
2. There’s New Decay, Pain, Or Swelling Around Your Crown
If you experience pain, swelling, or inflammation near your crown, you need to visit the dentist immediately. If there’s an increase in sensitivity or pain while you chew, your crown may require replacement. Even though crowns are usually cavity-resistant, they cannot prevent your natural teeth from decaying if there’s still a margin around the restoration where your natural tooth is exposed. This can trap food particles and bacteria. If you don’t clean your mouth thoroughly every day, it can cause decay.
3. Your Dental Crown Is Old
The lifespan of your dental crowns and bridges in Twin Falls depends on different factors, for instance, if you grind your teeth, your eating habits, lifestyle habits, and the crown’s material. If your dental crown is old, i.e., it has been more than ten years, you need to replace it even if there aren’t any signs of damage. It is important to monitor the quality of a dental crown if it is older than a decade. In case your dental crown has been in use for ten or more years, you should visit the dentist to make sure the crown is still in good shape or if it is damaged or ineffective. However, it is best if you get your new crowns and bridges in Twin Falls, ID
4. The Crown Is Leaking
Poor oral hygiene can cause your crown to leak, allowing acids and sugars to become trapped. This can lead to tooth decay that may go unnoticed for years until it’s visible or you have persistent pain.
In some cases, the cement may wash off from under the crown, which can cause it to become loose. Bacteria can enter through the opening and cause decay to the remaining teeth. The following are a few signs of an infected tooth. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should visit the dentist in Twin Falls as soon as possible.
- If the crown seems loose when you chew.
- If there is an unusual odor in your mouth.
- Redness around the site of the crown.
- Swollen gums or jaw near the area of the crown.
- Tenderness or pain.
- A clear, yellowish, or greenish fluid leaks out around the crown.
- A fever.
- Swollen neck glands.
5. Wear Or Tear On Your Crown
Different things can wear down your teeth. Over time, your crown can look worn down, which is expected. However, wear and tear are also caused if you grind or clench your teeth. Wear and tear is not only an indication of the age of your crown, but it also shows signs of bruxism or poor oral hygiene. If your crown looks worn down, make sure you visit the dentist as soon as possible to address the issue before it gets worse.
6. Crown Is No Longer Aesthetically Pleasing
If your crowns are no longer aesthetically pleasing, i.e., when your porcelain crowns are fused to metal, it can cause a dark line along your teeth. This can ruin your smile, so if your crown’s metals are showing through, you can always visit the dentist and replace the crown.
7. Receding Gum Line
There’s a higher chance of bacteria gathering on the surface of your gums surrounding your dental crown compared to a natural tooth. When bacteria gather around your tooth with a crown, it can put you at a higher risk of gum disease and cause a receding gum line.
Receding gums could be a sign of an improperly placed crown or a sign that you should start following a good oral routine. Also, make sure you visit the dentist in case of anything abnormal or increased sensitivity near the gums.
Get The Best Dental Crown In Twin Falls
We hope you understand when a crown needs to be replaced. If you are suffering from any of the above-mentioned issues, make sure you visit the best cosmetic dentist in Twin Falls ID, to ensure safe restoration.