Dental crowns are some of the most reliable restorations for treating damaged or decayed teeth. Dentists have used them for decades, and patients turn to them for necessary protection because of their reputation and results. But as helpful and effective as they are, crowns are not meant to last forever. To find out how you can tell it’s time for your restoration to be replaced, here are three signs to look for.
Your Dental Crown is Old
The lifespan for a dental crown can be up to 20 years. This is dependent on how well you take care of your restored tooth as well as its location inside your mouth. Those located toward the back often need replacing for different reasons than those placed in more visible areas of your smile. Molars are chewing teeth and sustain more wear and tear over time. Front teeth are more visible and may be replaced for aesthetic improvements.
Regular dental checkups and cleanings will ensure that your restoration is replaced at the appropriate time, as your dentist will continually examine its structure and function. If it appears to show more wear as the years pass, you will likely be recommended for a new dental crown.
Your Dental Crown is Damaged
Although zirconia, Empress glass ceramics, and Emax dental crowns are durable, they are not indestructible, which means that biting down on something hard over time or sustaining a facial injury can damage the material.
When this happens, you will need to see your dentist. Some restorations may only sustain minor damage and require minimal repair, while others need to be replaced so they remain aesthetically pleasing, fully functional, and protective of your underlying tooth.
Your dentist will determine the severity of the damage during your appointment.
Your Gums Are Receding
The purpose of a dental crown is to strengthen and protect your tooth. As gums recede over time, the root of your tooth may be exposed. Roots have no enamel protection and are at risk for cavities. A cavity cannot get through a dental crown, but can get underneath the crown from the root surface.
In an ideal world, dental crowns would never need to be replaced. Unfortunately, that is not the reality. The good news, though, is that with a reliable dentist, you can do more to keep your custom restoration looking its best and working normally year after year.
About the McCarl Dental Group
McCarl Dental Group is a practice that consists of multiple dentists who take oral health and hygiene seriously. In treating patients with all types of dental problems, customized crowns are often one of the most widely used restorations provided. Since they are not designed to last a lifetime, we can easily replace them using only the highest-quality materials. Call our dental office to find out if your artificial tooth needs to be examined and traded in for a new one.