Signs You Need to Replace Your Crowns

Dental crowns made of porcelain or composite materials closely resemble the appearance and texture of natural teeth. Crowns cover damaged or decayed teeth, creating a strong shield around the remaining tooth material and healthy tooth root. You may benefit from a crown for teeth that are broken, chipped, or severely stained. Crowns also protect teeth that have been reimplanted or treated with a root canal.

Crowns can last for decades with good cleaning and chewing habits. But, sooner or later, your crown may need to be replaced. What signs should you watch out for in terms of wear and tear on your dental crowns? And what are your options when a crown wears out or breaks down? 

Dr. Brian Shahangian, Dr. Bita Shahangian, and the expert team at Desert Dental of North Hollywood, California, share important information about dental crown replacement. We offer same-day crowns for your convenience.

The lifespan of a dental crown

Over time, the safety and effectiveness of a dental crown can decline. It’s not as common as you might think. The truth is, dental crowns are typically quite long-lasting. In the first five years after insertion, approximately 95% of dental crowns continue to function without issue. Approximately 50-80% of dental crowns remain in place for 20 years or longer.

However, breakage and tooth decay can both bring a crown to the end of its lifespan. Taking good care of your crown may extend its usefulness, but crowns can also be damaged accidentally, even with the best possible care.

Signs of dental crown deterioration

How do you know when your dental crown needs to be replaced? Watch out for these warning signs.

Breaks or cracks

Crowns can break unexpectedly when you bite down on a hard object, like a piece of hard candy. Pre-existing wear and tear, resulting from years of use, increases your risk of breaks or cracks.

As soon as you notice broken edges or cracks starting to appear, contact Desert Dental for care. We can invisibly repair your crown with resin or replace it with a new crown.

A loose crown

Crowns are held in place with dental cement. If this adhesive wears away and the crown becomes loose, it can be both annoying for you personally and pose a risk to your oral health. 

Don’t try to glue a loose crown in place with over-the-counter dental adhesive. Bacteria will still be able to access your modified tooth beneath the crown, which can lead to additional oral health problems, such as further decay or infection.

A bad taste in your mouth

If you notice a persistent bad taste in your mouth that’s not related to anything you’ve had to eat or drink, it could be a sign of an oral infection. You may also have bad breath. Seek evaluation at Desert Dental to determine the cause of the bad taste in your mouth as soon as possible.

Infection or tooth decay beneath a crown may mean that it’s not feasible to replace it with another crown. In such cases, your provider at Desert Dental may suggest an extraction and a dental implant.

With prompt care, your crowns can remain problem-free, and you can maintain good long-term oral health. If you have concerns about one or more of your crowns, please contact Desert Dental online or by phone to schedule your appointment today.