Introduction
Over time, dental crowns are used to improve both the strength and appearance of your teeth. These caps are made to resemble your natural teeth, offering a better look and enhancing durability. Crowns are commonly made from porcelain, but gold, silver, and stainless steel are also used as materials for crowns.
When fixed properly, they can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, but after this time, they may need to be replaced. A dental crown dentist will typically recommend a replacement when the crowns are worn out or too old.
This replacement helps extend the lifespan of your natural teeth and ensures that your tooth restoration remains strong and functional. The process of crown placement and fitting can involve dental procedures to ensure the new crown fits well and provides optimal crown longevity.
Signs That You Need Crown Replacement
Dental crowns are designed to last for a decade or even longer, but there are certain signs that indicate it might be time for a crown replacement. One obvious sign is when the dental crown actually falls out. However, sometimes it’s not so apparent.
If you notice any wearing or damage, such as chips or cracks, it’s essential to have your crown inspected by an Atlanta dentist. Ignoring these signs of damage can lead to pain or more serious dental work down the road.
Regular crown care and maintenance can help extend the crown’s longevity, but if you experience discomfort or see visible issues, it’s time for a crown evaluation. A dentist examination will determine if your crown needs replacing to ensure continued tooth preservation and pain prevention.
1) Age of the crowns: Teeth caps can last up to 15 years with proper care. Even though they might not show signs of damage or wear and tear, if the crowns have been in place for more than a decade, it could be time for a replacement. Over time, old crowns become weaker and are more susceptible to cracking.
This can lead to the buildup of food particles around the teeth, increasing the likelihood of decay. It’s crucial to have a dental examination if your crowns have lasted longer than ten years to ensure your oral health is maintained.
2) Wear and tear: The most commonly used dental crowns are porcelain, known for their durability and stain resistance. However, if you suffer from bruxism or frequently grind or clench your teeth, this can lead to the crowns wearing down over time.
In some cases, individuals who consistently grind their teeth may need to have their crowns replaced within a span of five years.
3) Tooth decay: When cracks or tears appear on your crowns, food particles can easily get trapped beneath them. This leads to the buildup of bacteria, which can then start attacking your natural teeth.
As the decay progresses, you might begin to experience sensitivity and tooth pain. Our dentist in Atlanta, GA, will assess the situation and may recommend a root canal treatment or use dental fillings to restore the affected area.
4) Pain and swelling: Whenever dental crowns lead to gum swelling or discomfort, it is crucial to have them replaced. If the crown is broken or worn out, it may result in sensitivity and persistent toothaches.
A receding gum line creates an environment where plaque and bacteria are more likely to accumulate around the teeth crown. This buildup can lead to a gum infection, which may ultimately cause the gums to recede.
5) Cosmetic reasons: There are instances when teeth crowns may need to be replaced for aesthetic reasons. For example, if the crowns become discolored and the color no longer matches the rest of your teeth.
What to Expect During The Crown Replacement?
When you need to replace a dental crown, the procedure depends on the type of crown you have. If it’s a temporary crown, the removal process is relatively simple. Your dentist will use a soft adhesive to make it easy to remove the crown.
However, if you have permanent crowns, things become a bit more complicated. Removing permanent crowns can be more challenging, often requiring extra steps.
It’s important to know that the first time you go through this, the procedure may feel a little more intense, but it’s a process that your dentist is fully prepared to handle. You can expect that the overall experience will vary depending on the type of crown being removed and replaced.
- The dentist will initially numb the gums to minimize any discomfort during the procedure.
- An adhesive may also be applied to permanent crowns to weaken the cement. In some cases, the dentist might reuse the old crown if it isn’t severely damaged. However, more often than not, a new set is fabricated, particularly if the crowns are discolored.
- The teeth will be thoroughly cleaned to eliminate any debris and decay. If necessary, a root canal procedure may be performed to address and remove the decay.
- An impression of your teeth will be taken once more to create the crowns. This process typically takes about four weeks, during which time your teeth will be protected with temporary crowns.
- The teeth are secured using the same procedure as the previous set.
Conclusion
Over time, dental crowns can greatly improve both the strength and appearance of your teeth. These caps are designed to resemble natural teeth, providing a better look and enhancing their durability.
Commonly made from materials like porcelain, gold, silver, and stainless steel, crowns are fixed securely and can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. However, once they become worn out or old, they need to be replaced.
A dentist will often recommend a replacement to ensure the lifespan of your natural teeth is extended and that your tooth restoration remains strong and functional. The process involves placement and fitting of the new crown, with dental procedures ensuring that it fits well and offers optimal crown longevity.