A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over your tooth. The crown covers your natural tooth and is meant to look and function just like it. A crown can restore the size, shape, and strength of your tooth. Despite being a highly effective dental treatment, dental crowns eventually need to be replaced. This depends on the type of material used for your crown and your oral health. Below you will find the signs your dental crown needs replacing.
Signs Your Dental Crown Needs Replacing
Dental crowns require replacement, so it’s important to visit the dentist as soon as you notice issues with your crown. Consider the following signs your dental crown needs to be replaced.
Receding Gums:
Receding gums can be a sign that it’s time to replace your crown. If you notice your gum tissue pulling away from your tooth with the crown, it’s often one of two issues. It could be that your crown needs to be replaced, that you have gum disease, or both. Due to the negative impact of gum disease, it’s important to contact a skilled dentist if you notice receding gums around your crown.
Old Crowns:
Crowns eventually need to be replaced as they do not last a lifetime. Crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. The amount of time your crown lasts depends on a variety of factors, including the material used for your crowns, the quality and consistency of your daily oral care routine, and how often you visit the dentist.
Issues with Your Bite:
Your bite is how your teeth feel when you bite down. If your bite feels uneven or abnormal (as compared to how it usually feels), it’s likely time to head to the dentist. The dentist may replace or adjust your crown depending on the issue.
Pain Around Your Crown:
You should never let tooth pain go unchecked. It can often indicate a dental issue that needs attention. If you have pain or discomfort around your crown, it’s time to head to the dentist. Even if the pain goes away, it should not be ignored. Broken or cracked crowns can cause pain, tenderness, and sometimes swelling. This needs to be addressed to prevent further damage.
Dental Crowns in Encino
Replacing your dental crowns is similar to getting crowns for the first time. A dentist will remove your old dental crown and replace it with an entirely new one. Before your new dental crowns in Encino, your dentist will address any issues with your natural tooth below the crown. Sometimes decay can cause issues with your crown, so that will be addressed first. After any tooth decay is removed, the dentist will then apply an entirely new crown.
Preserving Your Dental Crowns
Dental crowns eventually require replacement due to natural wear and tear. However, there are steps you can take to ensure your dental crowns last as long as possible. While dental crowns do not require any additional oral care steps, your natural tooth is still susceptible to dental issues. It’s important to stay consistent with your daily oral care routine, including brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes, flossing, and using mouthwash with fluoride when you can’t brush after you eat. It is also important to regularly visit the dentist. Most dentists recommend going to the dentist for a checkup at least every six months. These small steps can help preserve the longevity of your dental crown.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Encino
If you are concerned that your crown needs to be replaced, contact the team at Encino Family Dental. They are skilled in a variety of dental treatments, including dental crowns and cosmetic dentistry in Encino. They have helped countless patients restore and maintain their oral health. Contact the team at Encino Family Dental today for an appointment!
