Dental Crown Dilemma: Do I Need a New One?

If you’ve ever undergone a root canal or had a dental implant placed, you were likely fitted with a dental crown to cap it. These prosthetics allow your dentist to restore your smile’s appearance and functionality. They’re customized to be the right shape, shade, and size to match your natural teeth so that no one can tell the difference. They’re also incredibly resilient and can last for 15+ years if properly maintained.

However, they aren’t totally invincible, and they can wear down over time. Eventually, your dental crown may need to be repaired or redone. Knowing what to look for can help you spot the signs and act quickly before any damage is done. Keep reading to learn 4 indicators that tell you it may be time for a new prosthetic!

Sign #1: It Looks Worn

If you’ve noticed that your restoration looks stained or generally worse for wear, it may be time for a fresh one. Dental problems can leave you feeling so anxious about how you look that you avoid smiling authentically or engaging socially with other people. This can have a detrimental impact on your self-image. If your dental crown is severely stained, worn down, or generally looks worse, you might want to seek a replacement to boost your confidence.

Sign #2: Tooth Sensitivity

No dental pain is considered normal, so you should call your dentist if you’ve been experiencing any swelling, aches, or sensitivity around a tooth with a dental crown. Pain and inflammation, especially when biting into anything overly hot or cold, can point to a loosened or broken restoration. If it’s no longer shielding your tooth sufficiently, it’s probably time to be refitted.

Sign #3: Receding Gums

Often, dental crowns are used to protect teeth that have sustained structural damage. A severe cavity or break allows places for bacteria to thrive. Although your dentist clears away decay and disease before placing your prosthetic, that tooth is more likely to develop an issue after the fact because it’s already been compromised. You could develop gum disease if harmful germs penetrate below your gumline and flourish. If more thorough brushing and flossing don’t improve your condition, you might need a new dental crown.

Sign #4: It’s Older

Although they can last longer, many dental crowns start to fade around the 10-year mark. If you’re noticing any sensitivity, redness, or inflammation around your treated tooth and you’ve had your restoration for a decade or longer, then it’s probably nearing the end of its lifespan. Many insurance policies will cover the cost of a replacement within 5 years, but it can vary based on your provider, so it’s worth checking out.

If you’re still unsure whether it’s time to swap out your dental crown, the best way to know for certain is to schedule an appointment with your dentist!

About the Author

Dr. Steven Oshins has 20+ years of experience helping people of all ages build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. He earned his dental degree from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and spends over 100 hours on continuing education each year. With a full-body approach to oral care, he believes that transforming your smile can improve the quality of your daily life.  He’s passionate about staying on top of the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques so you can trust that you’re always getting the best treatments. If you’re worried about your dental crown, you can request an appointment on the website or call (518) 356-5635.