Check Crown Light! 5 Signs Your Dental Crown Needs to Be Replaced

When your car has an engine problem, you will likely see the check engine light come on. It may take you a while to eventually get to the repair shop, but you clearly know something’s wrong. If only your dental crown had a similar warning system! Although you won’t see a light indicating that it’s time to replace your crown, there are some signs you can keep an eye out for to let you know.

Pain or Swelling

Underneath the crown, you have your natural tooth intact. Although the prosthetic protects it, decay can still reach inside, causing pain in the roots. In some cases, the gums can swell up or develop a pocket of pus as a result of the infection. In this situation, the crown will need to be removed, the decay removed, and the inner chamber sealed before a new crown can be placed.

Gum Recession or Black Line at the Base of the Crown

At first, gum tissue pulling back from the tooth may not seem like a problem with the restoration, but it could indicate a larger problem with your oral health. Not only does exposing more of the tooth reveal that you have a crown, but it also allows oral bacteria to potentially infect the tooth underneath. A black line around the edge of the crown may point to decay. Without treatment, cavity-causing or inflammation-causing bacteria could further impair your smile.

Discoloration

Although your crown is primarily designed to restore function, it also needs to look natural and appealing. Porcelain resists stains better than enamel, but eventually, discoloration can set in into the material, making the restoration appear less pristine and drawing the wrong kind of attention to the tooth. If your crown starts to stand out in a negative way, a new one could be necessary.

Chips or Damage

As durable as dental crowns are, they can sustain significant wear and tear, especially over time. In fact, they can chip or become damaged from grinding your teeth or eating exceptionally hard foods. If your crown looks noticeably flawed, it could be time to get a new one.

Age

It’s not always a good idea to wait until something catastrophic happens to your crown to replace it. If you have had your restoration for more than 10 years, it has lived its expected lifespan. You can be proactive and replace it ahead of failure, pain, or damage.

Ultimately, if you consistently visit the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, you can rest easy. This professional is also keeping watch over your restoration. They can tell you when they observe changes and when the crown needs to be replaced. Together, you can keep your smile in pristine, tip-top shape even without a light!

About the Practice

Bear Creek Family Dentistry is proud to serve families throughout North Texas, specifically those in the Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Mesquite, and Grapevine areas. Our team practices with a conservative approach, meaning we won’t recommend treatment that isn’t necessary. We also make every effort to preserve your natural tooth structure. If you have a crown that could need replacing, contact one of our offices to schedule an appointment.