How to Know When Your Dental Crown Should Be Replaced

A dental crown may not be as sparkly as a royal crown, but it’s at least as important for a tooth that needs one. These standard dental devices often last for years, but that doesn’t mean they’re invincible. Knowing the signs that you need a replacement could save you from pain and complications.

Our experienced team at Me Dental Spa in West Hollywood, California, led by Denis Mustedanagic, DMD, provides replacement crowns to keep your oral health going strong.

Here, we explore signs that your crown is past its prime.

Discoloration or damage

While a subtle color change in your crown may not indicate a problem, a significant difference could. A color change could also indicate that enough time has passed to warrant replacing the crown and preventing future problems.

If your crown has been damaged from an injury or even chewing a hard or crunchy food, you run the risk of infections and decay. Chips, cracks, and fractures in a crown provide a space for harmful bacteria to gather and gradually turn into plaque. And plaque can pave the way to gum disease.

Sensitivity or pain

You might not notice that the integrity of your crown has diminished until pain and discomfort set in. The same can happen if your crown no longer fits well, leaving room for bacterial buildup and inflammation.

If you’ve noticed ongoing or recurring pain, discomfort, or sensitivity, it’s time to consider replacing your crown. The pain may flare up when you bite or chew, or when you consume cold or hot food or drink.

Depending on the specifics of your crown, you may only need to reposition your device.

Chewing changes and discomfort

If you’ve noticed that chewing food or gum feels different than it used to, as though your teeth don’t quite fit together right, a replacement crown could be in order. The same goes for tooth or gum tenderness or aches during or after eating. A crown that no longer fits well can alter your bite, which can fuel these issues.

Making the most of your replacement crown

Once you’ve had your crown replaced, you can take steps to elongate its lifespan. Depending on the specifics of your oral health and habits, we may recommend:

• Improving brushing and flossing technique
• Making sure you brush at least twice a day and floss once a day
• Scheduling more frequent dental cleanings
• Getting gum disease treatment, if needed

And while you can use your crown-topped tooth normally, you should avoid particularly chewy or crunchy foods for at least a day or so once it’s placed.

To learn more about dental crowns or find out if you need a replacement, call Me Dental Spa or book an appointment online through our website today.