Dental crowns are designed to be durable, but they don’t last forever. Over time, wear and tear, damage, or changes in your oral health may signal that it’s time for a replacement. Knowing is key to protecting your smile and preventing further dental issues. Fortunately, our Ocoee dentists can help you spot the signs if you’re not aware of them yourself.
Here’s how to tell whether you have a and how long porcelain dental crowns are built to be useful.
How Long Should Dental Crowns Last?
No one wants to undergo a restorative procedure only to have what’s placed quickly fall apart soon after. Fortunately, a dental crown can last for up to 15 years, or sometimes longer, if proper oral hygiene is practiced. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and receiving professional teeth cleanings every 6 months will keep plaque from building up and causing damage to your crown(s).
The lifespan of a dental crown is also dependent on an individual’s diet and whether there is excessive grinding or clenching of teeth. When you consume hard or acidic foods and beverages, you risk either breaking or corroding the crown. Avoid early dental crown replacement by watching what you eat and sip on throughout the day.
Much like the types of foods eaten, if you have a history of bruxism, it will affect how long your crown lasts. Regular teeth grindingor clenching without a custom night guard will lead to the crown becoming worn faster than it would if the habit didn’t exist.
Watch Out for These Signs of Wear
Unless you recently experienced obvious dental trauma or injury, it can be difficult to tell when your crown is on the way out. Some signs are more apparent than others, so it’s wise to keep an eye on how your crown looks and feels. If anything seems off, let our dentists know so the issue can be dealt with promptly.
Seriously consider replacing your crown if your:
- Gums are receding around the tooth that has a crown
- Crown is over 10 years old or fell out
- Bite seems uneven or abnormal
- Crowned tooth or surrounding area is painful, swollen, or inflamed
Why Replacing a Dental Crown Matters
Traditional dental crowns are meant to protect the vulnerable tooth they’re covering. If they can no longer fulfill that purpose, it’s time to have the crown swapped out. Leaving a in place or one surrounded by infection can put you at risk for unwanted oral complications and more intensive dental work.
For example, if you develop a cavity underneath a crown, our dentists will need to remove the crown to fill it or the decay will spread deeper into the tooth. Moreover, neglecting the issue further can lead to root canal treatment being required. Having a crown replaced is much more straightforward, comparatively.
Whether your crown became cracked after munching on candy or you had it placed many years ago, don’t put off necessary treatment or you may face larger consequences down the road.
Make an Appointment Today
Don’t settle for restorations that are broken or old. Our dentists in Ocoee, FL, can place a new, well-fitting dental crown for a beautiful and functional result. Call Classic Smiles today at (407) 293-3002 to request an appointment.
