A dental restoration, no matter what it is, should not be left alone or kept if any part of it is deteriorating. Other consequences can result from leaving it be and some may be compromising to your oral health so it’s always best to have your smile looked at and the restoration in question replaced or repaired. Something our Greater Jacksonville dentist recommends acting on if it’s in bad shape is a dental crown.
Here are a few key signs of a and how long porcelain crowns are designed 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, dental crowns 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 teeth cleanings every 6 months will keep plaque from building up and causing damage to your crown(s).
The 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 grinding or clenching at night 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 dentist 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 dentist 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
If a dental crown that you have is feeling “off”, we encourage you to come see our dentist in Jacksonville serving Orange Park and surrounding areas. We’ll take a closer look and assess the situation before recommending either repair or replacement. Call Quality Dentures & Implants today to request an appointment. See you soon!
