A dental crown is a reliable solution for restoring a damaged or weakened tooth, acting like a protective cap. While modern crowns are built to last, they are not a permanent fix. Over time, factors like daily wear, oral hygiene habits, and even diet can affect their integrity. Left too long, a failing crown can expose the underlying tooth to harmful bacteria and decay.
To help prevent more serious issues down the line, the team at Clover Park Dental is here to help you spot the signs it’s time for a dental crown replacement. And when in doubt, feel free to check with our dentist in Surrey.
1. Visible Wear and Tear
One of the most straightforward signs you need a dental crown replacement is visible wear on the crown itself. Just like your natural teeth, crowns endure a lot of pressure from chewing, grinding, and biting.
How to Spot It
- Flattened Chewing Surfaces: The top of the crown, especially on a molar, may look worn down or flat.
- Chips or Cracks: Small chips or hairline fractures can appear on the surface of crowns. These may not cause pain initially but can worsen over time.
- Discolouration at the Edges: The material may start to wear thin, particularly around the edges, sometimes revealing metal if you have porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
Years of daily use naturally lead to this wear. If you grind your teeth at night (a condition known as bruxism), this process can happen much faster. Regular dental checkups allow our dentist to monitor the condition of your crowns and catch this wear before it becomes a problem.
2. Discomfort, Pain, or Sensitivity
Your dental crown should feel just like a natural tooth: comfortable and unnoticeable. If you start experiencing any new pain or sensitivity around the crowned tooth, it can be a signal that something is wrong.
Types of Discomfort to Watch For
- Pain When Biting Down: Sharp pain when chewing could mean the crown has cracked or become loose, allowing pressure to transfer directly to the sensitive tooth underneath.
- Sensitivity to Hot or Cold: New sensitivity to temperature can indicate that the crown no longer provides a perfect seal. This allows hot or cold stimuli to reach the nerve.
- A Dull, Persistent Ache: A constant, dull ache around the crowned tooth might suggest underlying decay or an infection in the tooth’s root.
Pain is your body’s way of telling you to seek help, so have these signs checked by our dentist for a potential dental crown replacement.
3. A Receding Gum Line or Changes in Fit
A well-fitted crown should sit snugly at the gum line, creating a seamless transition. If you notice a change in how your gums look around the crown, it may be time for a dental crown replacement.
What to Look For
- A Dark Line at the Gums: A visible dark line where the crown meets the gum is a common sign of a receding gum line. This line is often the metal base of an older porcelain-fused-to-metal crown becoming exposed.
- Gums Pulling Away: If your gums are receding, a gap can form between the edge of the crown and the gum tissue. This gap is a perfect trap for food particles and bacteria, which can lead to decay in the tooth root.
- The Crown Feels Loose: Your crown should feel stable. Any wiggling or movement is a definite sign that the dental cement has failed or that the underlying tooth structure has changed.
A poor fit not only compromises the tooth but can also impact the health of your surrounding gums.
4. Damage to the Crown
Accidents happen. A hard fall, biting down on something unexpectedly hard like a nut shell or ice, or a sports injury can cause significant damage to a dental crown.
Obvious Signs of Damage
- A Large Chip or Fracture: Unlike minor wear, a significant chip can create sharp edges that irritate your tongue or cheek. It also weakens the overall structure of the crown.
- A Cracked Crown: A visible crack running through the crown is a serious issue. It creates a pathway for bacteria to enter and infect the tooth underneath, leading to decay and a potential need for a root canal.
- The Crown Falls Out: If your crown comes off completely, it’s a dental emergency. The underlying tooth is vulnerable and exposed.
If you damage your crown, try to save any pieces that have broken off and contact the team at Clover Park Dental immediately. Do not attempt to re-glue it yourself, as this can cause further damage.
5. Your Crown Is Over a Decade Old
Your crown may seem functionally sound, but if it’s been over a decade, it might be time to check it out. How long crowns last depends on the material and your habits, but the upper limit is typically about 15 years. If your crown is getting on in years, our team can check it out to see if it’s about time for a replacement.
Signs of an Older Crown
- Discolouration: The crown may no longer match the colour of your adjacent teeth, which may have changed colour over time.
- Unnatural Appearance: Older crowns, particularly those with a metal base, can look opaque and lack the natural translucency of a real tooth.
If your crown is still working well, we won’t perform a dental crown replacement. At our office, we prioritize your comfort with conservative methods. In other words, if it isn’t broken, we won’t fix it! However, we do monitor your health to get ahead of issues before they start. It’s a balance we’ll work on together with you.
What to Do If You Notice These Signs
If any of these five signs sound familiar, the next step is simple: schedule a consultation with our dentist in Surrey. At Clover Park Dental, we can perform a thorough exam to check the condition of your crown and the health of the underlying tooth. We will discuss our findings with you and recommend the best course of action.
Ask Your Surrey Dentist About a Dental Crown Replacement
A dental crown is a long-term investment in your oral health. Taking care of it (and knowing when it’s time for a replacement) is part of monitoring that investment.
If you’re experiencing any issues with your crown or simply want to ensure your dental work is in top condition, we are here to help. Book a visit to Clover Park Dental in Surrey, BC, today. Our friendly team is ready to provide you with experienced care and peace of mind.
