Our capable staff at Dental Associates of West Michigan has plenty of experience restoring teeth that are damaged or broken. One of the tools we use to do this is the dental crown. Dental crowns are designed to look and act like natural teeth and to last for long periods of time. The mouth is an active place, however, and sometimes crowns need to be replaced. For patients who wonder what are the signs that it’s time for a crown replacement, we’ve written this blog.
The good news is that it’s possible that day may never come. Many dental crowns last for the lifetime of the patient. The days of ubiquitous dentures are over. With regular, thorough oral hygiene, people can keep their teeth and their crowns well into old age. At your regular dental cleanings, it’s the job of both the hygienist and the dentist to examine the condition of both teeth and dental hardware, including crowns. What are the signs a crown needs to be replaced?
You Need a Crown Replacement If There Is:
Receding gum tissue with a dark margin forming along the gum line around the crown
Excessive occlusal wear on the crown
A crack in the crown
Decay of the tooth under the crown
Infected gum tissue at the base of the crown
A loose crown
A broken crown
While crowns are useful and hardy, they are not, unfortunately, as tough as whole, healthy teeth. Plaque tends to form more around crowns than it does around teeth. This is why gum tissue is more at risk around a crown. The crown itself will not decay from the plaque, but if the gum tissue becomes compromised, the pulp of the underlying tooth becomes vulnerable. You may feel pain because of this. Decay can also lead to loosening of the crown. Because of these risks, you should make sure to maintain your own dental hygiene and also your regular visits to the dentist.
Another crown hazard is teeth grinding. If your upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly, your crowns are more likely to experience wear. If you grind your teeth at night, your crowns are more likely to become loose or crack and need replacement.
Don’t Delay on Crown Replacement
If you do need to have a crown replaced, you shouldn’t worry that it will be painful or difficult. Our dental staff will remove the old crown, address any underlying dental issues, and replace it with a new crown. You will be back to eating and chewing in no time! If you have any questions about the condition of your crowns or your teeth, don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Conlon or Dr. Vincelj during your next dental visit. We will be glad to answer any questions and talk with you about your options. If you have a crown that loosens or breaks, please call to make an appointment to have it replaced right away. The underlying tooth structure is more fragile than a whole, healthy tooth, so don’t delay in having your crown replaced.
Here’s how to do it:
Head to your Members Page
Search for the member you want to make a writer
Click on the member’s profile
Click the 3 dot icon ( ⠇) next to the Follow button
Select Set as Writer.
Comments