Dental Crown Replacement: When It’s Time & Why
Some things in life work themselves out if given enough time. This is not true for a dental crown that’s old or in bad condition, however. Our Greater Fort Lauderdale, FL, dentists advise you to not drag your feet on replacement and make an appointment as soon as you’re able so we can give you a beautiful new restoration!
Here’s what you need to do if you have a plus some background on how long crowns last overall.
Dental Crown Longevity
No one wants to undergo a restorative procedure only to have what’s placed quickly deteriorate soon after. Fortunately, dental crowns can last many years if proper oral hygiene is practiced. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily 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 replacing a dental crown earlier than you expected 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. Our dentists can recommend you wear a night guard so you and your teeth don’t suffer from the side effects of bruxism.
Indications of a Worn or Weakened Crown
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.
Replacement is best 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
The Vital Role of Crown Replacement
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 damaged crown 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 , 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 at our Plantation, FL, dental office 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.
Give Our Office a Call Today
The dental crown process is nothing to fear! Our dentists serving Plantation and Greater Fort Lauderdale, FL, can walk you through all that needs to be accomplished so you’re briefed before we get started. Call Barr Dental Group today at
(954) 327-7400 to request an appointment.