Ask the Dentist!
When Does A Crown Need Replacing?
Dental crowns, or “caps,” are most often done when there is not enough natural tooth left to allow for normal function without a chance the tooth may crack or fracture. It’s very likely if you're reading this you have at least one crown and think you’ll never have to do another. Many patients think a crown lasts forever. Unfortunately, that is not the case. It’s like I tell my patients, we don’t last forever so it’s incorrect to think fillings, crowns or even natural teeth will last forever. If you have a crown and live long enough, it will likely need to be replaced.
But how do we know when it’s time?
According to studies, a crown, on average, lasts 6-8 years. In my opinion, crowns should last much longer if done well and taken care of. Most patients think when a tooth is crowned it is never has to be done again. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Other than the age of the crown, there are other factors that determine when it’s time to replace a crown.
Obvious signs are cavities at the margin where the tooth and crown meet. Yes, teeth with crowns can still get cavities. So daily flossing, brushing and watching your diet is still important, even for teeth with crown. Gum recession can expose the margin where the tooth and crown meet. When this happens, the natural tooth will begin to wear from under the crown causing a gap to form between the tooth an edge of the crown. This allows bacteria to collect at the margin which can lead to cavities forming at the edge and under the crown. When recession occurs, it’s important to monitor the crown margin and replace the crown at the first sign of any open margin. Crowns are typically made from porcelain, which can fracture and break over time. When this occurs, it’s time to replace that crown. Regular dental checkups can identify any of these issues early and avoid bigger problems down the road.
Time for your dental checkup? Give us a call at 225-926-4203!
