7 Signs Your Dental Crown Needs Replacement: What to Watch For

Getting a new dental crown is a beneficial way to protect your natural tooth tissue and restore your smile. However, even the best dental crowns eventually need replacement, and getting the timing right is an important part of that process. 

When you entrust your dental care to the Beaches Dentistry team in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, you have access to a group of highly skilled dental specialists who can replace a dental crown with a brand new restoration. 

Here are some signs that your existing dental crown might be due for replacement.

#1: Receding gum line

Dental crowns cover all of the visible surfaces of your natural tooth. If you begin to see tooth tissue at your gum line, your gum tissue is likely receding. Your gums act as a barrier between the environment within your mouth and your bloodstream. 

When gums recede, there is a chance for bacteria to accumulate, leading to an infection. There’s also a risk that your natural tooth experiences decay along the gumline. A new crown covers your tooth tissue and reduces the risk of these negative outcomes. 

#2: You have visible chipping or cracking

While dental crowns are very durable, they are still susceptible to damage if undue pressure is applied, which often occurs from biting down on hard foods or non-food items. 

If you notice a chip or crack in your crown, be sure to come in for a replacement as soon as possible. Cracks and chips can allow bacteria to enter the crown and reach your natural tooth tissue, causing damage and increasing the risk of losing the tooth. 

#3: You experience new dental pain

As with many dental health issues, pain is often the first sign that your dental crown might need replacement. Pain can indicate an improperly placed or faulty crown. However, it can also be a sign of an infection. 

In most cases, a new crown can resolve dental pain. It may be necessary to remove a portion of your natural tooth tissue to clear any decay or treat the area to manage an infection before placing the new crown. 

#4: Your crown has been in place for 10 years or more

Today’s dental crowns last for 10-15 years. Once you reach the 10-year mark, it’s important to pay close attention to your crown to look for signs of damage or any other changes. 

These changes are another reason why professional dental exams are so important. Our team checks your crown along with the rest of your teeth during your dental exams and can let you know when replacement is needed. 

#5: You see a dark line near your gums

If you have a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, an area of darkness near the gum line is a sign that your gum tissue is receding, which is why you didn’t see the dark line when your crown was new. 

Replacing the crown eliminates the dark line and also protects any exposed tooth tissue. Today’s crown materials won’t cause dark lines, so you won’t need to worry about recurrence. 

#6: Your crown feels loose

As the years pass, the dental cement holding your crown in place can weaken or break down, which allows the crown to move against the underlying natural tooth tissue. 

If you feel your crown shifting or wiggling, you should visit us for a replacement. Those spaces created by lost adhesive create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive, and a serious tooth infection can develop. 

#7: Sudden onset of bad breath

If you’ve noticed a change in your breath or an unusual smell or taste, changes in your dental crown may be the cause of it. Bacteria can enter and rapidly multiply when a crown becomes loose or sustains damage. Food can also become trapped around the edges of a poorly-fitted crown. 

Both of these things can lead to bad odors. Replacing the crown gives you a fresh start and eliminates odors immediately. 

Having a new crown placed is fast and easy

If it’s been a while since you had your crown placed, you may be pleasantly surprised at the advancements in dental technology. Today’s crowns are more durable and aesthetically pleasing than those available even a decade ago. 

Getting a new crown is a simple process. In just a few office visits, you can have a beautiful and durable crown that lasts for many years. 

If you experience any of the changes outlined above, reach out to our team at Beaches Dentistry to schedule an office visit. Contact us online around the clock, or by phone during normal business hours.