With proper care, dental crowns in Trumbull have the potential to last for many years. Unfortunately, however, they do reach the end of their lifespan sooner or later. How can you tell when it is time to replace an existing crown? If you notice any of the following signs, it would be wise to schedule an appointment with your dentist so they can assess your restoration and possibly start the process of providing you with a brand new one.
Your Are Having Problems with Your Gums
There are a few ways in which a problem with a crown might affect the gums:
- Recession. Diligent oral hygiene can do much to prevent bacteria from accumulating along the gumline near a crown. However, if the bacteria do manage to gain a foothold, possibly because the crown has shifted or was improperly placed, they can damage the gums, causing them to recede. Gum recession can be difficult to notice at first, so you should be on the lookout for signs of it, which can include an uneven gumline and a gap between the base of your crown and your gums.
- Food impaction. If you notice that food frequently gets caught along your gums near the base of your crown (or even on its chewing surface), you may need to get it replaced.
You Are in Pain
Pain when you bite down or swelling around a restoration might mean that your crown is damaged. It’s also possible that the crown was placed too high on the tooth, causing it to interfere with your occlusion (the way your teeth fit together when you bite down). Pain is also an indicator that bacteria have managed to attack the tooth beneath a crown. Really, any sort of pain associated with your crown indicates that you should get in touch with your dentist.
There Is Visible Damage to Your Crown
If you have an old porcelain crown, it may eventually become chipped or cracked, especially if you grind your teeth or are in the habit of eating a lot of hard foods. Metal crowns can also suffer wear and tear due to teeth grinding and other factors. If you notice that a crown looks misshapen or has visible dings, dents, or chips, you should certainly visit your dentist before the damage causes the crown to fail altogether.
You Want to Refresh Your Look
If you have a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, you might notice a dark line near your gums. For people with metal crowns, the dark, shiny appearance of their restoration might make them self-conscious. If either of those things are true of you, your dentist would be happy to help you replace those old crowns with 100% porcelain ones that flatter your smile.
Do Not Wait Until Your Crowns Fail
A failed dental crown is a dental emergency, which can be painful and frightening. To prevent yourself from facing such a situation, you should keep a careful eye on your restorations. Attending regular checkups with your dentist is also key because doing so will allow them to monitor your crowns and recommend replacement well before they fail.
Do you need to replace your old crowns? Your dentist is ready to help you!
Meet the Dentist
Dr. William J. Cappello is a general and restorative dentist in Trumbull. Throughout his accomplished career, he has honed his skills through advanced education at prestigious facilities, including the Spear Institute and the Dawson Academy. Porcelain crowns are among the many services that he offers. To learn more about Dr. Cappello and how he may be able to serve you, contact our team at 203-816-5545.