When To Replace A Dental Crown

Posted on: 22 July 2018

Dental crowns are fairly durable; they can last as long as 15 years if well cared for. However, this doesn't mean they are indestructible, and there are issues that can force you to remove your crown prematurely. Here are some of those issues and why they may necessitate crown removal.

There Is a Tooth Decay Complication

There are cases where a crowned tooth experiences decay (on the tooth, the crown cant decay) and risks leading to a cavity beyond the edges of the crown. Such a condition may necessitate the removal of the crown so that the dentist can investigate the full extent of the decay. Not only that, but the fit of the crown may also be affected by the decay of the tooth under it, so this may also be another reason for removing a dental crown due to dental decay.

It Is Damaged

A damaged crown is one of the most obvious causes of crown removal. This makes sense because once the crown is damaged; it will no longer offer the services it was installed to offer in the first place. There are several things that can damage a dental crown and necessitate its removal. The most obvious one is physical trauma to the teeth, such as the one you might experience in case of a contact sports accident.

It Is Excessively Worn

In some cases, you may also have to remove a dental crown not because it is damaged, but because it is worn out and doesn't offer the protection it should. Your dental crown may wear out fast if:

  • You have bruxism (teeth grinding habit)
  • You have misaligned teeth that are causing more pressure/friction on one pair of teeth than others; this is likely to be a problem with multiple dental crowns
  • You regularly use your teeth as a tool, for example, by using your teeth to open beer bottles

The Crown Has Lost Its Appearance

Lastly, you may also have to remove your dental crown if it has lost its aesthetic appeal. A crown may lose its attractive appearance for several reasons; for example, gum recession may create some space between the crown and the teeth, creating an unnatural appearance. Another example is if the metal part of the porcelain-fused-to-metal crown is showing through.

Hopefully, your dental crown will last a long time, and you won't have to remove it prematurely. If damage occurs or any other problem arises, however, consult your dentist for an intervention as soon as possible. For more information, contact a dentist like William U Britton DDS MAGD.

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Dentistry for Kids

Anyone who provides a service specifically for the youngest among us knows that treating kids must be approached very differently from treating adults. Children are not like adult patients. They require a dental team that makes children feel safe and secure at every appointment. The pediatric dental staff also needs to understand how to work with parents as well as young patients. As a pediatric dental hygienist and a mom, I understand that specific needs of children when they are visiting the dentist. This blog will explain exactly what kids need from a dental staff and will give options for making the dental office a welcoming environment to children. We can give a whole new generation healthy smiles by making pediatric dentistry the best it can be.