When to Have Your Dental Crown Replaced

Dental crowns are an effective way to restore your smile when you have damaged or discolored teeth. While crowns can last for years with routine dental care, there may come a time when your crown should be replaced so your smile continues to look great.

At Park Dental NYC, we offer customized dental crowns that look just like your natural teeth. Pat Ng-A-Fook, DDS, Yookyung Park, DDS, and our team also provide emergency dentistry services to repair damaged crowns and preserve your overall oral health.

If you’ve had dental crowns for some time, we’ll ensure they remain in good condition during your routine dental exam. It’s also important to recognize when it’s time to have your crown replaced.

5 warning signs that you need a new dental crown

Dental crowns are made of durable materials like ceramic and porcelain that can withstand years of chewing. A crown fits over your natural tooth like a cap to protect it from further damage and hide visible discoloration.

However, crowns can break down over time or become damaged by facial trauma or nighttime teeth grinding.

Our team offers the following five warning signs that your crown should be replaced so you get the treatment you need before dental complications arise.

1. You have dental pain

If a crown moves out of place or becomes damaged, you’ll likely experience pain in the area of the crown, especially when biting down on the affected tooth.

Your gum may also become noticeably swollen, making it difficult to chew your food or tolerate cold or hot beverages.

2. Your bite is uncomfortable

Once a crown is fitted in place, your bite should feel comfortable. However, if you feel like your bite is off when you close your mouth, you may need a dental crown replacement.

An uncomfortable bite might be an indication that the tooth under the crown is decaying or that the bond holding the crown in place is deteriorating.

3. Your crown has visible damage

Trauma to your mouth can lead to cracks and chips in your crown. Your crown can also be damaged by habits like chewing on hard foods or ice, biting your nails, or clenching your teeth.

In between dental visits, be sure to check for visible signs of damage to your crown and schedule an appointment with our team immediately if you see any.

4. Your crown isn’t looking great

Dental crowns can lose their luster over time and look different than other tooth restorations.

If your crown is no longer aesthetically pleasing, our team can replace it and ensure it matches the color of your other teeth and any other dental restorations.

5. Your crown is too old

Often, crowns can last up to 15 years with good oral hygiene and regular dental care. However, many factors play a role in how long your dental crown will last, including the materials used to make the crown.

Our providers may recommend replacing an old crown even before you have problems, ensuring it adequately protects your natural tooth.

Call Park Dental NYC in Manhattan, New York, today to discuss your options for crown replacements. You can also book an appointment online.