Dental crowns are recommended by dentists to repair cracked, broken, or decayed teeth. While you can take precautions to extend the lifespan of your crown, they’re not designed to last forever. The average crown lasts about 10 years with proper care.
You may want to explore replacing a crown when yours has reached the end of its life. Perhaps you encountered a problem that made it deteriorate earlier than normal. Whatever the reason is, there are a few things to keep in mind before you schedule your crown replacement appointment.
This blog will talk about the top seven things to know about dental crown replacement. Know the signs of when you need to have a new crown put in and what the process entails.
1. When Crown Replacement Is Necessary
Unless you’ve received an oral injury or obvious dental trauma, it can be challenging to know when you need to replace your crown. Some signs are obvious, but it’s best practice to keep an eye on how your crown feels and looks. A few things that might signify that you need to have your crown looked at by a dentist include:
- Your crown fell out
- It’s over 10 years old
- Your gums are receding around the tooth with a crown
- Your bite seems abnormal or uneven
- The crowned tooth is inflamed, swollen, or painful
Dental crowns are intended to protect the vulnerable and damaged tooth they’re covering. If they can no longer perform their job, it’s time to switch them out. Leaving a damaged crown in your mouth can put you at risk for different oral complications.
2. The Crown Replacement Process
Replacing a dental crown is a similar process to the original procedure. The main difference is the old crown gets removed before the new one is placed.
The affected tooth also needs to be prepared after the crown is removed. This can include:
- Removing decay
- Rebuilding the tooth underneath
- Root canal work
Your dentist will take a digital scan or impression of your teeth, including your opposite jaw and how your bite looks. A temporary or provisional crown will be fitted in the interim. Your dental office will create a new crown based on that information.
3. Recovery and Aftercare After a Crown Replacement
You’ll have to go through a brief recovery process after having your crown replaced. These steps are similar to what you may have experienced when you had your first crown placed. Some of these dental health tips include:
- Avoiding sticky and hard foods
- Brushing and flossing daily
- Not chewing your fingernails or gum
- Not smoking for at least 48 hours
Your gums might be tender or sore after the placement of your temporary and permanent crowns. Follow all the aftercare instructions you receive from your dental office.
4. Different Types of Dental Crowns
One thing you may want to consider before having your crown replaced is switching out the material it’s made of. Permanent crowns can be made from various materials, such as:
- Stainless steel
- Metal
- Ceramic
- Resin
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal
There are pros and cons to each type of material. Many older crowns were made from metal. The main downside of this type of crown is the color. The crown can be silver or gold.
Many people opt to replace their old crowns with materials that replicate their tooth’s color. This creates a more natural and aesthetically pleasing smile.
5. Maintenance and Longevity of the New Crown
As we’ve mentioned before, crowns are intended to last around a decade. There are a few dental health tips you can employ to increase their lifespan.
Proper Oral Hygiene
You should brush your teeth twice a day, paying special attention to where your gum meets the new crown. We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to prevent the crown material from wearing down.
Go to the Dentist Regularly
Regular dental check-ups are key to extending your crown’s life. Your dentist will look at your crown to see if it’s beginning to deteriorate. You should go to the dentist every six months to ensure the crown stays free from plaque.
Use a Night Guard
A night guard can protect your teeth from excessive wear and tear while you’re sleeping. These tools are especially helpful if you’re a teeth clencher or grinder. Not only will it protect your teeth, but it’ll save your crown from wearing down faster.
6. Cost of Crown Replacement
You can expect to pay around the same cost for your crown replacement as you did for the initial procedure. It may be slightly more expensive due to the additional work of removing the crown. Your insurance may be able to cover some of the cost.
Some of the factors that determine how much you pay include:
- Geographic location
- Material used
- Dental insurance coverage
7. Potential Problems and Risks With Crown Replacement
Not all crown problems involve damage or pain. Sometimes it can be hard for a dentist to color-match a crown to the rest of your teeth. The crown may look the same as the other teeth when it’s placed but change color over time.
While porcelain crowns are designed to resist stains, they can sometimes become discolored. Your natural teeth may have changed color due to various stains while your crown stayed the same. Professional whitening may help restore your smile, but you might need to replace your crown entirely to remedy the issue.
Like with any crown placement, your dentist may need to tweak your crown replacement for it to fit properly. The initial impression may not have taken a perfect form of the affected tooth, resulting in a faulty crown. Your dentist can easily adjust the crown to ensure it fits properly.
Improve Your Oral Health by Replacing a Crown
One of the best ways to know if you should explore replacing a crown is by scheduling routine dental visits. Your dentist will be able to identify signs that your crown is starting to deteriorate. They can catch issues before they become a major concern.
Dental experts at SkyRidge Dental are here to provide you with crown repair tips. We offer many dental procedures, such as dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and crown replacements. Reach out to our office to schedule a consultation to discuss your options.
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