When Do Dental Crowns Need Replacement?

Dental crowns can restore damaged teeth or address esthetic issues, improving both the health and appearance of the smile. 

While dental crowns are a long term solution to many dental health problems, they may need to be replaced at some point. At Boston Prosthodontics Dental Group, our team of dentists offer dental crown replacement to patients in Boston, MA, and surrounding areas. 

So when do dental crowns need to be replaced? Find out as we take a closer look at dental crown replacement. 

Dental Crown Lifespan

Dental crowns have a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years but with proper care and maintenance they can last even longer. Replacing crowns at the first signs of damage or other issues is important not just for esthetics but also for oral health. 

Knowing when to seek dental crown replacement is essential for protecting the underlying teeth and preserving your smile. The following are some of the most common reasons dental crowns may need to be replaced. 

Decay Beneath the Crown

Although dental crowns offer protection to damaged teeth, it is possible for teeth treated with dental crowns to develop decay. Generally, when decay occurs in teeth treated with dental crowns, it develops at or below the gumline and often as a result of gum recession. 

Decay that begins at the gumline, where the dental crown ends and the natural tooth is exposed, can make its way under the crown itself. If this happens, the crown will need to be removed and replaced in order to treat the decay. 

Damaged Crown

Dental crowns are very durable but they can chip or break over time, especially with poor care and maintenance. 

A broken dental crown leaves the underlying tooth vulnerable to decay and further damage. Broken dental crowns should be replaced as soon as possible 

Loose Dental Crown

Some dental crowns may become loose over time. Loose crowns can allow plaque, bacteria, and food remnants to reach the underlying tooth, increasing the risk of decay. 

A loose crown may also come completely off of the tooth and leave it vulnerable to further damage and decay. Replacing loose crowns is important to protecting dental health. 

Aesthetics

In some cases, there may be nothing wrong with a dental crown but it may be replaced due to esthetics. 

Dental crowns are usually made of tooth-colored porcelain but may also be made of metals, such as gold. Dental crown patients may decide they no longer like the appearance of their metal crowns or their porcelain crowns may no longer match the color of the surrounding teeth. Replacing an old dental crown with a new dental crown can resolve these problems.  

Prolonging the Life of Dental Crowns

With proper care and maintenance, our Boston patients’ dental crowns can last well over a decade. Fortunately, caring for dental crowns is much like caring for your natural teeth. You can help prolong the life of your dental crowns by:

• Brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day, paying close attention to the gumline around your dental crown
• Avoiding biting on hard, non-food objects as these can chip or break dental crowns
• Seeking treatment at the first sign of crown damage

Is It Time for Your Dental Crown to Be Replaced? 

If you’ve noticed issues with your dental crown, it may be time for replacement. To schedule a consultation, call our Boston practice at (617) 582-2479.