When something is past its prime or not functioning like it once was, the wise decision is to phase it out and upgrade. This is especially true when the item in need of replacing is a dental crown. Our Southgate, MI, dentists advise against holding onto a crown that is no longer giving you protection your tooth deserves.

Here are a few key signs of a worn dental crown and how long they last in general.

Average “Expiration Date” for Crowns

No one wants to undergo a restorative procedure only to have what’s placed quickly deteriorate soon after. Fortunately, dental crowns can last for up to 15 years, or sometimes longer, if proper oral hygiene is practiced. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily will keep plaque from building up and causing damage to your crown(s).

The lifespan of a crown is also dependent on an individual’s diet and whether there is excessive grinding or clenching of teeth. When you consume hard or acidic foods and beverages, you risk either breaking or corroding the crown. Avoid early replacement by watching what you eat and sip on throughout the day.

Much like the types of foods eaten, if you have a history of bruxism, it will affect how long your crown lasts. Regular grinding or clenching at night will lead to the crown becoming worn faster than it would if the habit didn’t exist. Our dentists can provide you with a custom-made night guard so you and your teeth don’t suffer from the effects of bruxism.

Watch Out for These Signs of Wear

Unless you recently experienced obvious dental trauma or injury, it can be difficult to tell when your crown is on the way out. Some signs are more apparent than others, so it’s wise to keep an eye on how your crown looks and feels. If anything feels off, let our dentists know so the issue can be dealt with promptly.

Seriously consider replacing your crown if your:

• Gums are receding around the tooth that has a crown
• Crown is over 10 years old or fell out
• Bite seems uneven or abnormal
• Crowned tooth or surrounding area is painful, swollen, or inflamed

Why Swapping Out Crowns Is Important

Dental crowns are meant to protect the vulnerable tooth they’re covering. If they can no longer fulfill that purpose, it’s time to have the crown swapped out. Leaving a damaged crown in place or one surrounded by infection can put you at risk for unwanted oral complications and more intensive dental work.

For example, if you develop a cavity underneath a crown, our dentists will need to remove the crown to fill it or the decay will spread deeper into the tooth. Moreover, neglecting the issue further can lead to root canal treatment being required. Having a crown replaced is much more straightforward, comparatively.

Whether your crown became cracked after munching on candy or you had it placed many years ago, don’t put off necessary treatment or you may face larger consequences down the road.

Make an Appointment

Come see our dentists serving Southgate and Greater Detroit, MI, if you have a crown that has seen better days. We’ll closely examine the old, infected, or damaged restoration and perform any necessary treatment before placing a brand new crown. Call Northline Dental today at (734) 284-8088 to request an appointment.