A dental crown is a form of restorative dentistry that is used to protect a weak tooth. The strong shell, that is the crown, covers the compromised area and helps prevent future damage. Crowns are a great solution for prolonging the life of teeth that have been subject to breaking, wear, or developing a cavity. When taken care of properly these restorations have the potential to last many years.
However, there may come a time when you have to get your dental crown replaced. Some signs that the time has arrived may be fairly evident, while others are not. Regular dental check-ups will help ensure that your crown and the tooth underneath stay healthy and will help us spot conditions that you may not otherwise be aware of.
The signs and symptoms that may alert you to the possibility of needing a new crown include:
Sensitivity/Pain/Swelling
Symptoms of sensitivity and pain, as well as signs of swelling can be indications that there is a cavity, or even an abscess present.
To repair a cavity, the current crown will need to be taken off, the decay removed, and a new crown placed over the tooth.
If a tooth is abscessed, the old crown will need to be cut off to access the nerve of the tooth and perform a root canal. Once this is complete, you’ll need a new crown because the old one will no longer fit or be able to be saved.
Crown/Tooth Feel Loose
If you feel movement from your crown is could mean one of two things.
Crowns are cemented over teeth so the loose feeling that you’re experiencing could simply be that the seal between the tooth and crown has been broken. Sometimes the crown will even come off and can be easily recemented by our dentist in Phoenix.
A more difficult problem to deal with is when the feeling of something loose is the actual tooth. On rare occasions the natural tooth will break at or below the gumline. Unfortunately, when this is the case, your only option may be to get the tooth extracted.
Crown Is Damaged
Though crowns are very strong they can become damaged. If they break, chip, or wear down, then they should be replaced.
Gum Recession
Gum recession may not always be a problem when it comes to crowns. However, the lack of gum tissue present can expose the root of the tooth, leaving the area more vulnerable to bacteria. This puts you at a higher risk of developing decay.
Do You Suspect You Need A New Crown?
If you think the time has come for you to get your dental crown replaced, then seek the professional assistance of a highly regarded Phoenix dentist like Dr. Babak Behbahani of Central Valley Dentistry in Phoenix.
We can provide you with the proper diagnosis and treatment for your oral health needs. You can even take advantage of our advanced CEREC system that allows you to leave our office with a new, same-day permanent crown! Don’t hesitate to give our Phoenix dentist and his highly skilled team a call today!
