A dental crown is not meant to last forever, regardless of its material, location, or wear. If you have a crown, at some point it will need replacement. So how can you know when it’s time to replace a dental crown? Outside of accidental injury, a crown can last from five to 30 years, depending greatly upon the material from which it’s made (see list later in this post). Gold crowns generally last longer than porcelain crowns, for instance. Because your mouth and experiences are unique, no one can know when your crown will fail–but one of our Homewood dentists can evaluate the restoration and provide insight on its status, as well as treatment options.
For a comprehensive oral assessment and consultation with one of our compassionate, experienced dentists, call Signature Smile Arts in Homewood, IL, today at (708) 799-5353. We see patients of all ages in our beautifully appointed, technologically forward office. All PPO dental insurance plans are accepted, and we partner with five patient financing agencies to make dental care more budget-friendly. Best of all, we look forward to helping you enjoy great oral health, comfortable oral function, and a gorgeous, natural-looking smile for life!
Common Symptoms of a Failing Dental Crown
The American Dental Association reports that pain and sensitivity are some of the most common reasons a patient seeks help with an existing crown. Pain comes in all shapes and sizes, though, so what specific types of pain does a failing dental crown ignite?
- Consistent sensitivity to temperatures
- Pain upon biting or releasing the bite
- Intermittent, dull throbbing
- Gum soreness and bleeding around the crown
- Discomfort caused by the crown feeling too high, loose, or simply different than it formerly felt
- Food trapped in and around the crown may cause additional pain and irritation
Subtle Signs You Should Not Ignore
Oftentimes, we dismiss early pain signals until they become intense, disruptive, or constant. Perhaps with all the aches and pains of aging, you think oral discomfort is part of the natural process. Oral pain is not “normal aging.”
You may also experience jaw soreness, headaches, or a metallic or foul taste in your mouth if a crown is failing. Some patients notice cosmetic changes, particularly on crowns in the front of the smile (the “smile zone”). Any dental crown that feels different than it previously felt needs to be evaluated by one of our Homewood, IL, dentists.
Remember, a key truth in dentistry is “early detection means less invasive treatment.”
Why Dental Crowns Fail (Beyond Cracks and Accidents)
The conditions in the human mouth are brutal. Crushing forces, hundreds to thousands of bacteria, extreme temperature shifts–these make your mouth a battle ground. Existing in this environment over time causes dental cement to break down, so the bond between natural tooth structure and the crown lessens. This allows bacteria to infiltrate beneath the crown, which can lead to hidden cavities. Therefore, we know that advancing age of a crown often factors into its failure.
Here’s the projected lifespan for dental crowns by material:
- Gold, 20-30 years
- Porcelain fused to metal (PFM), 10-15 years
- All ceramic/ All porcelain, 10-15 years
- Zirconia, 15-20 years
Another common cause of dental crown failure include gum recession exposing the crown margins, where the crown ends and tooth roots are exposed. Additionally, bite changes and resulting crown failure may occur due to shifting teeth, grinding and clenching (bruxism), and uneven wear patterns.
What to Do If You Suspect a Dental Crown Is Failing
Pain, swelling, red gums, discomfort–if you think one or more of your dental crowns may be failing, here’s what to do and what to expect:
- Schedule an appointment at our Homewood, IL, dental office by calling (708) 799-5353 today.
- The dentist will take x-rays and intraoral photos to reveal decay, cement failure, and other damage.
- Treatment may involve replacing the crown or re-cementing the crown, and treating any infection or other decay on the natural tooth structure.
The Bottom Line: No Pain. Great Health.
For cracks, chips, significant tooth decay, and other damage, dental crowns provide a reliable, long-lasting restoration. However, crowns have a lifespan and will inevitably fail. If you notice subtle or antagonizing symptoms, call us to schedule an appointment. If your pain is interrupting sleep, work, and daily activities, ask for an emergency appointment.
Call the compassionate team at Signature Smile Arts, your Homewood, IL, dentist, at (708) 799-5353. We will stop the pain and restore proper oral health and function, without sacrificing your gorgeous smile.