When Do Dental Crowns Need to be Replaced?

Dental crowns are built to last for 10 to 15 years, but ultimately, the lifetime of a crown is dependent on the wearer’s habits and oral hygiene. You should inspect your crown often, looking for the following signs that it should be replaced:

If it is more than 10 years old

Crowns can last a long time with proper care, but if you have a crown that is more than 10 years old it might need to be replaced. Even if it shows no visible signs of damage, you should have your dentist assess its condition to see if it needs replacing.

Pain or swelling

Sometimes pain or swelling can occur when a crown is broken, old, or placed improperly. Your crown should be replaced if you experience pain or swelling.

Wear and tear

A crown can undergo significant wear and tear if the wearer suffers from bruxism (teeth grinding). In these cases, a crown may only last less than five years and will need to be replaced more often.

Damage

Crowns that are made from porcelain or porcelain fused to metal are more susceptible to chips or cracks. Sometimes they can be repaired without the need to fully replace them. Ask your dentist if your damaged crown needs to be repaired or replaced.

Receding gum line

A receding gum line can be a sign of poor oral hygiene or that the crown was placed improperly. In either case, the crown should be replaced.

Feel free to call or stop by Ridge View Dental if you think your crown needs replacing. We would be happy to help you!