Do I Need New Dental Crowns? Common Signs Patients Should Consider

Dental crowns are a wonderfully versatile way to repair and protect your smile. Though they’re made of durable materials, you will eventually need to replace crowns. Whether your crown was never properly designed or it’s simply at the end of its lifespan, we can help.

In this article, we’ll cover some common signs that your dental crown needs to be replaced. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to visit us at Wyse Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Bloomington, IN.

Pain or Discomfort

Crown materials like porcelain are not susceptible to decay but the underlying tooth structure is. If you have new sensitivity to heat or cold or a toothache, these could be signs you’ve developed a cavity or root canal infection. Your crown may have become compromised, exposing the underlying tooth to potentially harmful bacteria.

Noticeable Chips or Cracks

Just like our teeth, dental restorations can become chipped or cracked. Some common causes include:

• Teeth grinding
• Chewing ice
• Using your teeth as tools
• Eating hard foods like nuts

If you notice any chip or crack–no matter how small–it’s time to visit our Bloomington office.

Loose Fit

Crowns should look and feel virtually the same as your natural teeth. If you can wiggle or move your crown at all, it needs to be looked at. In some cases, we can simply re-cement it in place.

Change in the Comfort of Your Bite

One of the most important functions of a crown is to ensure your teeth fit together correctly when you bite down. If this changes, it can have a cascade of effects. You might find yourself favoring one side while you chew, only eating certain foods, and starting to experience the symptoms of TMJ disorder. Reach out to us as soon as you can if you notice changes to your bite. 

Gum Recession Around the Crown

Custom crowns are precisely designed to complement your unique smile, including your gumline. Gum recession typically develops due to gum disease. First, we’ll treat the root cause of the issue. We’ll also reassess whether your crown is still providing adequate coverage to the tooth and its roots. 

Discoloration of the Crown

Modern dental crowns are made of stain-resistant materials. Some older restorations, however, are what we call porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. Over time, the metal lining can become more prominent and impact the aesthetics of your smile. We can replace your discolored crown with a bright, tooth-colored restoration. You might also consider teeth whitening at this time to enhance your entire smile!

We Can Treat Dental Emergencies

Many of these scenarios we’ve described qualify as a dental emergency. We know you might be anxious and we’re available to meet with you as soon as we can. 

Schedule an Appointment

At Wyse Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Bloomington, IN, we pride ourselves on offering an exceptional standard of care. With advanced tools like digital X-rays and an iTero® digital scanner, we can repair your smile precisely and comfortably. Contact us today to learn more about whether you need a new dental crown.