Have you been spending prolonged minutes looking in the mirror, staring suspiciously at your dental crown? Or maybe you haven’t even thought about replacing your crown and are now starting to wonder when you should contact your dentist. The good news is that you don’t have to think about it too much – many of the signs of imminent crown failure are not very subtle. Keep reading so you’ll know five of them.
Your Gumline is Running Away
It’s not normal for your teeth to appear longer or for your gums to recede for seemingly no reason. Gum disease is certainly one possible explanation for gums that are M.I.A. However, it’s also possible your crown simply needs an adjustment or to be swapped out with a new one.
If you don’t have an oral hygiene routine already, you should definitely maintain one with a dental crown. Your crown might attract more bacteria than your natural teeth, making it even more important to keep up with dental maintenance. And if you have the best brushing skills in the world, don’t fall prey to denial. Gum disease occurs for many reasons, one of which is genetics. Always call your dentist if your gums are abnormal.
Your Bite Feels Funky
Your dental crown will definitely need a substitute if your mouth feels strange at rest or when you eat. An uneven oral alignment indicates that for one reason or another, your crown is literally bent out of shape.
There’s Some Dental Discomfort in Your Mouth
You should be on the lookout not only for receding gums but inflamed gums, toothaches, swelling, and overly sensitive teeth. A crown that doesn’t fit quite right or is damaged leaves part of your natural tooth exposed, hence your discomfort. If your pain is severe, call your emergency dentist to see if you need a same-day appointment.
You Notice Wear, Tear, or Damage
Is your crown looking a little worse for wear? Are you seeing chips or cracks on its surface? Even if all you notice is some unsightly discoloration, it’s probably best to give it an honorable discharge and let a new dental crown take over.
Your Dental Crown is Approaching Its Retirement Age
Dental crowns are generally crafted with quality, durable materials. However, most substances will break down after so many years of constant impact. Your teeth certainly go through a lot, and so does your crown. Depending on where they’re located and how well they’ve been cared for, dental crowns can last anywhere between 5 – 15 years.
With such a large range, it’s essential that you don’t miss your biannual dental checkups and cleanings. Your professionally trained dentist can help you monitor your crown during routine visits. They’ll be able to swoop in with a replacement before your veteran crown causes issues!
About the Author
With his advanced training in dental restorations, Dr. Jonathan Cohen will fit you with a beautiful, efficient crown – and keep a sharp eye on it so it doesn’t create problems for your oral health. To contact the office about suspicious dental crown activity, call 904-230-2961 or visit his website for more information.