How Are Dental Crowns Replaced?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that can either restore a damaged tooth or replace a missing tooth. Dr. Bruce Wilderman works with the finest, medical-grade ceramics available when overseeing the fabrication of your dental crown.
At some point following your dental crown placement, your crown will need to be replaced. The dental crown replacement process is straightforward. In this blog post, we detail the reasons your crown may need to be replaced and what to expect. Our dental office serves patients in Philadelphia, PA, Doylestown, PA, and other areas of Bucks County.
How Long Will My Dental Crown Last?
Dental crowns are made from durable materials, but they will not last forever. The average lifespan of a dental crown is 10 to 15 years. Some patients may need to have their crown replaced sooner, and some individuals can retain their crown for over 15 years.
The lifespan of your crown will depend on where the crown is placed, how well it was placed, how well you maintain your crown, and other factors. One way to prolong the life of your dental crown is to maintain good oral hygiene habits, refrain from biting hard objects, and schedule regular dental visits for check-ups.
How Do I Know If My Dental Crown Needs Replacing?
Even with proper aftercare, it is possible for a dental bridge to become loose or dislodged. The bonding agent that holds your crown in place is incredibly strong, but it does degrade with time.
Common signs and reasons that your crown requires replacement include:
- Your dental crown appears dark and worn
- Your crown becomes chipped or cracked
- You experience discomfort or pain near your crown
- The gums near you crown are inflamed
- Your bite feels “off”
- Your crown is over 10 years old
- Dr. Wilderman says your crown needs replacement
How Are Dental Crowns Replaced?
If your crown has simply become loose or dislodged, Dr. Wilderman will evaluate how structurally sound the crown is. In some circumstances, a dislodged crown can be reattached. If your crown is worn or damaged, it will need to be removed and replaced.
Dental Crown Removal
Dr. Wilderman will use a special tool to gently dislodge the crown from the underlying tooth structure. In some cases, the crown may need to be cut into sections and removed. Once your crown is removed, Dr. Wilderman will look at the underlying tooth to see if it is healthy enough to receive a new crown.
If you have a dental crown placed over an implant, the crown will simply be removed and a replication will be fabricated and placed at a later appointment.
Dental Crown Fabrication
Any signs of tooth decay will be treated, images will be taken, and you will be fitted with a temporary crown. Our dental practice works with the finest dental labs to fabricate your custom crown. Your final prosthetic will match the color and luster of your natural teeth.
Placement of Your New Restoration
Once your new dental crown arrives, a final appointment will be set. Dr. Wilderman will ensure that the new crown is a perfect fit. Once you are completely satisfied with the look and feel of your crown, Dr. Wilderman will place it over your prepped tooth using a strong bonding cement.
Schedule Your Dental Crown Replacement Today
The process of replacing a dental crown is convenient and straightforward. Once your new crown is placed, you can enjoy the cosmetic benefits of a new crown. With proper aftercare, your new crown can last 10 or more years. To schedule your dental crown replacement, please contact our office online or call (215) 712-8345.
