A dental crown provides a quick and affordable way to repair a damaged or decaying tooth. Once placed, the crown restores the tooth to its original shape and size, letting you bite and chew confidently.
While most crowns last 10-15 years, they can fail or wear down sooner, especially if you play contact sports, grind your teeth, or suffer trauma to the mouth. But how do you know if a crown needs to be replaced?
At Willow Glen Dental Center in San Jose, California, our experienced team often replaces failing dental crowns. Here are some common warning signs and what to do if you experience any of them.
Knowing whether a dental crown is failing can be challenging, but there are some telltale signs to watch for. These include:
Crowns cover your entire tooth, preventing food and bacteria from reaching the roots and pulp. However, as the material wears down, sensitive parts of the tooth can become exposed, increasing the risk of discomfort.
If hot or cold foods make a crowned tooth feel sensitive, or if biting down causes pain, it’s a good idea to get it checked out.
Sometimes, identifying a failing crown requires no guesswork. For example, if you look in the mirror and see the crown is chipped, cracked, or showing visible signs of wear—like flattened areas, rough edges, or discoloration—it’s likely time to have it replaced. Left untreated, this damage can affect your bite and expose the tooth underneath, increasing the risk of further complications.
In some cases, a failing crown may not show visible damage but still cause noticeable symptoms. For instance, if you notice your crown moving or shifting when you eat or speak, it may be because the cement holding it in place has worn away. Like visible damage, a loose crown can affect your bite and increase the risk of other problems, such as cavities and periodontal disease.
Loose or damaged crowns don’t provide an effective seal against food particles and bacteria. When this happens, plaque and bacteria can accumulate underneath the crown, leading to bad breath or a lingering unpleasant taste. Because you can’t clean beneath a crown with a toothbrush or dental floss, the smell tends to worsen over time. In most cases, replacing the crown is the only way to resolve the issue.
If you notice any of these signs, contact us as soon as possible to schedule a checkup. Early diagnosis can prevent the issue from worsening and may even save your tooth. In more advanced cases, a damaged crown can lead to difficult treatment decisions, such as extraction.
If your crown is new, take good care of it. Brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing regularly, and visiting our office every six months for a professional cleaning can help keep your smile healthy and extend the life of your crown.
Monitoring the health of your dental crowns is just as important as assessing the health of your teeth and gums. If you’re worried that one of your crowns is failing, we can help.
To get started, contact Willow Glen Dental Center today. Call the office or send us a message.
