Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley CA
Restorative dentistry has come a long way in recent decades, providing patients with natural-looking results that function well, and that blend in with their smile. But, even some of the best-made restorations won’t last forever. If you have a crown that is more than a decade old, it may be time for a new one. Scotts Valley dentists Drs. Max Ebrahimian and Ariana Ebrahimian want to share with you ways that you can tell if it’s time for a new dental crown.
Your tooth becomes sensitive
Teeth shouldn’t hurt, and if they do, that signals an issue. If your crowned tooth has not had a root canal, meaning its nerves and pulp removed, then your tooth still has feeling to it when you experience drastic temperature changes and such. But, if you start to feel a pain in your tooth when you eat something cold or hot, then you should get your tooth checked by the dentist because it might be time for a new crown.
What happens over time is that the crown can lose its seal, and begin leaking. And sometimes, a tooth will develop cavities along the edge of the crown, usually due to poor oral hygiene. This especially is the case for patients who do not take good care of their teeth and floss regularly. Your saliva and bacteria from your mouth find their way under your dental crown and begin causing tooth decay. If this is the case for you, and you’re already experiencing tooth pain, whether intermittent or constant, you don’t want to ignore it. It’s possible that the crown can be taken off, the decay removed, and a new crown fabricated to fit your tooth. However, ignoring the problem will result in extensive decay that possibly takes over your entire tooth, and you could wind up losing the tooth altogether.
Why checkups are important
During routine dental checkups, your dentist checks all of your restorations for any damage and leaks, to ensure a tight seal. Usually, things like this can be identified during your routine checkups, which is why you shouldn’t skip those six-month cleaning appointments. While an old crown could end up having an issue even between checkups, these appointments still help in reducing the likelihood that you will need emergency dental care for a new crown.
What to do if your crown comes off
If your dental crown ever pops off, which can happen with older crowns or crowns that need replacing, don’t put it back over your tooth because you could risk swallowing it or fracturing it if you were to bite down on it. The best thing to do is to contact our office to come in and have your tooth assessed. While it is possible sometimes to reset the original crown, that isn’t always the case. Your dentist will determine if he or she can reuse your old crown during your appointment. If not, a new one should be made to protect your tooth.
How long should I expect my dental crown to last?
There really isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer for this because it depends on a variety of factors. But, you should expect to get at least 10 years, possibly longer, out of a dental crown. Be sure to brush and floss daily, and don’t skip those six-month cleaning appointments to maintain your oral health and the longevity of your dental restorations.
Get a new dental crown in Los Gatos
If you would like to learn more about dental crowns or to schedule an appointment, please contact Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry by calling (831) 438-4411 to schedule a consultation. We serve the Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, and Los Gatos communities.