Why Are My Teeth Losing Their Whiteness?
White teeth are a desirable trait, but time, food stains, and other factors add up to create tooth discoloration. Read on to learn why your teeth are losing their whiteness.
Do you have a dental crown? When you got it, did you marvel at the idea that you now had a tooth that was artificial but looked and felt just like one of your regular teeth? And even then, did you wonder if you would ever have to replace it?
While they are a beneficial option for many patients, dental crowns will still need to be replaced over time. In some cases, it’s a normal wear-and-tear problem, while in others, a specific injury or other issue may require you to get a new crown.
Here at Metairie Village Dentistry, located in Metairie, Louisiana, we understand the reasons you might be looking for a replacement crown. Our provider Dr. Lisa Wyatt is available to replace crowns so you can continue feeling as good about your tooth as you did when it was first placed.
Don’t get us wrong, dental crowns are built to last. You may have been recommended a dental crown for one of the problems listed below:
The treatment might have even been used for cosmetic reasons. For example, if you had a tooth that was misshapen or darker than the rest, a crown could have been your dentist’s solution for covering the offending tooth.
And while this might’ve treated the issue for a long time, dental crowns simply don’t last forever. They break down over time, and in most cases, will need to be replaced at some point. In fact, though some dental crowns may last as long as 15 or 20 years, it’s expected for them to last around five before problems begin to surface.
So now you understand that dental crowns often need to be replaced. But how do you know if yours is on its last legs? Here are some surefire ways to tell that it’s probably time to start planning for a crown replacement treatment.
Pardon the pun, but if your crown is getting long in the tooth, you might want to have it checked. After the five-year mark, you should start having our team check your crown twice a year — or with every regular appointment — to make sure things are still solid.
Pain is one of the best indicators that something is wrong. If you’re starting to feel pain — especially around the area of your crown — it’s probably time to have it replaced.
It’s not common for a metal crown to break, but a porcelain crown absolutely can. And since many people choose the latter option because it looks more like a regular tooth, damage to your crown is certainly a possibility.
If you think your crown has cracked or been damaged, whether over the years or because of a significant injury, make sure you visit our team immediately. A cracked or damaged crown can expose the fragile tooth underneath.
Sometimes, you won’t be sure why, but you’ll feel like something’s off. Ask yourself if your bite feels different than before, specifically where your crown is located. Also, check to see if your gums have receded around your crown. These are good signs that you need to have your crown replaced.
If it’s been a long time since you got your crown or something feels weird, it’s a safe bet that you need a replacement. We’d be more than happy to look at it in our Metairie, Louisiana, office. Just call 504-827-1910, or make an online appointment. We’re happy to help!
