You may have had a dental crown fitted in the past but what you may not know is whatever material they are made from, be it porcelain or gold, they don’t last forever.  The Same Day Teeth Suite explains why your crowns might need replacing and what happens when you need a new crown.

There are a variety of reasons a crown might need to be replaced including:

  1. Damage – Cracked or broken crowns

    Crowns are made of porcelain or ceramic or porcelain fused to metal or gold, known as PFM, for added strength.  However, they can crack or break, especially when trauma is involved. If you have had a fall, bitten on a hard toffee or have been injured in contact sports, you can damage your crown.

  2. Excessive Wear – Formation of a hole or wear to the opposing teeth

    As with most things, over time crowns start to age and deteriorate.  A hole might start to appear in a gold or metal crown, and wear can be seen on opposing teeth, with PFM crowns, especially if you are prone to grinding your teeth.

  3. Complications With Tooth Decay

    The margins, the join between the crown and the tooth underneath, can start to leak, causing decay. All types of crowns are equally at risk. Regular check up’s with your dentist will make sure you spot any indications of decay early on.

  4. Deterioration Of Cosmetic Appearance

    Over time, gums shrink and as they shrink back they leave the margins exposed, often displaying unsightly margins. The porcelain on white crowns can also change texture or pick up stains over time. This is more noticeable with any front porcelain crowns but especially with PFM’s.

  5. Why Replace A Crown

    Whether you have damaged your crown, it is wearing out, you have signs of tooth decay or your crown is beginning to look unsightly, it is a good indication you should have your crown replaced for functional, health and aesthetic reasons.

  6. Crown Replacement Procedure

    Crown replacement procedures can often be straightforward, especially if any problems are spotted early.  If you have broken, chipped or cracked your crown, or when leakage initially begins, don’t delay in making an appointment with your dentist.  As time progresses, the chances of leaking crowns causing further decay to the tooth underneath increases, making crown replacement a more complex procedure.

During the replacement process, the old crown is removed from the tooth, and the natural tooth underneath is exposed.  The natural tooth is made decay free and healthy.  The tooth may require a build-up to get it back to its original contour. Impressions and moulds are then made to allow for a construction of a new crown, which is then cemented or bonded in place in a conventional way.

The skilled technicians at our laboratory will make a replacement crown to match in shape and size to your existing teeth, giving you back your smile. The dentist will advise you on the best materials for your crown; porcelain, ceramic or porcelain fused to metal or gold, depending on the position of the tooth.

If you would like to know more about replacing your crown, contact us by leaving a comment and we will answer any further questions you may have.

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