What Happens If You Don't Replace a Damaged Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are made to be strong and long-lasting, but like any dental restoration, they can become damaged over time. Whether your crown is chipped, cracked, loose, or simply worn down, putting off a replacement could put your tooth and oral health at risk. Keeping a broken crown too long can lead to pain, infection, abscess, difficulty eating, and other complications.

At Advanced Smiles in Frisco, TX, Dr. Ernest De Paoli helps patients restore and protect their smiles with high-quality dental crowns and custom treatment plans. If you think your crown might need to be replaced, don't wait. Below, you'll find more information about what can happen if you leave a damaged crown untreated.

Do dental crowns need to be replaced?

Dental crowns serve as protective caps for teeth that are weak, worn down, or have undergone significant restoration. Over time, normal wear and tear or an unexpected dental injury can compromise the integrity of your crown. If the damage is minor, a simple dental crown repair may be possible. But in many cases, a replacement dental crown is the better option to prevent further issues from developing. While each case is unique, Dr. De Paoli generally may recommend crown replacement when the existing crown is:

• Visibly cracked or chipped
• Causing pain or sensitivity
• Feeling loose or falling off
• Looking worn down from years of use

Replacing a damaged crown helps protect the natural tooth structure underneath and reduces the risk of future dental problems caused by an old crown or damaged restoration, including the potential for decay under the crown, an infection or abscess, and the eventual need for a root canal or even tooth extraction.

What causes dark spots on dental crowns?

Noticing a dark spot or discolored areas on your restorations can also be one of the signs that it's time to replace a dental crown. Some of the most common causes of dull or dark spots on crowns include:

• Staining from coffee, tea, red wine, and other foods and beverages
• Poorly fitting crown
• Bacteria, debris, or decay under a crown
• Infection near or under the crown

If you notice dark spots on or around your dental crown, or if you have other concerns like a loose-fitting crown, pain, or increased tooth sensitivity, don't hesitate to call our office to schedule a consultation and exam to learn whether you may need a replacement crown or another treatment to restore your comfort and health.

How long should a dental crown last?

With proper care, a dental crown can last for many years, often up to 10. – 15 years or longer. However, factors like oral hygiene, biting habits, and the material used for your crown play a role in how long it can remain intact. To maximize the lifespan of your dental crown, follow these dental crown care tips:

• Brush and floss daily
• Avoid biting on hard foods or objects
• Schedule regular dental checkups
• Let us know if your crown feels loose or uncomfortable

Your choice of a Frisco, TX dentist also matters. At Advanced Smiles, we are proud to offer long-lasting dental crowns made from durable, natural-looking materials to help protect your smile for years to come.

Protect your smile for longer with quality dental crowns in Frisco, TX

A damaged or aging dental crown should not be ignored. Dr. Ernest De Paoli and our team at Advanced Smiles in Frisco, TX are here to help you protect your oral health and restore your confidence with custom crown replacement solutions that feel and look natural. If you think your crown may need to be replaced, contact us today to schedule an evaluation and learn more.