The Complete Guide to Dental Crown Replacement: When and Why You Should Consider It

The journey to a brighter smile sometimes includes a variety of dental procedures, among which dental crown replacement stands out as a frequently explored treatment option. Many people find themselves pondering the question of when and why they should consider this particular treatment. This article offers a comprehensive guide that explores the intricacies of dental crown replacement, delves into the dental crown lifespan, and discusses potential dental crown issues, all while exploring viable dental crown alternatives.

Understanding the ins and outs of these dental procedures is key to making informed decisions and pivotal to maintaining your oral health. The information herein aims to help individuals navigate their dental health journey by illuminating common concerns, offering dental insights, and discussing dental crown alternatives while supporting each reader in making the appropriate choices for their unique needs.

Summary of the Content:

Dental crowns are a valuable tool in maintaining oral health and restoration, providing an effective treatment option for damaged teeth and aiding in both functional and aesthetic aspects.
Dental crown lifespan can range from 5 to 15 years, with factors such as the material used and oral hygiene practices playing a significant role.
It’s crucial to recognise potential dental crown issues early, including discomfort, change in fit, or visible damage, to avoid further complications.
Dental crown replacement becomes necessary when damage occurs, or the crown reaches the end of its lifespan. Oral health, personal habits, and crown material can influence this decision.
The dental crown replacement process is a dental procedure involving the removal of the old crown, tooth preparation, and fitting of the new crown, performed by skilled dental care professionals.
Costs for dental crown replacement can vary greatly, influenced by factors such as the chosen dental clinic, crown material, and complexity of the case. It’s always beneficial to consult the dental team for a more personalised cost estimate.
Dental crown alternatives include dental treatments such as dental fillings, veneers, inlays, and onlays. Each option has pros and cons, making consultation with the dental team crucial for informed decision-making.
Proper dental crown care, including maintenance of good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, can significantly extend their lifespan and contribute to overall dental health.

The Importance of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns play a significant role in enhancing oral health and restoring a natural, vibrant smile. They serve as a protective cover for a weak tooth that has experienced decay or damage or is discoloured. A crown acts as a cap, covering the entire tooth structure above the gum line, lending strength and improving the appearance of damaged or decayed teeth.

The advantages of dental crowns are extensive, and their importance lies in the following:

Preserving Tooth Structure:
Dental crowns safeguard the natural tooth, helping maintain its structure’s integrity. They offer a protective barrier against further decay or damage; in some cases, they might prevent necessary tooth extraction.
Restoring Functionality:
When a tooth is damaged, it can impede biting and chewing functions. Dental crowns restore the tooth to its original shape and size, allowing for normal oral function.
Improving Aesthetics:
Dental crowns, particularly porcelain and zirconia crowns, can enhance a person’s smile. They cover discoloured or misshapen teeth, offering a more appealing, youthful smile.
Accommodating Various Needs:
Dental crowns come in various materials, including metals, ceramics, porcelain, zirconia, and even gold crowns. The type of crown chosen can be customised according to a person’s specific condition and preference and even for cosmetic reasons.
Supporting Other Dental Procedures:
Dental crowns are integral to other dental procedures. They are essential for dental bridges and often replace missing teeth with dental implants.

Dental Crown Lifespan: What to Expect

Understanding the dental crown lifespan is an essential aspect of the treatment plan. Typically, dental crowns can last anywhere from 5-15 years. However, their longevity can vary significantly and is influenced by various factors. Some dental crowns, with proper care and regular dental visits, may last longer.

Several elements contribute to the lifespan of a dental crown, including:

Material Used:
The type of crown used can impact its durability. Porcelain, ceramic, and zirconia crowns are popular for their aesthetic appeal. Porcelain crowns are known to last between five and fifteen years, while zirconia crowns can last 10-15 years or more with proper care. In contrast, metal and gold crowns are noted for their strength and durability. Gold crowns, in particular, have been recognised for their longevity and can last for decades when well-maintained.
Oral Hygiene Practices:
Maintaining good oral health is crucial to prolonging the lifespan of a dental crown. Regular brushing and flossing and professional cleanings at your dental clinic help prevent bacteria build-up and tooth decay that could potentially harm the crown.
Diet and Lifestyle:
Habits such as teeth grinding or consuming hard or sticky foods can cause damage to dental crowns. Regular consumption of food and drinks that lead to discolouration may also affect the appearance of certain crowns over time.
Regular Dental Visits:
Regular check-ups with your dental team allow for early identification of potential dental crown issues. These visits are crucial for monitoring the condition of the crown and the underlying tooth structure.
Placement and Use:
Crowns placed on teeth that perform heavy biting or grinding may wear out sooner. The position of the crown in the mouth, the tooth’s preparation, and the fit’s accuracy are also factors that influence a dental crown’s lifespan.

Additionally, options like dental crown replacement should be discussed with dental care professionals in case of any issues.

Recognising Dental Crown Issues

Early recognition of dental crown issues can prevent further complications and preserve oral health. People with dental crowns should be aware of certain signs indicating a problem. These can include:

Discomfort or Pain:
Discomfort around a crowned tooth could indicate potential issues. It may be a reaction to temperature extremes or biting, indicating problems with the crown’s fit or a possible tooth decay under the crown.
A Loose or Dislodged Crown:
A dental crown that feels loose or falls out clearly indicates a problem. This could happen due to underlying tooth decay, weakening of the dental cement, or a poor initial fit.
Sensitivity:
Increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages around the area of the crown might be a sign that the cement is washing out or the tooth underneath is decaying.
Changes in Bite:
If a crowned tooth feels odd or uncomfortable when biting down, it could mean that the crown has been damaged or has worn down.
Gum Issues:
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums around the crowned tooth can indicate a problem, such as an ill-fitted crown causing irritation or plaque build-up leading to gum disease.

Unaddressed dental crown issues can lead to several complications, including tooth decay, infection, damage to surrounding teeth, and potential tooth loss. Therefore, visiting a dental clinic as soon as any of these signs are noticed is crucial. Regular check-ups can also help identify issues before they become severe and monitor if the crown and the underlying tooth structure are healthy.

When to Consider Dental Crown Replacement

Deciding when to consider a dental crown replacement can depend on various factors. Sometimes, the signs may be clear, while a dentist’s advice will guide the decision in others. Here are some circumstances when a dental crown replacement may be necessary:

Ageing Crown:
A well-maintained dental crown typically lasts 5-15 years. However, over time, even the best dental materials can begin to wear out due to regular biting, chewing, and normal ageing, necessitating replacement.
Visible Damage:
If a dental crown has visible damage like cracks, chips, or noticeable wear, it may require replacement to protect the underlying tooth.
Crown Becomes Loose or Falls Out:
A loose or dislodged crown can leave the underlying tooth exposed to bacteria, leading to decay or infection.
Underlying Tooth Decay:
If decay occurs in the tooth beneath the crown, the dental crown will need to be removed to manage the condition, and a new dental crown will need to be fitted afterwards.
Changes in Oral Health:
Changes such as tooth grinding (bruxism) or gum disease can affect the fit and lifespan of a dental crown, possibly requiring a replacement.
Aesthetic Reasons:
Some people may wish to replace metal crowns with porcelain or ceramic crowns for cosmetic reasons, desiring a more natural tooth appearance for a healthier-looking smile.

If one encounters these situations, scheduling a consultation with a dental care professional is crucial. The team at the dental clinic will be able to assess the condition, consider the individual’s oral health, and recommend the best treatment option, which may include dental crown replacement.

The Dental Crown Replacement Process

The process of dental crown replacement can vary depending on individual circumstances, including the type of crown and the oral condition of the underlying tooth. Generally, the replacement process can be summarised in the following steps:

Initial Consultation:
In this first step, the dentist assesses the condition of the existing dental crown and the underlying tooth structure. The discussion during this visit often includes the types of crowns available, the materials that may be suitable, and the associated costs, which can vary.
Removal of the Existing Crown:
The dental team will carefully remove the existing crown while keeping the underlying tooth intact. This step requires great skill and precision to avoid damage to the tooth structure.
Preparation of the Tooth:
Depending on the natural tooth’s condition, various dental procedures may be performed. These can include filling a decayed tooth, reshaping a damaged tooth, or even carrying out a root canal procedure if there’s an infection in the tooth root. The aim is to prepare a strong foundation for the new crown.
Impression of the Tooth:
The dentist will make an accurate impression of the prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth. This is so that the new crown fits snugly within the arch of teeth and aligns with the person’s natural bite.
Temporary Crown Placement:
While the permanent crown is crafted from various materials in a dental lab, a temporary crown is often placed to protect the prepared tooth.
Custom Crown Placement:
Once ready, the temporary crowns are replaced with custom-made ones. The dentist will check the fit and bite before securing the new crown with special dental cement onto the tooth.

The dentist at the clinic plays a pivotal role throughout the process, guiding individuals to make informed decisions, managing the treatment, and maintaining oral health during and after the dental crown replacement. With the right team and proper care, dental crown replacements can offer a long-term option for maintaining a healthy and bright smile.

Dental Crown Replacement Costs

The cost of dental crown replacement can vary significantly depending on various factors. However, based on the Dental Fee Survey, the replacement cost for a single tooth crown starts at around $1,600 to $2,100.

Factors that can influence the total cost of dental crown replacement are:

Type of Crown:
Different types of crowns, such as porcelain tooth crowns, ceramic crowns, zirconia crowns, and gold crowns, come with different price tags. Porcelain crowns, for instance, are often chosen for their natural appearance but may be costlier than other options.
Dental Procedures Required:
Any additional dental procedures needed before crown replacement, like root canal treatment, can add to the overall cost.
The Dental Professional’s Expertise:
The dentist’s proficiency in the treatment can also influence the cost. A clinic’s reputation and the skills of its team can factor into the overall expense.
Geographic Location:
Prices can vary depending on where the dental clinic is located, with some areas having higher dental fees due to higher overhead costs.
Dental Health Fund:
Depending on your health fund, some costs may be covered. It’s essential to consult with your health fund provider to understand what portion of the treatment can be covered.
Number of Visits Required:
The number of visits to the dental clinic needed for the entire process also impacts the overall cost of dental crown replacement.

Dental Crown Alternatives: Weighing Your Options

While dental crowns are an effective treatment option for people with various dental conditions, some dental crown alternatives may be considered, each with its benefits and potential drawbacks.

Dental Fillings:
A dental filling is a common procedure used to restore teeth damaged by decay back to their normal function and shape.
- Pros: Fillings are suitable for less extensive decay or damage. The process is less invasive than getting a crown and preserves more of the natural tooth structure.
- Cons:
  Over time, fillings may weaken the tooth and offer less strength or protection than crowns. Large fillings may also cause sensitivity and discomfort.
Dental Veneers:
Dental veneers are thin shells, typically made from porcelain or composite resin, that are custom-made to fit over the front surface of a patient’s teeth. They are used to improve the aesthetics of a smile and protect the tooth’s surface from damage. Veneers are often used for teeth that are discoloured, worn, chipped, or misaligned.
- Pros:
  Veneers can address minor chips, cracks, discolouration, or misshapen teeth. They are less invasive than crowns and preserve more of the natural tooth enamel.
- Cons:
  Veneers are generally used for cosmetic purposes and may not be suitable for severely damaged or decayed teeth.
Onlays or Inlays:
Onlays and inlays are types of indirect fillings, meaning they are created outside of the mouth as a single, solid piece that fits the specific size and shape of the cavity, which is then cemented in place in the tooth.
- Pros:
  These can serve as a middle ground between fillings and crowns. They are custom-made to fit the damaged area and can be a good option for teeth with moderate damage or decay.
- Cons:
  Like fillings, they may not offer the same level of protection or durability as a full crown.
Extraction:
Extraction can sometimes be considered an alternative to dental crowns, particularly when a tooth is severely damaged, decayed, or infected beyond restoration.
- Pros:
  One of the main advantages of extraction is that it can provide immediate relief from pain or discomfort associated with the affected tooth. Compared to the process of getting a dental crown, tooth extraction is a relatively quicker procedure.
- Cons:
  Extraction leads to the permanent loss of the natural tooth, which can have negative implications for chewing ability, speech, and the overall appearance of the smile. However, various tooth replacement options, such as dental implants and bridges can address this. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, usually made of titanium, that provides a stable base for fixed, replacement teeth. A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by joining an artificial tooth definitively to adjacent teeth using dental crowns.

Before choosing a dental crown or any alternative treatment, scheduling a consultation with the team at a reputable dental clinic is important. They can provide advice tailored to your dental health needs and guide you in choosing the most suitable treatment option.

How to Care for Your Dental Crown

Maintaining the longevity of your dental crown goes hand-in-hand with maintaining good oral hygiene and caring for your overall dental health. Here are some key steps to take:

Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine:
Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss daily. Regularly removing bacteria from your mouth aids in the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease.
Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth if necessary:
After the placement of a dental crown, you may experience sensitivity. In such a case, toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can be beneficial.
Avoid chewing hard foods with the crowned tooth:
Hard foods can potentially damage the dental crown, especially if it’s a porcelain or ceramic crown. Try to chew on the other side of the mouth or cut food into smaller pieces.
Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth:
Grinding or clenching your teeth (known as bruxism) can cause damage to the crown. A night guard can protect both your natural teeth and crowns during sleep.
Wear a sports mouthguard:
Wearing a sports mouthguard is also a crucial precaution for anyone who participates in sports, particularly contact sports. This protective device covers the teeth and gums to prevent and reduce injury to the mouth, teeth, lips, gums, and tongue.
Regular dental visits:
Regular check-ups at the dental clinic allow dental care professionals to monitor the condition of your dental crown and take preventive action if necessary. They can also provide an in-depth cleaning beyond what you can do at home.
Do not use your teeth as tools:
Opening packaging or bottles with your teeth can cause harm to both your natural tooth and the dental crown.
Avoid staining foods and drinks:
Porcelain crowns may be stain-resistant, but they can be stained by foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and berries over time. While it’s unnecessary to completely avoid them, limiting your intake and brushing your teeth afterwards is a good idea.
Quit smoking:
Smoking not only stains your dental crown but also harms your oral health, increasing the risk of gum disease and oral cancer.

Proper care plays a crucial role in prolonging the lifespan of dental crowns. When you give your dental crown the attention it needs, it can serve you well for years. It’s essential to schedule regular visits to your dental clinic and practise good oral hygiene to extend the life of your dental crown and maintain a healthy smile.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, dental crowns significantly affect dental health and aesthetics. They protect and strengthen damaged teeth, providing functionality and a beautiful smile. However, understanding when a replacement is needed, the process involved, potential alternatives, and the crucial role of proper care are vital. Regular check-ups with your dental team are key to keeping your crowns in optimal condition and contributing to oral health.

When achieving a healthy smile, making informed decisions about your oral care is important. Prospect Road Dental Surgery believes in providing personalised, comprehensive dental services to meet your unique needs. Whether you’re dealing with a discoloured tooth, seeking treatment options for missing teeth, or simply needing a regular dental check-up, their dedicated team guides you through every step of your dental journey.

Prospect Road Dental Surgery invites everyone to book a consultation at their dental clinic to discuss their treatment options and to maintain a vibrant and healthy smile that lasts. Always remember, a beautiful smile contributes to a happier and healthier you!