Dental crowns can give you a beautiful smile again. They can save your seriously damaged teeth and protect dead teeth from falling apart. A dental crown covers your entire tooth and is bonded into place permanently, offering strength, durability, and aesthetics. 

However, dental crowns do not last forever, and there are some signs you may need to get a new crown. These include the following:

You Have an Old Crown

To know that your crown is almost requiring a replacement, pay attention to the length of time you have had it. Eventually, your crown’s structural integrity will give way. When this happens, you must call your family and cosmetic dentistry in Midlothian, VA, so you can get a new one. Typically, this happens around ten years, although some people enjoy their crowns for more than a decade. Ensure you check your crown after 10 years to know how much longer it can serve its purpose. 

Your Crown is Damaged

If your dental crown has chips and cracks on it, you may have to get a new one. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are excellent options; however, they can chip after several years of use. Keep in mind, though, that some chips and cracks on the crown don’t demand a replacement. Your dentist can help you determine the right treatment for you.

Your Crown Shows Wear and Tear

If you tend to grind your teeth when you sleep at night, or you practice poor oral hygiene habits, your crown will be subjected to unusual wear and tear. Visit your dentist, so they can identify what causes of the wear and tear. 

Your Gum Line is Receding

Whether it is a gum line or hair line, you don’t want it to be receding. A receding gum line means you must go to your dentist as soon as possible for emergency dental care. Bacteria collect around the tooth with a crown. When your gum is receding, this could mean the crown has not been bonded correctly or can no longer perform its job. 

You Experience Serious Pain and Swelling

If you are feeling pain and swelling in your crowned tooth, you should visit your dentist to get a checkup. The crown may be too high on your tooth, affecting how its position inside your mouth and rubbing against your other teeth. In serious cases, pain and swelling may mean bad oral health. You should not allow gum disease and other oral health issues to linger for a long time.