Replacing Old Crowns

A crown is a tooth-shaped cover that is placed over a damaged or decayed tooth. Crowns are placed when a filling only can no longer repair the tooth. A crown is placed over a tooth to restore its size, shape, strength and appearance. When a permanent crown is placed, it covers the entire visible portion of the tooth.

There are multiple reasons a dental crown is needed. The most common of those being to protect a weak tooth from further decay, to restore a broken tooth, to cover misshaped or discolored teeth, and to hold a dental bridge or implant in place.

There are many different types of permanent crowns you can choose from. Crowns can be made from stainless steel, gold or another type of alloy metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, all resin, ceramic, or e-max.

E-max crowns, which are made of a lithium ceramic, are tough and durable. Ceramic crowns made from e-max or zirconia are the most common type of crowns we use. When you attend your consolation, Dr. Hemmert can recommend which type of crown will be the best for you and your situation.

Crowns usually last around 7 years, but each case is unique and some crowns can last over 20 years! The longevity of your crown to last depends on the wear and tear that it is exposed to. Maintaining good oral hygiene will help your crown last longer. A crown will need to be replaced if it becomes loose, falls off, or if it is chipped. In some cases, crowns made of porcelain will chip and if that chip is extensive to the point beyond repair, it will need to be replaced.

With age, the cement that is used to fuse the crown to the tooth is dissolved by saliva. Sometimes the base of the crown leaks and decay can occur under the crown which could impact the root of the tooth.

After years of wear porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns shift and the metal at the gumline becomes visable. This can be easily fixed with a new crown, improving the function and appearance of your smile.

If your crown is chipped, loose, has fallen out, or has shifted and is now showing in your mouth contact us at The Center of Dental Professionals! Call us today at 801-747-8015 to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Jared Hemmert.