Spotting Trouble: Signs Your Dental Crown Needs Attention

We see this a lot in our office: someone had a crown placed years ago, and it’s held up beautifully. Then, one day, they notice a little sensitivity, or the crown feels different when they chew.

Here’s the truth: dental crowns can last for many years, but they don’t last forever. And knowing the early warning signs can save you from bigger problems (and more expensive fixes) down the road.

So, What Should You Watch Out For?

Crowns are meant to protect and restore your natural tooth, but sometimes they need a little attention themselves. Here are the red flags you should watch out for:

1. Sensitivity or Pain

If you feel sudden sensitivity to hot or cold, or pain when biting down, something is not right. It could mean:

• The crown doesn’t fit as snugly as it should anymore
• Decay has formed underneath
• Or the tooth nerve is irritated

Not every ache means problems, but it’s worth a dental check to keep everything in place.

2. Visible Chips or Cracks

Crowns are strong, but years of chewing (and sometimes a popcorn kernel in the wrong place) can cause damage. A chipped crown might still “work,” but it leaves your tooth underneath vulnerable.

3. A Loose or Wobbly Feeling

If your crown feels like it shifts when you chew, that’s not normal. The adhesive may have weakened, or the tooth structure beneath may have changed. Either way, don’t ignore it. A loose crown is one step away from coming off entirely.

4. Receding Gums Around the Crown

Notice your crown looks “longer” than it used to? Gum recession can expose the edges, creating small pockets where bacteria slip in. That’s how decay under a crown often starts.

5. Bad Breath That Won’t Go Away

Here’s one most people don’t connect: a crown that doesn’t fit properly can trap food and bacteria. Over time, it causes odor and even infection. If brushing doesn’t fix it, it may be the crown.

Common Mistake: Waiting Until It Breaks

We’ve had patients come in holding a crown that popped off mid-meal. Usually, the signs were there weeks earlier and they ignored. Crowns don’t usually fail overnight; they give warnings. Catching the problem early means a simple adjustment, and you won’t need a full replacement.

How Long Should a Crown Last?

On average, crowns last 10–15 years, but with good care, some last 20 or more. The key is regular checkups. We can spot tiny changes you might miss, long before they turn into emergencies.

Protecting Your Crown

Here’s how to make your crown last longer:

• Brush and floss around it daily
• Avoid chewing ice or very hard foods
• Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
• Keep up with dental visits

Bottom Line

Dental crowns are one of the best investments you can make in your smile. But like any investment, they need maintenance.

If your crown feels off, don’t wait. Book a visit to Bravo! Dental. We’ll take a look, fix what needs fixing, and keep your smile strong for the years ahead.