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When Is It Time to Replace Your Dental Crown or Bridge ?
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Dental crowns and bridges are among the most common restorations used to repair damaged or missing teeth. A crown fits over a structurally weakened or treated tooth (for example, after a root canal), restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. A bridge spans the gap left by one or more missing teeth by anchoring to neighbouring teeth, thereby restoring chewing function, appearance, and preventing neighbouring teeth from shifting.
While these restorations are highly effective, they are not eternal. Over time, wear and tear, dental hygiene habits, and oral conditions can compromise their integrity. Recognising when to replace them is key to preventing complications and maintaining your overall oral health.
Let’s understand when it is time for dental crown replacement, its lifespan, and the signs of a damaged dental restoration in this blog.
Typical Lifespan of Dental Crowns and Bridges
Most dental crowns and bridges are designed to last a decade or more when properly cared for. Clinical data and dental literature suggest:
✓ Dental crowns typically last 10 to 15 years on average.
✓ With careful hygiene, gentle biting habits, and regular dental check-ups, many crowns may last longer.
✓ The longevity of dental bridges is similar: most remain functional for around 10 to 15 years; with good care and healthy supporting teeth, some bridges can last longer.
However, these are averages. The actual lifespan of a crown or bridge depends on several factors: the type of material used, how demanding your bite is, how well you maintain oral hygiene, and how often you attend dental check-ups.
Warning Signs: When a Crown or Bridge Needs Replacement
Even if your restoration is within the expected lifespan, certain indications suggest it’s time to see your dentist about dental crown replacement or dental bridge repair. Look out for:
✓ Pain, sensitivity, or discomfort when biting or chewing
✓ A loose feeling or movement in the crown or bridge
✓ Chips, cracks, fractures, or worn biting surfaces
✓ Visible dark lines or exposed metal at the margin of a crown
✓ Gum recession or inflammation around the restoration
✓ Decay or cavities forming around the edges or underneath
✓ Difficulty cleaning around the crown or bridge, leading to persistent bad breath or taste
✓ Change in bite alignment or difficulty chewing
Any of these signs could indicate that the restoration structure is compromised or that decay is occurring under or around it, making prompt replacement necessary.
Common Causes of Crown and Bridge Failure
Understanding what often leads to failure can help you prevent issues and know what to watch out for.
✓Material wear and ageing
Crowns made from certain materials (e.g. porcelain) can chip or wear over time. Metal or zirconia crowns tend to be more durable.
✓ Decay or gum disease around supporting teeth
If the natural teeth that support a crown or bridge develop decay or their gums recede, the restoration may lose stability and require replacement.
✓ Wear from bite forces and habits
Grinding or clenching teeth, biting hard food items, or having an uneven bite can stress the crown or bridge, causing cracks, loosening, or weakening over time.
✓ Poor oral hygiene
Inadequate brushing or flossing allows plaque buildup at the margins, increasing the risk of decay under the restoration—especially for bridges.
✓ Normal material fatigue
Even with excellent care, constant chewing, temperature fluctuations, and daily wear will eventually cause the materials to degrade. No crown or bridge lasts forever.
Effects of an Old or Damaged Crown/Bridge on Oral Health
Leaving a compromised restoration untreated isn’t just a cosmetic risk — it can create deeper oral-health problems:
✓ Decay beneath the crown or bridge can spread, damaging the underlying tooth or abutment tooth.
✓ Infection or abscess formation occurs when bacteria infiltrate through cracks or gaps in the margins.
✓ Bone or gum disease due to persistent inflammation or food trapping under bridgework.
✓Difficulty chewing or bite misalignment, which may strain other teeth or lead to jaw problems.
✓ Fracture or loss of the restoration, potentially requiring more invasive treatment or extraction.
Replacing a worn or failing dental restoration early preserves your oral health and prevents future complications.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Crown or Bridge
A few straightforward habits and precautions make a big difference to longevity:
✓ Maintain excellent oral hygiene — brush your teeth twice daily with a soft toothbrush, floss gently around and under your bridges, and consider using interdental brushes or floss threaders.
✓ Avoid biting or chewing hard, sticky or brittle items (e.g., ice, bones, hard nuts).
✓ Wear a night guard if you grind or clench your teeth during sleep.
✓Attend regular dental check-ups and cleanings to catch early signs of wear, decay or gum issues.
✓ Keep an eye on gum health — receding gums or inflammation at crown margins may require restoration review.
✓ If crowns or bridges support root canal–treated or fragile teeth, ensure those teeth remain strong and healthy to maintain foundation stability.
With these simple habits, a restoration can often remain functional well beyond the average lifespan.
What to Expect During Crown or Bridge Replacement or Repair
If your dentist determines that a crown or bridge needs replacement, the process typically involves:
✓ Removing the old restoration — carefully detaching the failed crown or bridge.
✓ Examining the underlying teeth — checking for decay, cracks, or gum damage.
✓ Treating any issues — filling cavities, cleaning, gum treatment, or root canal if needed.
✓ Taking new impressions or scans — for accurate design of the new crown or bridge.
✓ Fitting the new restoration — ensuring proper bite alignment, comfort and appearance.
Thanks to modern dental technology, this process can be highly efficient and accurate, providing you with a restoration that looks natural, fits well, and lasts for many years to come.
Hence, if you notice pain, looseness, wear, or aesthetic changes — or if it’s been more than a decade since your restoration was placed — it’s a good idea to have it evaluated by a trusted dentist like Dental and Implant Centre, offering dental services across Richmond for more than 35 years.
Restorative Dental Care Tailored to You at Myra Smiles
At Myra Smiles Dental, our experienced dentists provide personalised solutions for dental crown replacement, dental bridge repair, and complete restorative care.
What sets us apart is our gentle approach, transparent communication, and commitment to modern, minimally invasive dentistry. From accurate digital scans and high-quality materials to long-lasting restorations designed for natural aesthetics, our skilled dentists ensure every patient receives tailored treatment suited to their individual needs and comfort.
Whether you’re dealing with a worn crown, unsure about when to replace a dental bridge, or simply concerned about the condition of your restorations, we are ready to guide you with honesty, expertise, and compassion.
Book your consultation today and experience dental care that prioritises your comfort, confidence, and long-term oral health.
FAQs
Most crowns last between 10 and 15 years. With excellent hygiene, careful chewing habits, and regular dental checks, many can last 15–20 years or more.
Bridges aren’t permanent. On average, they last 10–15 years. If supporting teeth remain healthy and hygiene is maintained, they can last longer. However, replacement may be needed sooner if decay or damage occurs.
Look out for pain or sensitivity when chewing, looseness, visible cracks or chips, gum recession around the restoration, and difficulty cleaning or bad breath near the crown or bridge.
Delaying replacement is risky. Once a restoration margin or the supporting tooth deteriorates, decay or infection can start beneath it, potentially causing more serious damage. It’s safer to replace as soon as problems begin.
Maintain excellent oral hygiene, avoid hard or sticky foods, wear a night guard if you grind your teeth, attend regular dental check-ups, and ensure good gum health. These habits greatly extend the lifespan of restorations.
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