Isaac Comfortes, D.D.S. of Encino, CA, is one of the nation’s foremost restorative and cosmetic dentists. If you are noticing that your dental crowns no longer look beautiful in your smile, it may be time for a new crown.
If gum health is compromised, the gum tissue around the base of the crown may recede, leaving a dark line that is not attractive, and also exposing tooth roots to plaque that can result in root infection and dental decay inside the crown. This can become very painful and require emergency tooth extraction. If you have had previous root canal therapy on a crowned tooth, you are not exempt from dental decay destroying tooth structure that supports your crown. Dr. Comfortes will examine your crown margins at the time of your regularly scheduled exam or when you call for a more immediate appointment. He can evaluate the risk of decay, put you on the path to excellent gum health, and offer you a new crown that will meet your objectives for a healthy, beautiful smile.
The life of a dental crown depends on other factors, including your oral health condition, diet and eating habits, home and professional oral care, and the material used to make the crown. All-porcelain and porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns typically last five to 15 years. A metal crown may last up to 20 years or longer. Gold crowns can endure a lifetime.
If your upper and lower teeth are mal-opposed, i.e., they don’t fit together properly, you may have excessive wear occur on the biting surfaces as a result of normal chewing and nighttime bruxism (teeth grinding). Bruxism, in general, can put stress on crowns. People with malocclusion and/or bruxism may suffer with early crown wear or damage. If Dr. Comfortes sees signs of wear occurring on your teeth and crowns, he may recommend one or more treatments that go beyond replacing a crown to improving your bite through modification of the tops of your teeth and possibly realignment of teeth with a course of orthodontics. He may also recommend that you wear a custom made acrylic bite splint that keeps your teeth comfortably apart during the night, relaxing jaw muscles and halting destructive force.
Are you concerned about your crowns? Do you want a healthy and beautiful smile? Then, call Dr. Isaac Comfortes today—(818) 990-9101.
The general, cosmetic and reconstructive dental practice of Encino dentist Dr. Isaac Comfortes is devoted to restoring optimal oral health, which supports whole body health and enhances the natural beauty of smiles.