Crowns do not last forever, but they do not all need replacing either. If you work in the City and have noticed a crown that feels different, the useful question is not how old it is, but whether it is still doing its job. Here is how Dr Martin Zunde assesses that at 77 Cornhill, near Bank.
How long does a dental crown usually last?
Many crowns serve well for a decade or more, depending on the material, how well the tooth underneath is protected and your habits, such as grinding or clenching. Age alone is not a reason to replace a crown. A well-fitting crown on a healthy tooth can stay in place for many years.
Signs your crown may need attention
You should book an assessment if you notice a dark line or gap at the edge of the crown, sensitivity to hot, cold or biting, a rough, chipped or cracked surface, a crown that feels loose or high when you bite, or a bad taste or gum swelling around the tooth. None of these automatically means replacement. They mean the crown should be checked.
Decay under a crown: why it is easy to miss
The tooth beneath a crown can still develop decay at the margin, where the crown meets the tooth. Because the crown covers the tooth, you may not see or feel the problem early. Dr Zunde examines the margins carefully and uses X-rays where appropriate to see what a visual check cannot.
When a crown can stay
If the margins are sound, the bite is comfortable and the tooth beneath is healthy, replacing the crown would remove good dentistry for no benefit. Monitoring at your regular visits is often the right choice. Our guide to dental check-ups in the City of London explains what those visits involve.
When replacement is the better option
Replacement is usually considered where there is decay beneath the crown, a fracture, a poor fit or a worn-through surface. Dr Zunde will explain the options for restoring the tooth, including a new crown or bridge. Where grinding has contributed, protecting the new crown matters too, and our post on teeth grinding and jaw clenching explains more. If you have wider aesthetic goals, a smile makeover may also be worth discussing.
What to expect at 77 Cornhill, near Bank
Your visit begins with an examination and a conversation about what you have noticed. Appointments can be planned around a City working week, a few minutes from Bank, Liverpool Street and Moorgate, so assessment and treatment need not take over your diary. You can read more about general dentistry at the practice.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my crown needs replacing?
Look for sensitivity, a visible gap or dark line at the edge, a chip or crack, or a loose feeling. Only an examination can confirm whether replacement is needed.
Can decay develop under a crown?
Yes, usually at the margin where the crown meets the tooth. Regular check-ups and X-rays help detect it early.
Does a crown always need replacing after a certain number of years?
No. Replacement is based on the condition of the crown and the health of the tooth beneath, not on age alone.
Is replacing a crown uncomfortable?
Treatment is carried out comfortably, with local anaesthetic where needed. Dr Zunde will talk you through what to expect beforehand.
Can I have a crown assessed near Bank?
Yes. You can book a consultation with Dr Martin Zunde at 77 Cornhill, EC3V, in the City of London.
Book your crown assessment near Bank
Worried about a crown? Get in touch to book an assessment with Dr Martin Zunde at 77 Cornhill, near Bank, in the City of London.
About the author
Dr Martin Zunde (GDC 281866) is a Harley Street-trained cosmetic and implant dentist practising at 77 Cornhill, EC3V, in the City of London near Bank. He helps City professionals with general dentistry, crowns, implants, Invisalign, smile makeovers and facial aesthetics.
