5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Old Dental Crown

Dental crowns are a reliable, long-lasting solution for protecting damaged or weakened teeth, but they’re not designed to last forever. Whether your crown was placed 5 or 15 years ago, it’s important to know the warning signs that it may be time for a replacement.

At Varni Dental in San Jose, we often see patients with worn, cracked, or outdated crowns that are affecting their oral health, comfort, or appearance. If you’re wondering whether your crown is still doing its job, this guide is for you.

1. Your Crown Feels Loose or Moves Slightly

A crown should feel stable and secure, just like a natural tooth. If you notice any wiggling, shifting, or movement, that’s a red flag. Loose crowns can allow bacteria to sneak underneath, putting you at risk of decay or infection.

A loose crown should be evaluated and likely replaced before it becomes a bigger problem. At Varni Dental, we use digital X-rays to assess what's happening beneath the surface.

2. You’re Experiencing Sensitivity or Pain

If you suddenly feel tooth sensitivity to hot or cold, pressure while chewing, or even dull pain around a crowned tooth, it may signal trouble.

Common causes include:

• Decay underneath the crown
• Gum recession exposing the tooth’s root
• A crack in the crown or underlying tooth

Dr. Kinjal Patel will perform a thorough exam to determine whether your current crown still protects the tooth or needs replacement.

3. Visible Wear, Chips, or Cracks

Crowns—especially older ones—can show signs of wear. If you can see chipping, hairline fractures, or rough edges, your crown may be at the end of its lifespan.

This is especially common in patients who:

• Grind or clench their teeth
• Have crowns on back molars under heavy chewing pressure
• Have porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns that start to degrade over time

Explore modern, more durable options like Zirconia or all-porcelain crowns at our San Jose dental office. Related read: Zirconia vs. Porcelain Crowns – What’s Right for You?

4. Your Gum Line Has Receded Around the Crown

Do you see a dark line near your crown or notice that the gums around it have pulled back? This could be due to:

• Age-related gum recession
• Poor-fitting crowns are irritating your gum tissue
• Accumulated plaque leading to inflammation

Crown replacement may not only improve how your smile looks—it can help prevent gum disease and discomfort. Learn more in our blog: Why Gum Health Is Just as Important as Teeth

5. It’s Been 10+ Years Since You Got Your Crown

On average, dental crowns last between 10–15 years, depending on the material and how well you’ve maintained them. If you’re nearing or past that window, it’s time to schedule a checkup.

Even if everything feels fine, we often catch early signs of wear or internal damage through digital X-rays or intraoral photography, before major complications arise.

Upgrade to a New Crown That Looks and Feels Better

Today’s dental crowns are stronger, more natural-looking, and longer-lasting than ever before. At Varni Dental, we use high-quality materials like zirconia and ceramic, matched to your smile with precision and care.

Whether you need a full replacement or just want to explore options, Dr. Kinjal Patel will guide you through every step—from digital imaging to final placement.

• Durable and aesthetic crown options
• Comfortable, custom fit
• Expert care in a modern San Jose dental clinic

Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs

If your crown is loose, worn, or simply past its prime, it may be putting your oral health at risk. Replacing it in time can save you from more costly or painful issues down the road.

Visit Varni Dental at 181 E Tasman Dr Ste 60, San Jose, CA.

Call now or book online to schedule your crown evaluation today.