Is It Time to Replace Your Old Crowns and Silver Fillings?

Many of us had fillings and crowns placed in our 20s, 30s and 40s. That work has been through thousands of meals, a lot of coffee and maybe some nighttime grinding. Even excellent dentistry wears out eventually, and catching it early usually means a simpler, more comfortable fix.

Signs your dental work needs attention

Some problems are obvious. Others are quiet until they aren’t. Watch for:

• A dark line at the gumline around an older crown
• Silver fillings with cracks, gaps or a gray shadow on the tooth
• Sensitivity to hot, cold or biting pressure
• Food catching in the same spot again and again
• Chipped, flattened or shortened front teeth

Why older metal fillings can crack teeth

Silver (amalgam) fillings expand and contract with temperature over time. In some teeth, that slow flexing leads to small fractures in the surrounding enamel. Replacing a failing filling before a crack spreads can be the difference between a simple restoration and a root canal or extraction.

What modern restorations look like

Today’s all-porcelain crowns and tooth-colored restorations are strong, natural-looking and bond directly to the tooth. There’s no metal edge to show at the gumline, and the shade can be matched to your other teeth or brightened as part of a broader smile refresh.

Dr. Morton evaluates your bite and jaw with every crown plan. A well-balanced bite protects your new work and your natural teeth, and can relieve jaw tension many adults don’t realize is connected to their teeth.

How long does a new crown last?

With good home care and regular checkups, a well-made porcelain crown commonly lasts 15 years or longer. Wearing a night guard if you grind can extend that further.

If you’re not sure whether your older dental work is still doing its job, a free consultation is an easy, no-pressure way to find out.