05
Dec
When to Replace Old Dental Work: Crowns, Fillings, and Veneers
Reviewed by Dr. Ava Khodakhast
|
Reading time: four minutes
Even the best dental work can age over time. Normal chewing forces, temperature changes, and everyday wear eventually take a toll on your restorations. Knowing when to replace old dental work helps prevent discomfort, decay, and more expensive repairs later.
Table of Contents
When Do Crowns Need to Be Replaced?
Dental crowns are designed to protect weakened or damaged teeth, restoring both function and appearance. While high-quality materials like zirconia and Emax can last a decade or more, they don’t last forever.
Typical Lifespan*
- Porcelain or E.max crowns: 10–15 years
- Zirconia crowns: 15–20 years or more
- Metal crowns: 20+ years
*Actual lifespan varies based on individual factors such as oral hygiene, bite forces, and routine dental care.
With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, crowns can last even longer, but damage, decay, or poor fit can shorten their lifespan.
Signs It’s Time to Replace a Crown
- Pain or sensitivity near the gumline
- Visible cracks, chips, or worn edges
- Looseness or movement when chewing
- Receding gums exposing crown margins
- Dark lines or spots around the tooth base
- Decay or odor around the crown
If you notice any changes to your dental crown, it’s a good idea to talk to your dentist about it.
When Do Fillings Need to Be Replaced?
Dental fillings can wear down or break over time, especially in back teeth exposed to heavy chewing.
Typical Lifespan*
- Composite fillings: 5–10 years
- Amalgam fillings: 10–15 years
- Inlays/onlays: 10–20 years
Signs It’s Time to Replace a Filling
- Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets
- Cracks or chips visible on the filling
- Rough or uneven surfaces
- Pain when biting down
- Gaps forming between tooth and filling
Replacing worn fillings early helps prevent bacteria from seeping underneath and causing decay or infection.
How Often Do Veneers Need to Be Replaced?
Porcelain veneers are one of the most durable and esthetic cosmetic options—but like any restoration, they eventually show signs of wear.
Typical Lifespan*
- Porcelain veneers: 10–15 years
- Composite veneers: 5–7 years
Signs It’s Time to Replace Veneers
- Cracks, chips, or worn edges
- Staining or discoloration around the edges
- Veneers separating from the tooth surface
- Decay under the veneer
- Gum recession exposing veneer margins
Replacing veneers not only restores the look of your smile but also protects your underlying teeth from further damage.
How to Extend the Life of Your Dental Work
Proper care can significantly increase how long your crowns, fillings, and veneers last. Here are some tips:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Floss carefully around restorations
- Avoid biting hard foods or objects (like ice or pens)
- Wear a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth
- Schedule professional cleanings every six months
- Visit your dentist promptly if you feel pain, sensitivity, or looseness
Dr. Khodakhast designs restorations with long-term function and esthetics in mind, helping you maintain a healthy, confident smile for years.
Schedule a Dental Evaluation in Centennial, CO
If your crowns, fillings, or veneers are over 10 years old, or you’ve noticed pain, discoloration, or changes in your bite, it’s a good time to have them evaluated. A quick visit can help protect your smile and prevent future issues.
To book an appointment at our dental office in Centennial, CO, call (303) 770-2254 or request an appointment online.
FAQ
When do crowns need to be replaced? How long do dental crowns last?
Most crowns last 10–15 years, but with good care, zirconia or metal crowns can last 20 years or longer. Regular checkups help catch early wear before it causes problems.
When do fillings need to be replaced?
Composite fillings generally last around 5–10 years. If they become chipped, cracked, or loose or if you feel new sensitivity, it’s time to have them checked.
How often do veneers need to be replaced?
Veneers are designed to be long-lasting and can maintain their appearance for many years with proper care. However, they may eventually need attention if you notice staining around the edges, small chips, or separation from the tooth surface. In many cases, veneers can be repaired or re-bonded rather than fully replaced, depending on their condition.
Can old dental work affect my bite or jaw?
Worn or loose restorations can throw off your bite, leading to jaw tension, uneven wear, or headaches. A prosthodontist can rebalance your bite when restoring or replacing dental work.
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Dr. Ava Khodakhast
Immerse yourself in the world of exquisite dental artistry crafted by Dr. Ava Khodakhast, a
distinguished prosthodontist whose journey is a testament to the fusion of science and art in
dentistry. With an unwavering commitment to elevating lives through her specialized expertise, Dr.
Khodakhast has redefined the landscape of prosthodontics, captivating hearts with her transformative
work.
Embarking on her odyssey in 2000 as a Doctor of Dental Surgery, Dr. Khodakhast's passion for her
craft led her to traverse continents for knowledge. She pursued her American DDS at the esteemed
University of Missouri, Kansas
City, setting the foundation for a remarkable career. Yet, her thirst
for mastery pushed her to delve deeper. Venturing into the realm of complexity, she dedicated three
intensive years at the Medical College of Georgia, earning a master's in Oral
Biology and seamlessly
entwining it with a Residency in Prosthodontics.
Prosthodontics is the symphony of precision and creativity, where every note is a smile transformed.
Dr. Khodakhast is a virtuoso in this art, specializing in intricate cosmetic makeovers, implant
procedures, and comprehensive mouth rehabilitation. Recognized as a "Diplomate" by
the American Board of
Prosthodontics and as a "Fellow" by the American College of Prosthodontists, she soars
among the select few who define excellence in this arena. Her certification as a prosthodontist is a
testament to her rigorous education and training, making her a beacon of expertise for dental and
maxillofacial reconstruction and rehabilitation. Dentists themselves entrust their patients to her
care, a testament to her unparalleled mastery.
A luminary in academia, Dr. Khodakhast served as the assistant director of Advanced Education in
General Dentistry at the University
of Missouri in Kansas City. She also worked in private practice
at UMKC, applying the techniques and skills she taught in complicated, aesthetic case settings.
During her junior year of college, she graced India with her charitable work, a touch of humanity
that infuses her artistry with compassion.
Emanating from the core of her being is a dedication to her patient's well-being. You can rely on
her to provide unparalleled care rooted in scientific precision and artistic commitment.