How Do You Know if a Crown Has to Be Redone...or Can Be Fixed?

I do not recommend having a filling done because that is an easy solution. What i recommend is having a new crown done and of course check with a periodontist why your gums are receding, you have to take care of that problem as well.  Good Luck!

A properly done crown should look and feel very much like a normal tooth. It should not trap food, have gaps or have bad smells. In my opinion, these are signs of an improperly done crown, however, I would have to look at it and take an x-ray to diagnose it. If you had this problem pretty much since the time the crown was put in, you should have brought it up then and if your dentist did not want to fix it then sought a second opinion. After 5 years it will hard to tell if the problems were there form the begining or have developed over time.

Having said that, even the best crown will eventually need to be replaced due to wear and tear but it may last 7-10 years or much longer depending on the abuse or care you do to it.

Putting a filling is patchwork and sometimes it may be OK, but if I were you I would seek a second opinion. Ask your physician or another dental specialist like a periodontist, oral surgeon, or orthodintist if they recomend someone to evaluate your crown.

Good luck

Dr. T 

Sounds like a replacement will look and feel better for you.  Most insurances allow a new crown every 5 years.  A filling costs less but is only temporary here.  The crown should last longer in most cases but the gums appear to be part of the problem too.  Discuss this well before a new crown is made.