Damaged and decayed teeth are problematic for several reasons. Firstly, cavities are contagious and can spread if they go unaddressed for too long. Plus, once the structure of your tooth is compromised, it’s more likely to become infected or sustain additional injuries. It might even become so broken that you can’t use it to eat or speak.
Thankfully, your dentist can place a dental crown to protect your troublesome tooth while restoring its appearance and functionality. If you’re unsure how long this treatment will last, continue reading to learn more about it!
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are protective, tooth-shaped caps made from resilient ceramic that can be used to shield injured enamel, anchor a dental bridge, cover an implant, or protect a tooth that recently underwent a root canal.
If you’re worried it’ll stick out like a sore thumb, you can set your fears aside! These restorations can be customized to be just the right shape, shade, and size for seamless results that boost your confidence in your smile.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Typically Last?
It can vary based on your unique circumstances, but usually dental crowns last anywhere from 5 to 15 or more years. Several different factors can impact their longevity, such as:
- The material it’s made from. Historically, they were made from amalgam metal which can be longer-lasting than more modern tooth-colored materials, though the difference is often negligible.
- Where it’s placed. Crowns over molars sustain more daily wear-and-tear from the pressure of chewing, which increases the risk of chips, cracks, or other injuries.
- Why it’s required. For instance, if it’s placed over a troublesome tooth rather than to cap an implant, it’s more likely to become loose or dislodged because your pearly whites might develop decay.
- Your oral hygiene. Your restoration can’t get cavities, but you must continue to clean your mouth to prevent common problems that can interfere with its success.
- Your habits. If you smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol, you could erode the cement holding your crown in place.
How Can I Preserve My Dental Crown?
There are several proactive things you can do to keep your new tooth looking and feeling great, including:
- Eating carefully. Steer clear of anything overly hard or sticky that might chip or crack your crown, or yank it out of place.
- Shielding your smile. Your dentist can provide a custom-fitted mouthguard or nightguard to prevent injuries during sports or other close-contact activities that can hurt your grin.
- Implementing a routine. Brushing and flossing twice daily is a simple but effective way to clean your mouth to keep your restoration in great shape.
You can also maintain your oral health with routine checkups with your dentist every six months so they can catch and address any areas of concern, like decay under your dental crown, before it can progress!
About the Practice
Patients at Bragg Dental benefit from two skilled dentists who share decades of combined experience. Dr. Bragg and Dr. McTier collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to meet your needs at one convenient location, including placing dental crowns. They prioritize your safety and comfort, and combine a conservative approach with state-of-the-art technology to tailor treatment plans to your unique circumstances. They can create lifelike, long-lasting restorations to boost your smile’s appearance and functionality regardless of your current condition. You can request an appointment on the website or call (770) 889-8420.