Did you know that 3.5 billion people suffer from oral diseases?
Dental crowns are an effective solution to one of the most typical complications of these conditions, tooth decay. Why? Dental crowns protect the remaining section of a decaying tooth, all while looking identical to natural teeth!
Regardless of their effectiveness, there is no easy answer to the question “How long do dental crowns last?” But there is a tie between dental crown care and their longevity.
Want to know more? Keep reading to learn about the lifespan and care of your dental crowns!
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Your dental crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years when properly taken care of. Neglecting your dental crowns will likely cause premature replacements and gum disease.
Another factor that may impact the lifespan of your dental crowns is your tendency to partake in poor oral habits. These include grinding or clenching your teeth, chewing hard foods/ice, opening items with your teeth, chewing your fingernails, etc.
If you have any of the above habits, try using a mouthguard or anxiety management to help you control them. Abstaining from bad oral habits will add years to your dental crowns’ life expectancy.
What If Your Crowns Expire Early?
If a dental crown develops an issue that requires an early replacement, call your dentist and schedule an examination. Your dentist will be able to judge the severity of the issue and correct it.
Loose crowns, sensitivity, or a missing crown are all indications that your smile needs attention.
Once your crown is replaced, keep a close eye on the new piece to ensure no further problems arise. If they do, the issue is likely deeper than expected.
Care for Dental Crowns
As stated earlier, proper dental crown care is vital to giving your smile a long and healthy life. As complicated as it may sound, dental crowns don’t require too much special treatment.
The best way to keep up with your dental crowns is by maintaining a strict oral hygiene routine. This includes the basics like brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash.
Visiting your dentist at least twice a year should be another part of your oral care as well. Regular visits to your dentist will prevent any tooth issues from becoming detrimental.
You should also try to avoid eating or drinking large amounts of sugar and alcohol. Both substances can cause cavities and tooth decay. Managing illnesses that cause gum disease or tooth issues (such as diabetes) is another way you can take your oral care to the next level.
When these health conditions get out of control, basic dental hygiene may not be enough to keep your teeth healthy. Some medications and lifestyle changes can aid you in managing your health.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Dental Crowns
Like natural teeth, crowns will begin to chip, crack, and become discolored. This is usually the main reason why your crowns will eventually need to be replaced.
Your dentist will be able to tell when your crowns need a touch-up during your regular cleanings, but you should also tell them about any new imperfections you’ve noticed as well.
Ignoring problems with your dental crowns while they’re small can lead to much bigger and more costly issues in the past. If your gum line begins to recede, your crowns will also need to be replaced or shifted to fill in the gaps.
Both you and your dentist can identify signs of receding gums, but if you notice them months before your next visit, contact your dentist and discuss the issue with them.
In some cases receding gumlines can be hereditary, but you can slow their progression by flossing and brushing your teeth more gently. Other signs that it’s time to consider dental crown replacements include pain, swelling, and base-tooth decay.
Dental Crown Replacement Procedure
When it comes time to replace your dental crowns, the procedure will be pretty identical to its original installation. First, your dentist will clean up and remove the old crown.
Then, they will clean up your natural tooth and check it for signs of decay. If your tooth is not suitable to house the new crown, your dentist will perform a tooth canal or reconstructive surgery before installing the new crown.
Once they have determined that your natural tooth is in good condition, your dentist will perform a 3-D scan of your teeth and mouth. The scan will provide your dentist with a reference when creating your new crowns.
While your new crowns are being created, your dentist will place a temporary crown on your teeth to protect them. Once your permanent crowns have been made, your dentist will remove the temporary crowns and replace them with permanent ones.
Your bite may feel weird once your crowns are fitted, but the sensation should go away after a few hours or days. If your bite continues to feel weird, go back to your dentist so they can make the necessary adjustments.
Need Help With Your Dental Crowns?
Now that you have answers to the questions “How long do dental crowns last?” and “How should I take care of them?”, it’s time to take care of your dental crowns.
If you need a dental crown replacement, adjustment, or installation, consider our services at Newbury Dental Group. Our Newbury, California-based dental practice is more than happy to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
Visit our website to learn more about our practice, meet our dental team, read customer reviews, or contact us as soon as today. We hope to see you and your smile soon!