If you have a decayed, damaged, or missing tooth, your dentist must have suggested placing a dental crown over it. Dentists perform this preventive treatment to prevent your teeth from being compromised further. However, the lifespan of a dental crown may vary based on various factors.
We contacted Dr. Lavoyger Gies, who runs a family dentistry clinic in San Antonio, TX, and an oral surgeon in Sherman to answer some critical questions about dental crowns and their longevity.
How Do Dental Crowns Work?
Dental crowns are caps or coverings placed over natural teeth or dental implants (in the case of missing teeth) to protect the structure from chipping or decay. They can be made of metal, ceramic, or porcelain, which is the most popular type of dental crown.Dental Crowns are recommended to people who have a broken tooth or have undergone a root canal or dental implant procedure and need protection from further damage. Some people even have them placed for aesthetic reasons as it improves the appearance of teeth.
Porcelain dental crowns look just like your natural teeth. And hence, they can be used to cover up discolored, chipped, or decayed teeth giving you a better smile in the process.
How Long Will A Dental Crown Last?
On average, a dental crown usually lasts about 15-20 years. And if taken good care of, the lifespan can extend up to 30 years before requiring a replacement.While dental crowns offer long-term protection, they don’t last forever. Dental crowns are susceptible to damage just like your teeth get chipped and cracked over time.
So the lifespan to crown your tooth will be determined by the amount of wear and tear it undergoes. If you follow good oral hygiene practices, you can make your dental crown last longer.
But if you are used to grinding or clenching your teeth or neglect your oral health, the crowns will wear off much quicker. They may also get damaged if you suffer a facial injury during accidents.
Hence, you must always practice good oral hygiene and get regular checkups once you get a dental crown to make them last longer. Another factor that decides the lifespan of your dental crown is the quality and type of crown used. For eg., metal crowns will last longer than ceramic or porcelain crowns.
Tips To Make Your Dental Crown Last Long
1. Use A Mouth Guard
Many people grind or clench their teeth while sleeping, which causes wear and tear. Wearing a custom mouthguard at night will help protect your dental crown from daily damage.2. Keep Your Teeth Clean
Brush and floss your teeth every day to prolong the life of your dental crown. This will prevent gum disease and decay caused by food particles stuck around the crown.3. Avoid Unwanted Damage
If you tend to use your teeth as a tool to open bottle caps, chew fingernails or bite into hard foods, you need to avoid it. Such habits can chip or even crack your dental crowns.If you need a reliable dentist for a dental crown in San Antonio, Tx, do visit Dr. Gies at the Gies Family Dentistry Clinic. With over 20 years of experience, he provides the best dental services in the San Antonio area for people of all ages. Schedule an appointment with him right away to improve your smile and oral health!
