Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are placed over damaged, decayed, or otherwise compromised teeth. They can reinforce a tooth’s existing structure, restore its natural appearance, and give it the chance to remain a healthy part of a person’s smile. However, many patients have concerns about the lifespan of their dental crown. Nothing can compare to your natural teeth, but dental crowns can still have impressive lifespans if they’re cared for properly. Continue reading to learn more!
How Long Is a Dental Crown Supposed to Last?
Most dental crowns have a lifespan of anywhere from 5 to 15 years, though this depends heavily on the material used (gold, ceramic, etc.), which tooth it was placed on, and what it endures after it’s been placed.
Remember, everyone’s smile and lifestyle are unique, meaning that every crown is exposed to varying circumstances. For example, someone with poor oral hygiene or someone who partakes regularly in bad oral habits, like smoking or using their teeth as tools, will likely see their crown fail sooner rather than later. On the other hand, a patient who brushes and flosses daily, maintains their dental checkups, and avoids bad oral habits will be able to enjoy their restoration, and all the benefits of having a healthy smile, for many years to come.
Tips for Maximizing Your Crown’s Lifespan
Thankfully, patients have a lot of agency when it comes to dental care, and with the right steps, a crown can last for a decade or longer in many cases. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Visit your dentist twice a year for routine preventive care. These visits aren’t just opportunities for your dentist to clean your teeth; they also provide the chance to have your crown examined, ensuring it’s problem-free.
- Don’t use your teeth as tools to open packaging or hold objects. Likewise, don’t bite into hard objects like ice cubes or your fingernails. These habits can cause structural damage to your crown, as well as harm your other teeth.
- If you suffer from bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, speak with your dentist about receiving a personalized nightguard to counteract this habit, since it can cause direct damage to your teeth and your crown.
- Diligent at-home oral hygiene is a must. Crowns don’t require any specialized care or products, meaning you can continue to brush and floss two times each day to keep your whole smile in tiptop shape. Though the crown itself is resistant to decay, the underlying tooth and other teeth are still at risk of decay!
If you’re noticing that your crown feels loose, especially while eating, or if it seems worn or obviously damaged, speak with your dentist about receiving a new one. Likewise, if your crown falls off, don’t delay seeking treatment. However, if you give your crown the chance, it should serve you well for many years!
About the Practice
Under the talented leadership of Dr. Siddharth Talsania, Dr. Mansi Talsania, and Dr. Deep Parikh, the team at Richland Dental has proudly served the needs of patients and families in Richardson and the surrounding area for many years. They offer a wide variety of services, including restorative solutions like dental crowns made from beautiful, durable materials. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with the team to set up an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (972) 200-8006.