If you’ve had any teeth that were damaged by large cavities or fractures, there’s a good chance they were restored with dental crowns. Sometimes called “caps”, crowns are wonderful for replenishing a tooth’s strength, function and appearance. Unfortunately, however, dental crowns in Carrollton don’t last forever and require basic care and maintenance to preserve them. Keep reading to find out how long dental crowns can last and how to help them last as long as possible!
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Nearly all dental work has a certain lifespan and will need to be replaced at some point. Having said that, dental crowns are a wonderful investment in your oral health because they can last 15-20 years.
However, since they’re subject to the same everyday wear-and-tear as your own teeth, it’s helpful to know a few tips and tricks for caring for them. After all, everyone can agree they’d rather not replace their dental work unless they absolutely have to.
Ways To Help Dental Crowns Last
Your oral hygiene routine and everyday habits will have a big impact on the longevity of all of your dental work, including your dental crowns. Here are some tips to extend their life and keep them looking fantastic:
- Get regular dental care – Regular checkups with a dentist in Carrollton are important to make sure your dental crowns are still functioning well and catch any small problems early. For example, small cavities can be found near the margin of a dental crown in time to be treated with a small filing, instead of needing a whole new crown after they’ve gotten larger.
- Keep up good oral hygiene – A crown itself can’t get a cavity, but the strip of exposed tooth structure near the gumline still can. Good brushing and flossing will keep this area clean and prevent a cavity from forming underneath your crown. It’s also helpful to use a fluoride mouthwash for extra cavity protection.
- Wear a nightguard for clenching and grinding – Nighttime clenching and grinding puts a huge amount of force on both your natural teeth and dental crowns. Wearing a nightguard won’t prevent it from happening, but it will protect from chips and fractures.
- Watch your diet and habits – Avoid chewing or biting on anything hard, such as ice, pens, or hard candy that can chip or crack your crowns.
By following these guidelines, you can look forward to many years of good oral health from your dental crowns!
About the Author
Dr. Moji Chandy has over 12 years of experience as a general, cosmetic, and restorative dentist in Carrollton and is a graduate of the NYU College of Dentistry. She’s used dental crowns to restore the smiles of countless patients over the years and always educates them on how to maintain them over the long-term. If you have any questions, you can reach Dr. Chandy through her website.