DENTAL CROWN DURABILITY / LONGEVITY

A tooth that has been damaged needs to be repaired as thoroughly as possible. If the damage is severe enough, this may include the replacement of the entire crown of the tooth. If your tooth is damaged or decayed severely, but not badly enough that an extraction is required, your dentist may suggest the placement of a dental crown.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are dental prosthetics that replace the crown of a damaged tooth. This is done by reshaping the healthy tooth to allow for the prosthetic to fit. A mold is taken after the tooth is reshaped, and the prosthetic is created to perfectly fit over the reshaped tooth.

Why Would I Need a Replacement Crown?

If a tooth is damaged, it needs to be repaired or the damage will become worse over time. If a tooth is damaged to the point where the crown needs to be replaced, further damage may require the full extraction of the tooth. This is why it’s important to have the tooth repaired as soon as possible.

For some patients, a dental crown is required because of an accident that left their tooth severely cracked, chipped or otherwise broken. For other patients, the damage is due to tooth decay brought on by poor oral hygiene. Whatever the case may be, it’s extremely important to have a damaged or decayed tooth repaired as soon as possible to save the health of the tooth.

How Long Do Replacement Crowns Last?

While a dental crown is an excellent solution for the repair and maintenance of a damaged tooth, it doesn’t last forever. Instead, many crowns will last around 8 to 15 years. Some crowns may last longer, depending on different factors like the materials used, and how well the crown is cared for. Actually, crowns can last upwards of 30 years.

Crowns can also last a significant amount less time if they aren’t properly cared for. Because of this, you’ll want to take the necessary steps to ensure the longevity of your replacement crown.

How Can I Ensure the Longevity of My Crown?

Dental crowns are not cheap. Because of this, you don’t want to replace them any more than you absolutely have to. It’s also important to understand that, if you don’t take proper care of the healthy portion of your tooth, you may not be able to have another crown placed. Instead, you may need to have the tooth extracted.

In order to ensure the longevity of your crown, you’ll want to first and foremost take proper care of your oral health. You still have a healthy tooth below the crown that is susceptible to decay.

You’ll also want to make sure you don’t bite down on hard objects, or clench your teeth. If you grind or clench your teeth at night, make sure to purchase a night guard.

A replacement crown can be an excellent, long-lasting option if you take good care of it. If you have any additional questions about the care of your crown, speak with your dentist.

West Mobile Dental Care, located in Mobile, AL, provides dental crowns as a restorative and cosmetic dental option. Contact us today and schedule you're consultation.

Interesting in learning more about dental crowns? Here's additional information on how much dental crowns cost.