Modern technology has made great strides in dental treatment options. From durable materials used for repairs to modern equipment, visiting the dentist has never been more pleasant. If you need a dental crown, chances are one of your concerns is how long it will last. Thankfully, dental crowns are extremely durable lasting for many years, with the right care.
What are Dental Crowns?
Crowns or “caps” are used to help restore the shape, size, or appearance of a tooth that is damaged from decay or trauma. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, such as porcelain, metal or ceramic. Depending on your specific needs, your dentist will discuss your options for crowns.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
With the right care, dental crowns can last up to 15 years or more. Your hygiene habits and overall oral health can also increase the length of time a dental crown will last. However, at some point, your dental crown may need to be replaced.
Why Do Crowns Need to Be Replaced?
Dental crowns are meant to be a permanent solution; however, your jaw, natural teeth, and oral hygiene habits also play a role in how long crowns last. Other issues that could cause your crown to need replacing are:
Bite problems: A crown may break if you grind or clench your teeth, causing pressure on the jaw structure and crown itself.
Tooth Decay: The dental crown itself will not decay, but the tooth underneath the crown can. Good oral hygiene habits combined with routine visits to the dentist can help keep decay to a minimum.
Routine Wear and Tear: Bad habits, such as chewing ice, opening containers with your teeth or biting your fingernails can cause added pressure to the crown. This added pressure can cause crowns to wear down faster.
Dental crowns are used when a tooth is no longer functional. Often, decay, trauma or a combination of both require a crown to be placed over the tooth to restore functionality. If you are searching for a dentist who is skilled in the placement of dental crowns, call the caring team at Dynamic Dental today.