Are Dental Crowns Permanent? Understanding the Lifespan of Your Restoration
What Are Dental Crowns and How Do They Function?
Dental crowns are versatile restorations that provide both functional and aesthetic benefits. They, also known as dental caps, are usually placed on a damaged tooth to reinstate its shape, size, strength, and appearance.
Dental crowns work by encasing the whole exterior portion of the tooth above the gum line as if to replace the enamel. They are custom-designed to match the natural teeth, providing a durable and long-lasting solution for damaged or weakened teeth.
When Do Dentists Use Dental Crowns?
Your local dentist will only sometimes recommend a dental crown when you visit their dental office. Instead, they employ dental crowns to restore extensively decayed, fractured, cracked, or teeth with significant structural damage. Further, a dentist in Summerland may use a crown after root canal treatment to strengthen and protect the treated tooth. The same can be of a dental implant, where the crown covers it to improve the function, aesthetics, and overall health of the implanted tooth.
Benefits that Dental Crowns Provide to Your Oral Health
When your dentist chooses to place a dental crown over your natural or implanted tooth, it bears several benefits, including:
- Protection: Crowns protect weak and damaged teeth, preventing deterioration or fracture.
- Restoration of Function: Crowns allow for normal biting and chewing, which may have been compromised due to decay or deep fractures.
- Aesthetics: Crowns improve teeth’ appearance by enhancing shape, size, alignment, and color.
- Comfort: Crowns are custom-made in a calculated and precise process in the dental laboratory to fit your tooth excellently. Therefore, you should enjoy a comfortable and natural feel after receiving your permanent dental crowns in Summerland.
- Versatility in Supporting Many Dental Restorations: Crowns can support dental bridges, cover dental implants, or anchor partial dentures.
- Durability: Depending on the material of the dental crowns, they can be highly durable and long-lasting.
Exploring the Longevity of Dental Crowns: How Permanent Are They?
Dental crowns are generally designed to be a long-term solution for teeth. Therefore, the expectation when you visit a dental clinic near you is that you are getting a permanent dental restoration. However, dental crown longevity does vary for patients, depending on several factors:
- Material: Certain materials, such as metal alloys, Zirconia, or porcelain, are quite durable, lasting between 15 and 20 years. While aesthetically pleasing, composite resin crowns may not be as durable and may require replacement and reinforcement sooner.
- Oral Hygiene: Proper oral hygiene practices, like brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings, significantly contribute to the longevity of a tooth crown. Good oral hygiene prevents the recurrence of decay or gum disease, which often compromise the integrity of the crown. Besides, the last thing you want is to incur stains on your tooth crowns.
- Dental Habits: Grinding or clenching teeth or biting and opening objects put excessive pressure on the dental crown, potentially causing damage. Wearing a night guard and taking other measures to avoid such habits can protect the crown and extend its lifespan.
- Tooth Preparation and Fit: How the tooth is prepared and the crown’s fit is crucial for longevity. Proper tooth preparation ensures optimal retention and support for the crown. Further, a well-fitting crown reduces the risk of bacterial leakage or recurrent decay around the tooth. Therefore, you cannot afford to visit any dental clinic near you. Instead, seek qualified and certified dental professionals at Spruce Canyon Family Dentistry who can do the job meticulously.
Dental Crown Lifespan: Examining the Long-lasting Effects of Restorations
While dental crowns are meant to be long-lasting and permanent dental restorations, they eventually require replacement due to factors such as wear, decay, or changes in the surrounding teeth or gums. On average, dental crowns can last between 10 to 20 years with proper care. However, the experiences will vary due to the care you accord your teeth after treatment. If you want to lengthen dental crown longevity, consider the following tips:
- Use a non-abrasive toothpaste and toothbrush to clean your teeth and soft tissues at least twice daily.
- Attend regular dental check-ups in a dental clinic near you. Allow the dentist to detect anomalies and offer 0revebtive and restorative care early.
- Avoid using your teeth as tools, especially to bite on hard objects or open packages.
- Visit your dentist routinely for professional cleanings to help you maintain excellent dental hygiene.