Dental crowns are an investment in your smile and in your oral health. They protect the tooth and add stability and strength to a tooth that otherwise may be further damaged and eventually broken off. Not only does the crown restore health to the tooth, it also restores your smile.
The Lifespan of the Dental Crown
It would be nice if your dental crown would last a lifetime. You may be one of the fortunate dental patients who do have crowns that last much longer than expected. The average lifespan of one is about 15 years.
If you have good oral hygiene and get regular dental checkups and you maintain your crown reasonably well, you can expect it to last at least that long. If you take very good care of it and your oral health it may last as long as 25 -30 years. For longevity of a dental crown, there are a few things you need to be aware of.
Extending the Life of Your Dental Crown
One of the most obvious and simplest things you can do to extend the life of your crown is to take diligent care of your teeth. Practice good oral hygiene and pay attention to keeping your crown and the area around it clean. Regular dental checkups can help with this. Your dentist will check the area where the crown meets the tooth to make sure there is no leakage. You will also benefit from regular professional cleanings which will remove any plaque that builds up in this area.
Everything you do to help extend the life of your crown will also benefit your teeth. Chewing ice, hard candy or other hard objects is not advisable. This practice can cause damage to the crown and your teeth as well. This doesn’t mean you can only eat soft foods; it just means you need to be aware of the things you chew on. Some people enjoy crunching. Chewing on carrots instead of ice gives the crunch without putting your teeth at risk.
Stress Management and Your Crown
Grinding your teeth and clenching are detrimental to the health of your crown and your other teeth as well. These practices wear down the teeth, put extra pressure on them and can cause your crown to break or crack. Grinding and clenching can also cause headaches and problems with your temporomandibular joint.
If you have these habits, talk to your dentist about them. You can get a custom made mouthguard that will protect your crown and your teeth when you are sleeping. Many people experience clenching and grinding when under stress. Learning to manage your stress in a healthy way will be better for your oral health and your overall wellbeing. For some it is a temporary issue; for others it is an ongoing problem. Speak with your r dentist so the problem can be addressed.
Contact Pearl Dentistry for more information about dental crowns. We are here to help you achieve and maintain optimum oral health. Give us a call today and schedule your appointment.
