Good oral hygiene is key to preventing dental issues but inevitably, something will arise at some point. When something is wrong, it is important to see your dentist right away because our teeth do not heal themselves and a minor issue can turn into a severe problem in a few short months. Fortunately, there are a number of treatments available to help you keep your natural teeth healthy and strong as long as possible!
One such treatment is a full coverage dental crown. Crowns are used to restore teeth that have suffered a fracture, root canal, or have extensive decay and the crowns are considered a permanent restoration, they may not necessarily last time.
How long do full coverage crowns last?
As with any dental restoration, how long it lasts depends on how well you take care of it and how good your oral hygiene is. With proper care and maintenance, most crowns can last between 15 and 20 years.
What affects the lifespan of a full coverage crown?
Normal wear and tear is to be expected but some lifestyle habits can increase risk of fracture or recurrent decay under the crown. Patients who grind their teeth unconsciously during the day or during sleep put an enormous amount of pressure on the crown which can wear it down and cause damage. Your dentist can fabricate a custom night guard for you to wear while you sleep to help alleviate some of the pressure put on your teeth. Additionally, if you clincher grind throughout the day, you may consider a day guard to prevent damage.
Of course, good oral hygiene is crucial to the lifespan of your crown. Patients with poor oral hygiene or at risk of developing periodontal disease which can compromise not only the teeth and gums but any restorations that you have. And if a tooth develops decay under a crown, the crown will need to be replaced.
Dental crowns are a great way to preserve your natural teeth and to avoid extractions. A fractured tooth can be saved from extraction with a crown placement though if the fracture extends beyond the gum line, the tooth may need to be extracted to prevent further damage to the area.
A crown is an investment in the health of your smile and should be treated as such. Taking the necessary precautions to keep your crown in tip top shape will enable you to keep your crown as long as possible. Though most crowns will need to be replaced eventually, they do have the ability to last a lifetime with proper care.
If your crown ever falls off, it is very important to get to your dentist as soon as possible to have it recemented, even if you are not in pain! Your exposed tooth is compromised because when the crown was placed, some enamel was removed to make room for the crown so it is much more susceptible to fracture and shifting, at which point your crown will no longer fit properly. Just because you are not in pain does not mean it isn’t important!