If you’ve just received a dental crown, you likely feel pretty happy with it. After all, the prosthetic will restore your tooth and make it look nicer! Still, keep in mind that its lifespan isn’t infinite. Over time, various forces will wear it down until it needs replacement. Given this fact, you’ll want to ensure your crown lasts as long as possible. Fortunately enough, your local dental practice can help you do so. Here’s a summary of how to manage dental crown lifespan from a Chardon dentist.
Just What is the Lifespan of a Dental Crown?
The average lifespan for a dental crown is around 15 years or so. On the other hand, this prosthetic can last 30 years or more if it’s very well-maintained. That only applies, though, when the underlying tooth is healthy.
Even if you’re tempted, keeping a crown past its lifespan isn’t a good idea. Doing so will raise your risk of oral health issues, not to mention invasive treatments down the line.
How Do You Know When to Replace a Crown?
In general, it’s time to replace your crown when it gets chipped or cracked. Without treatment, this damage will expose your tooth to harmful bacteria that could cause decay.
Indeed, cavities can form beneath a crown if you aren’t careful. If this enamel loss grows, your dentist will likely need to replace the prosthetic. If they don’t, your tooth could need a root canal in the future.
Should your crown interfere with your bite, that’s another sign it may need replacement. In fact, poor fitting is one of the most common causes of crown failure.
How Should You Care for a Dental Crown?
Thankfully, you can extend your crown’s lifespan by caring for it well. In particular, the tips below would prevent an early failure:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Just as you always should, brush your teeth twice daily and floss them once daily. That way, you can protect the area under a crown from decay.
- Avoid Bad Oral Habits: Avoid grinding your teeth, biting your fingernails, or chewing on ice. Any of these habits could make your crown chip or crack.
- Attend Checkups: With regular checkups and cleanings, a dentist can find and treat issues before they threaten your crown.
As you can see, the dental crown lifespan in Chardon can go high or low. It ultimately depends on how you treat your smile!
About the Practice
The Chardon Smile Center is based in Chardon, OH. As led by Drs. Christopher Philips and Brian Titus, our practice combines reliable dentists and advanced technology. In this way, we can perform high-quality preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as emergency dental procedures. Needless to say, then, you can count on us for checkups, crowns, dentures, and more! For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or call us at (440)-286-2474.