Dental crowns are used for a number of purposes from restoring worn or broken teeth to protecting weak teeth from further damage. Our Langley Straight Smile dentists are here to tell you how to properly care for your dental crown to help ensure they last a long time.
What Is A Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are coverings that fit over an existing tooth. It can be used to treat a tooth with severe decay to protect the rest of the tooth from damage. It also helps keep a bite intact. First, your dentist will remove decay from the tooth being treated and any existing fillings. If needed, they can build up the tooth to match the height of the teeth around it. Next, 3-D imaging is used to custom-make a crown that fits your tooth.
Why Might I Need A Dental Crown?
Our Langley Straight Smile dental team may recommend getting a dental crown if you need it to:
- Restore a large area of decay that’s too severe for a filling.
- Protecting a weak tooth from the threat of fracture.
- Give a discolored tooth an easy makeover.
- Restore a tooth that’s undergone root canal therapy.
- Rebuild the structure of a badly injured or fractured tooth.
- Attach it to a dental implant.
How Long Do Crowns Last?
Typically, porcelain crowns can last anywhere from 5 – 15 years. However, the longevity of your crown will be determined by your oral hygiene practices and the amount of wear and tear the crown gets. Its success starts with the proper fit. An improper fit can lead to bacteria buildup, which causes tooth decay. A regular oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing helps make a crown last significantly longer.
How To Care For Your Dental Crowns
To make your dental crown last as long as possible, you must brush and floss on a regular basis. When brushing, pay extra attention to your crown and the teeth around it. Also, visit your dentist for regular dental exams and routine dental cleanings. If you’re an athlete, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth to lower your risk of damage.
You will also want to avoid foods such as hard candies, crunchy fresh vegetables and nuts. These can damage your temporary crowns. You may also want to avoid hot soups, sugary or sticky foods, as well as extremely cold foods like ice cream as you may experince some degree of sensitivity with your new crown.
To avoid damage to your crowns you will want to avoid bad habits such as biting your nails, chewing on ice and opening packages with your mouth.