Dental crowns are a popular and effective way to restore a damaged tooth. Understanding what to expect in terms of longevity, as well as factors that can affect it, can help patients and dental professionals make informed decisions about dental crowns.
In this article, we will discuss various types of crowns, lifespan expectations, factors affecting longevity, care and maintenance, repair versus replacement, and more. We hope that by the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how to care for your dental crown.
Types of Crowns
When it comes to dental crowns, there are various types available to choose from. Temporary crowns are typically made from acrylic or stainless steel and can be used as a placeholder until the permanent crown arrives.
Metal crowns are the most common type of permanent crown, and are made from a combination of metals or alloys such as gold, palladium, or chrome cobalt. Gold crowns are a popular choice for back teeth, as they are strong and durable.
Porcelain crowns have a more natural look and are commonly used for front teeth. Types of crowns also include zirconia and ceramic crowns, which are made from a strong and durable ceramic material.
Permanent crowns are usually cemented in place and can last up to 15 years, while partial crowns are designed to fit along with existing teeth. Whether you choose a metal, gold, porcelain, zirconia, ceramic, or partial crown, it is important to care for your dental crowns to ensure a long and healthy life.
Lifespan Expectations
The lifespan of a dental crown can vary greatly depending on the type of crown used and the level of care taken to ensure its longevity. Natural teeth are capable of lasting a lifetime, but when a crown is placed, proper care and oral hygiene become even more important for the life of the crown.
To ensure the best oral health, the entire tooth needs to be taken care of, not just the crown. Depending on the type of crown, the success rates can vary, and so can the average lifespan. Most insurance companies will cover the cost of a new crown every 5-7 years. However, with proper care, it can last up to 15 years or more.
Taking proper care of your crown is essential for its longevity. This includes regular brushing and flossing, limiting sugary snacks and drinks, and avoiding hard and sticky foods. Visiting your dentist regularly can also help detect any signs of early tooth decay. Following these guidelines can help ensure your crown lasts as long as possible.
Factors Affecting Longevity
Besides proper care and regular visits to the dentist, several factors can affect the longevity of a dental crown. It is important to be aware of these issues.
Firstly, the underlying dental issues that prompted the need for a crown can have an effect. If the original teeth are weak or damaged, or if a root canal or gum disease has affected them, the dental crown may not last as long as it would if the teeth were healthy.
Secondly, the type of material used to create the dental crown can have an effect on its longevity. Metal alloys are often used to create the crown, and these materials can corrode over time, causing the crown to weaken and eventually fail.
Care & Maintenance
Patients’ care and maintenance of their dental crowns is essential for ensuring their longevity. It is important for individuals to understand that proper home care and oral hygiene habits are a crucial part of maintaining their dental health. Special care should be taken to be gentle and thorough when brushing and flossing around the crown, as this will help protect the crown from any damage or wear.
Additionally, visiting experienced dentists on a regular basis is essential for long-term success. It is recommended that patients schedule regular checkups and professional cleanings with their dentist to monitor the condition of their dental crowns. An expert professional can perform an examination to ensure the crown is still in good condition. If any damage is detected, the dentist can advise the patient on the best course of action.
Repair Vs. Replacement
Often, when a dental crown becomes damaged, patients must decide whether to repair it or replace it. Repairing a dental crown requires a careful evaluation of the condition of the crown, the extent of any damage, and the type of material used. In some cases, the crown may be able to be repaired with dental cement or composite material. If the crown is severely damaged, or if the type of material used is no longer available, then it may be necessary to replace the crown entirely.
Replacing a dental crown often requires a new dental impression, and the crown must be made in a dental laboratory using the finest cements. For many patients, composite resin crowns provide a cost-effective solution for crown replacement, and they look very similar to other types of crowns. In both repair and replacement cases, professional dental care is essential for a successful outcome.
When it comes to dental crowns, repair vs replacement is an important decision that must be made. Knowing the type of material used, the extent of damage, and the options available for dental restoration are all essential components of the decision-making process. With the right dental care and attention, a dental crown can provide years of service.
Caring for Your Crown
Once a dental crown has been installed, it is important to take steps to ensure its longevity; how, then, should you care for your crown? In general, custom crowns made of porcelain or ceramic require extra care in order to remain in good condition. Traditional crowns made of metal may last longer but may also require regular check-ups to ensure the crown and underlying tooth structure remain healthy. In either case, proper dental hygiene is essential to prevent damage to the crown and other teeth.
It is important to practice good dental hygiene, such as brushing and flossing, and to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups. This helps to prevent any damage to crowns, as well as to the underlying tooth structure. Additionally, it is also important to be aware of the type of crown used and its placement. If the crown is custom-made, it is important to take extra care to prevent breakage or damage.
It is also important to be aware of when a crown may need to be replaced. Crowns can sometimes become loose or damaged due to wear and tear. If this happens, it is important to visit your dentist for a replacement as soon as possible.
Complications
Though rare, complications can arise with dental crowns that require attention to ensure the long-term success of the crown. Despite expert installation of a Dental Crown Procedure, the crown may become loose over time due to a variety of reasons, such as Gold Alloy corrosion, fracture of the Tooth Structure, or a reaction to the Dental Cement. In addition, Excessive Wear of the crown can be caused by grinding, clenching, and chewing hard food. However, the most Common Reasons for a loose crown is due to the crown being ill-fitting or of poor quality, both of which can be prevented by expert installation.
In some cases, the crown may become loose due to Damaged Teeth, either from trauma to the teeth or a bite that is uneven. Regardless of the cause, it is important to address the issue quickly and seek medical advice to ensure the crown can be saved. By understanding the different reasons why a dental crown may become loose, you can take the necessary steps to ensure the longevity of your crown.
Consultation
In addition to understanding the causes of dental crown complications, it is also important to discuss the issue with a dental professional to ensure the longevity of your crown.
Consulting with a dental professional can help you understand the importance of wearing a night guard, avoiding decayed and broken teeth, and avoiding sticky foods. It can also help you understand the importance of maintaining periodontal health, as well as avoiding external trauma like bottle caps. Your dental professional can provide helpful advice on patient home care, including which food items should be avoided and which food items may cause food traps.
This consultation is vital to maintain the longevity of your dental crown and ensure your continued oral health. Your dentist will provide you with the necessary education and instruction to help you take care of your crown and your overall oral health. Your dentist will also help you to identify any potential risks or problems and provide solutions on how to avoid them.
Key Takeaways
Dental crowns can be an effective way to restore the strength, health, and appearance of a damaged tooth. The longevity of dental crowns depends on various factors, such as the type of crown used, the patient’s own oral hygiene habits, and the quality of treatment received.
Caring for your dental crown properly by practising good oral hygiene and having regular check-ups can help to ensure the longevity of the crown. If a dental crown does become damaged or dislodged, it is important to seek professional advice to determine whether repair or replacement is the best option.
If you are looking for a professional and experienced dental practice to provide you with quality dental crowns and care for the longevity of your teeth, look no further than Winston Hills Dental in Winston Hills, NSW. Our experienced team provides the highest quality of dental care, and we strive to ensure that our patients enjoy long-lasting results from their dental treatments. Contact us today to find out more.