Dental crowns are durable, long-lasting restorations for teeth that need a larger filling due to damage or decay. But while they often look and feel just like the real thing, unlike natural teeth they will eventually need to be replaced. Here’s how to tell when it’s time for a new dental crown, and how to care for it so it lasts as long as possible!
What is a Dental Crown?
As mentioned above, dental crowns are restorations used for larger areas of damage or tooth decay. They fit over your existing tooth like a cap and are usually made of tooth-colored materials, so they look and feel natural and blend seamlessly into your smile. They’re also fully functional, so you can use them to eat a full diet.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Most dental crowns will last ten or more years depending on how well they’re cared for. To ensure that you get the most out of yours, only use it to chew food. Never bite your nails, open packaging, or crunch anything too hard like ice cubes with it. Furthermore, be sure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily and visit your dentist every six months for your biannual exams and cleaning.
If you notice any signs of damage to your crown, or if you see a black line forming around the bottom edge where the crown meets the gums, these are also signs that it’s time for a new crown.
Will My Dental Crown Protect Against Cavities?
Dental crowns are designed to protect your damaged tooth by restoring its shape and size. However, it will not prevent future cavities if you don’t care for your smile with proper oral hygiene. In fact, your risk of getting another cavity on a tooth with a crown is about the same as it is on one without.
How Do I Care for My Dental Crown?
You can care for your dental crown exactly the same way you would for a real tooth. However, certain products such as whitening pastes will have no effect on them, as they are not porous and will not absorb stains like natural teeth do. If you’d like to match your crown to a whiter smile, talk to your dentist about getting professional whitening before you have your crown made, that way you can match it to your ideal shade of smile.
What Should I Do if My Dental Crown Falls Off?
Sometimes permanent crowns can fall out if they weren’t cemented properly or if the adhesive has broken down over time. Should yours come off, first carefully remove the tooth from your mouth, and rinse well. Then brush your teeth and examine your underlying tooth. If it’s still in good condition, see if the crown still fits. You can temporarily hold it in place with sugarless gum or temporary dental adhesive from your local pharmacy. If it is damaged, do not attempt to reattach it.
Next, call your dentist, who can give you instructions for next steps, which will likely include an appointment to have it either permanently reattached or replaced.
Remember, a dental crown is a durable, long-lasting solution to extensive decay or damage that with proper care and use could last for ten or more years. To restore your smile with a dental crown, schedule a consultation with your dentist today!
About Dr. Oza
Dr. Jay Oza attended the University of North Texas Health Science Center and earned his dental degree at New York University. He is a current member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and the Fort Worth Dental Society, and takes numerous continuing education courses to stay current on his dental skills. If you’d like to repair your damaged tooth with a durable, natural-looking dental crown at Marvel Dental & Orthodontics, request an appointment on our website, or call us today at 682-772-3072.