Dental crowns are permanent dental fixtures. This means you need a dentist to remove your dental crown. However, dental crowns, like all other dental appliances, have a lifespan that depends on how well you care for your dental crowns and general wear-and-tear. Here, we cover dental crowns, the process, and how long dental crowns usually last. Let’s jump into it.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Think of a dental crown like a helmet for your teeth. If the surface of your tooth is damaged, decayed, or worn down, you may be a good candidate for dental crowns. Dental crowns cap the surface of your tooth and protect it from further damage. Dental crowns are usually made from metal, but they also come in porcelain or composite resin, which can match your natural tooth color closer than metal crowns.
Dental crowns are a great way to save a damaged or decayed tooth. Instead of removing a structurally compromised tooth, your dentist can apply a crown. This helps give your tooth more structure and helps restore your chewing surface.
Dental Crown Process
Before getting a dental crown, your dentist will take an impression of your existing tooth. They do this to craft the crown to fit your needs correctly. Once this impression is sent off, they’ll prepare the existing tooth for the crown. This can include removing decay and damaged teeth and filing down some of the enamel to better fit the crown. Then, they’ll likely affix a temporary crown while your permanent crown gets made.
Once the final crown is done, they’ll affix it to your remaining tooth using a bonding agent. Remember, adjusting to a new dental crown can take some time. Your mouth needs time to get used to the new chewing surface. However, if your dental crown causes you any pain or signs of infection like redness, swelling, pus, a bad taste or smell, or severe sensitivity to hot and cold, it’s time to revisit your dentist.
Lifespan of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can last between 5 and 15 years, depending on how well you care for your crowns. Regular dental cleanings, routine dental hygiene, and following dental care instructions for your crown can increase the lifespan of your dental crown.
Sometimes, you may have a dental crown fall out or get damaged. In that case, seeing your dentist as soon as possible is important to fix the dental crown. If left untreated, this can further damage your supporting tooth and open it up to decay. Thankfully, repairing a damaged or dislodged crown can be a simple procedure, so be sure to contact your dentist as soon as possible.
If you have any questions about dental crowns or dental decay or want to schedule an appointment, contact South Fallsburg Dental at (845) 434-1202. Our team can help answer your questions and would be happy to help you set up a visit with our office soon. We look forward to hearing from you.