Your new dental crown may look and feel just like a real tooth, but you may be wondering if it will last as long as your natural teeth. Here’s everything you need to know about giving your mouth the royal treatment with your dazzling new crown!
What is a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are deluxe fillings that are used to repair teeth with a large amount of damage. They are often used to restore cracked teeth, during root canal procedures, and for repairing large cavities. They are designed to replicate the teeth they are correcting and typically made of tooth-colored materials, so they blend seamlessly into your mouth. They are also fully functional, so you can use them to chew all the foods you enjoyed before your treatment.
How Long Do Crowns Last?
Your dental crown has the potential to last for ten years or more, but that depends on how well you care for it. Using it to do things like bite fingernails, open packaging, or crunch ice cubes can all damage it, requiring you to replace it prematurely.
To keep it safe, be sure to only use it to chew food and brush and floss your teeth daily to prevent future cavities from forming underneath it.
Do Crowns Protect Against Cavities?
While your crown will protect your decayed tooth by restoring its shape and size so you can continue to use it, it will not prevent that tooth from getting future cavities. In fact, your risk of getting another cavity on that tooth is about the same with or without a crown. Thus, don’t skip your oral hygiene. Floss around it but be careful not to get your floss stuck underneath it.
What Kind of Toothpaste Should I Use on My Crown?
The good news is that dental crowns can stand up to most types of toothpaste, however that doesn’t mean they’ll do anything but clean them. Whitening toothpastes, for example, will not work on your crown, because they are not porous like your real teeth and therefore cannot change their color. If you are unhappy with the current shade of your smile, speak to your dentist about professionally whitening your teeth before your crown is made so you can match it to your ideal color.
What Should I Do if My Crown Falls Off?
Though rare, it is possible for your dental crown to fall off, especially as it gets older and the cement holding it to your tooth begins to break down. If this happens, don’t panic. First, brush your teeth and examine the underlying tooth. If it is not damaged, you can see if it still fits. If it is damaged, do not attempt to reattach it. If it’s in good shape, it may be possible to temporarily hold it in place with over-the-counter dental cement. Before you do this, however, call your dentist and explain the situation. They can give you instructions based on your individual situation. If you do end up using temporary cement, please do not rely on it as a permanent solution. It was not meant to be used long term, and you should see your dentist to have it either permanently reattached or replaced.
Remember, dental crowns are an excellent solution to restore teeth with large amounts of damage or decay. With proper care and use, your new dental crown should last ten years or more, allowing you to enjoy many smiles and delicious meals!
About Our Practice
Do you need a new crown? At Smile Fitness Dental Center, our trio of caring and talented dentists are here to give your teeth the royal treatment! If you have a tooth with excessive damage, restoring its appearance and function with a dental crown is an excellent solution to prevent further damage or the need for extraction. To schedule an appointment for a dental crown or any other treatment, please visit our website or call us today at 623-303-0967.