“You have a cavity.” When your dentist tells you those dreaded words, you cringe in fear. However, instead of the usual filling, your dentist says you need to get a crown instead. You’ve heard about dental crowns in Piedmont, but how long do they last? How can you make them last as long as possible? Keep reading below to learn the answers.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown, also known as a cap, is a covering that is designed to slip over a tooth. Your dentist in Piedmont may decide to place a crown for several reasons, such as:
- Protecting a tooth that is broken or weak
- Restoring a dental implant
- Protecting a tooth that has been treated with a root canal
- Restore a tooth that is too weak to sustain a traditional filling
- Conceal teeth that are yellow, stained, misshapen, or too small
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Unfortunately, crowns are not designed to be a permanent solution. However, they can last for many, many years if you take care of them properly. A 2009 study found that 90 percent of crowns do not need to be replaced after five years. It also showed that 50 to 80 percent of crowns will last for 15 to 20 years. So, even though they are not permanent, crowns last a pretty long time. They are also durable and resistant to staining, even more so than your natural teeth.
How Can You Make Your Crown Last as Long as Possible?
In order to have as few issues as possible with your crown, it’s important to take care of it. You can do this by following these steps:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste with fluoride.
- Floss in between your teeth every single day.
- Visit your dentist at least twice a year for a checkup to make sure your crown is holding up.
- Avoid habits that could break or dislodge the crown, such as biting your nails, chewing ice, grinding or clenching your teeth, and using your teeth to open packaging.
- Wear a mouthguard during sports or other physical activity.
Dental crowns are a great solution for multiple problems with a tooth. By taking care of them, they shouldn’t give you any problems for more than a decade.
About the Practice
At Tylan Creek Family Dentistry, we offer CEREC same-day crowns to get your tooth the protection it needs without having to wear a temporary and wait for a permanent crown. Our team of six talented dentists will always greet you with a smile. To learn more about the crown process, contact us at (864)-603-2200.