Dental crowns are designed to protect your teeth and are often used when there is severe damage to the top of a tooth or when a patient needs a root canal or a dental bridge. While dental crowns are designed to be very durable, they can take damage just like your natural teeth. For example, many patients end up needing crowns because they damage the chewing surface of their chewing on hard objects like pens or ice cubes. Chewing on those same types of items can cause a crown to chip, crack, or break over time. In this article, we will discuss how long dental crowns last, how to protect them, and what to do when you notice they are getting damaged. For help with dental treatments in Chicago, All Star Dental has 5 dental offices. Click below to contact our team.
The lifespan of a dental crown is around 15 years as long as it is taken care of correctly. That said some people have crowns that last 20 or even 30 years because they are careful with their oral health. A common misconception made by dental patients is to think that crowns, bridges, or fillings require less maintenance because they are fake. In fact, when you have a crown or a filling you need to take extra care to protect the rest of that tooth. Tooth decay can happen at the seam where the crown or filling meets the natural tooth. This can cause the crown to loosen and eventually break. Make sure to floss and brush daily, and above all see the dentist routinely. If there is only six months between dental visits it is unlikely (unless there is a sudden injury) that a crown is going to break or fall out before a dentist notices early signs of decay or damage. In terms of sudden injuries, avoid chewing on hard objects that can cause your crown to chip or crack.
If you notice that your dental crown is chipped or cracked, you should call a dentist immediately. First and foremost, you will likely need that crown replaced. As soon as a crown is starting to break it is likely it will break further. While dental crowns are made from strong materials like composites or ceramics, they are more likely to break once they start showing signs of damage. An emergency dentist can remove the broken or damaged crown and replace it. If your crown is part of a dental bridge you will want it replaced quickly to avoid the bridge falling out or getting damaged.
A lost dental crown requires an immediate emergency dental visit. You will want to find a same-day dentist that provides dental crown replacement services. A lost dental crown means your remaining tooth is exposed. That exposure can lead to tooth infection and tooth loss. If you are experiencing pain as part of the crown falling out you should use an ice pack or a cold compress to help alleviate the pain and decrease any swelling. You should also use warm (not hot or cold) water with salt to disinfect your mouth and remove bacteria and food particles to help prevent the start of a dental infection. The sooner you can see a dentist the better. But ideally your dentist will recommend replacing a dental crown well before it gets damaged or falls out. This is why it is important for anyone with crowns or fillings to see a dentist routinely.
All Star Dental has 5 dental offices throughout Chicago that work with patients of all ages to help with cleanings, exams, and solving dental problems. If you notice an issue with an existing dental crown or dental bridge, please click below to schedule an appointment with us.
