Dental crowns are an excellent option for restoring teeth with big cavities or fillings back to their normal form, function, and appearance. Dental crowns are an especially good option to restore teeth that have had root canal therapy or suffered from a crack or broken filling. If you have a heavy bite or grind your teeth, dental crowns are much stronger than fillings and may last longer than other restorations.
However, just like teeth and fillings, dental crowns require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition and to make sure they last for a long time. And as dental crowns are often a more expensive dental procedure than dental fillings, here’s 5 tips to help make sure you get the most out of your investment!
Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
Most dental crowns will last from five to fifteen years on average. The lifespan of any dental restoration depends on your homecare and oral habits. So it is very important to brush and floss your dental crown as you would a normal tooth, in order to prevent a cavity from developing under the restoration or along the gumline. Most dental crowns must be completely replaced in the event you develop a new cavity, and you may incur additional costs for future treatment.
Use A Night Guard
While dental crowns are more resistant to breaking than basic fillings, under extreme forces such as grinding and clenching, the crown may chip, break, or loosen over time. Using a custom fabricated night guard or occlusal splint can help protect your teeth and restorations, including dental crowns, from breaking down under heavy pressure.
Get Rid of Bad Habits
Dental crowns may chip or break if used for abnormal activities – for example: biting fishing line, sewing thread, fingernails, pens, opening bottles. Chewing ice is another common habit that can lead to broken teeth or restorations, including dental crowns. We also recommend changing your dietary habits if you have a higher risk of cavities, by reducing your intake of sugar and acidic foods or beverages such as pop, energy drinks, and other processed foods.
Deal With Problems Early
If a dental crown becomes loose or becomes off, it may be possible to recement the crown without completely replacing it. However, the longer it is loose, the greater the risk that it will develop a cavity or the tooth may shift position and the crown could no longer fit.
If a dental crown chips, it may be possible to smooth the area if it’s not in a visible area when you smile. Chipped or broken dental crowns may have to be replaced to regain their natural appearance.
Have Regular Visits with Your Dentist & Hygienist
Don’t skip your regular dental appointments! Your dentist and hygienist are able to identify early warning signs that your dental crowns are becoming compromised, and can offer suggestions for changing your habits and reducing the risk for developing cavities or other issues. And if we can find a problem with an existing dental crown early, we have a higher chance of preventing you from needing additional procedures such as root canals or even dental extractions.
Our team at Horizon Dental would be happy to help you achieve optimal oral health and offer a wide variety of dental restorations, including dental crowns. So if you’re looking for a dentist in Kamloops, we are happily accepting new patients! You can our office directly contact us by clicking here or calling 778-765-3928.