Crowns are meant to offer a quick fix for some of the worst smile problems, and they do. But are crowns permanent solutions?
One of the questions we get asked most often is how long a crown will last. Here, our team of experts at A Caring Dental Group led by Dr. Benedict Kim takes a closer look at dental crowns and explores how they work and, most importantly, how long they keep your smile looking its best.
Dental crowns are one of the most common dental restoration techniques. They’re small, protective, tooth-colored “caps” that we place over your tooth when you have chips, cracks, discoloration, or decay. Crowns are also the last step in a root canal and are used to permanently seal your tooth.
The procedure to place a crown is fairly simple. First, we take an impression of your tooth to get a better idea of how to create and place your crown. We may need to file your tooth down slightly to ensure a perfect fit.
A lab takes your impressions and creates your crown according to the exact specifications. Once we receive the crown about two weeks later, we schedule an appointment with you to place your crown.
We use a special dental cement to bond the crown to your prepared tooth. The procedure is easy, painless, and what’s best is that you’ll leave the office with a stronger, healthier-looking smile.
On average, a crown lasts for anywhere from 5-15 years. The range is so varied because the lifespan of your crown relies almost completely on how well you take care of it.
It’s important to understand that just because your tooth has a crown, that doesn’t mean you’re immune from damage and/or harmful substances that cause gum disease. Your tooth still requires regular dental care, which includes brushing and flossing twice daily.
You may also invest in a mouthguard you wear at night to avoid damaging your crown with teeth grinding. When you have a crown, it’s also a good idea to start kicking some of your bad habits, such as nail-biting. Crunching on ice and other hard foods also puts your crown at risk.
It’s also crucial that you schedule and maintain regular check-ups with Dr. Kim. During these appointments, we can check on your crown, stop the progression of gum disease, and make restorations as needed.
If you notice pain when you chew or bite down on your crown, or if the crown has fallen out, this is considered a dental emergency, and you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Why spend another day with a smile that makes you frown? See if the crown is right for you. Request an appointment online or over the phone at our Los Angeles, California, office today.
