South Holland IL oral health tips: Extending the life of teeth with crowns

The purpose of a dental crown is to save a natural tooth. When a tooth is broken, weak, or has a cavity is too large for a filling, the only other option is to extract it. We offer a number of excellent options for replacing missing teeth, but the best solution is to save the natural tooth. However, we understand that you don’t want to invest time and money in crowning a tooth, only to have it fail immediately. Many people ask how long crowns last. The answer depends largely on how you care for it.

Why crowns do – or don’t – fail

Dental crowns are long lasting restorations, but they are not considered permanent. After a period of time, a crown may become loose or fall off, but this doesn’t have to happen. When a crown fails, it is usually for one of three reasons:

• Quality – The skill and experience of your dentist is important because any error in the design or placement of a crown can affect its durability. Dr. Dietrich has been placing crowns for over 25 years. He knows how to shape the tooth, how to get an accurate impression, what to look for when checking the fit of a crown, and how to cement it in place for maximum retention.
• Cavities – Crowns are made of porcelain, metal, zirconia, or resin. None of these materials are susceptible to decay, but don’t forget about the tooth under the crown. When you brush and floss, be extra careful to clean around the edges of the restoration. If plaque accumulates there, it can erode the enamel causing a cavity under the crown. This is one more reason that regular checkups are important. If a cavity begins to form, you may not even know it until your crown falls off. Your dentist can detect the problem early, when it is treatable.
• Damage – Porcelain crowns, just like natural teeth, can be broken. This can usually be avoided by wearing mouth guards when participating in sports, avoiding extremely hard foods, and avoiding habits like chewing ice or holding objects in your teeth. These same steps will also help protect other dental work and healthy, untreated teeth.

With Dr. Dietrich’s skills, and your commitment to good oral care, your restored smile can last for a very long time. Call Pleasant Dental^® at (708) 576-1900 and schedule a consultation to learn more about your options for restoring your smile.

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