As you get a brand-new dental crown put in your mouth, you probably aren’t already thinking about when it will need to be replaced. However, without the right care, your dental crown may not last nearly as long as it might with it. Typically, dental crowns can go 10 to 15 years, but neglect could necessitate early replacement. What care does your dental crown require to go the distance? What can help your crown last its full lifespan? Continue reading to find out.
Requirement #1: Brush and Floss Your Teeth Every Day
Although the crown itself cannot decay, the tooth supporting it can still erode. Acids produced by oral bacteria can access the underlying tooth and create a cavity, potentially leading to further treatment or even extraction.
As a result, it’s essential to keep your teeth—even those with a prosthetic crown—clean and plaque free through daily brushing and flossing. These basic habits only take a few minutes out of your schedule, but they go a long way to preserving your dental crown for as long as possible.
Requirement #2: Attend Regular Dental Visits
Unfortunately, at-home maintenance on your own isn’t enough to keep your crown in excellent condition. Over time, plaque can build up, especially between teeth near the gumline. This area is particularly vulnerable in teeth with dental crowns.
That’s why regular dental checkups and cleanings are highly recommended. Not only do you get a professional cleaning with instruments you don’t have at home, but you also benefit from having someone highly trained inspect your mouth for any signs of trouble. If you do have an issue developing, they can spot and treat it before it puts your crown at risk of failure.
Bonus Tip #1: Drink More Water
Sugary and acidic beverages, such as soda, sweet tea, sports drinks, and juice, may taste good, but they often lead to oral problems. Instead of drinking these throughout the day, you should take sips of water, which is completely sugar free and should be at a healthy acidity level.
Bonus Tip #2: Eat a Healthy Diet
Just as certain beverages can stay in your mouth, foods have a tendency to linger and could promote bacterial growth and problems for your dental crown. Controlling the amount of sugar you eat can help you limit these bacteria. On the other side of the coin, when you choose nutritious, and smile-friendly foods, such as leafy greens, calcium-rich foods, and others, you can reinforce your teeth against decay.
Although you should have plenty of time to use your new dental crown, you also need to think early on about maintaining and caring for it—if you want it to last the maximum amount of time. By following these requirements and tips, you can extend its lifespan and continue to enjoy your restored smile.
About the Practice
Beach Dental has been owned and operated by a husband-and-wife team for more than 20 years. Dr. Jason Parli and Dr. Alexis Gersten are happy to serve patients coming from the East Moriches, Westhampton Beach, East Quogue, Manorville, and Westhampton areas and offer services like Invisalign, dental implants, veneers, and whitening. To schedule an appointment or ask a question about dental crowns, reach out online or call the office at 631-325-0731.