Your teeth can become worn down and this can signal the need for restorative dental treatment. Dental crowns may be the ideal option to address tooth wear and damage.
A dental crown is a restorative dental procedure used by endodontists, oral surgeons, and dentists. To know more about dental crowns in Winnipeg, you can consult your dentist at a dental clinic near you.
But for now, let’s have a basic discussion on what a dental crown is, what its advantages are, how long will it last, and how you can extend the lifetime of your dental crown.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is used to cover your damaged tooth. It is usually a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed on your tooth and then cemented into place. This is used to restore your tooth’s shape, size, strength, and overall appearance.
It usually comes in stainless steel, metal, porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, all-resin and all-ceramic. Visit a dental clinic in Winnipeg for expert advice on what material would be best for you.
What are the advantages of a dental crown?
The dental crown has three major advantages:
-
It restores the shape, size, and function of your teeth when they are chipped, cracked, eroded, or damaged.
-
It’s responsible for teeth and bite alignment especially during cases where you have undergone oral surgery or root canal therapy.
-
It’s also beneficial for the appearance of your teeth in specific if they are yellow, smaller than usual, or stained.
How long do dental crowns last?
There is no definitive answer to this question, but one thing is for sure, dental crowns don’t last forever. A study suggests that 90% of dental crowns last well for 5 years – meaning, no treatment is needed during this period. The same study also reported a 50 to 80% chance that dental crowns will last for 15 to 20 years – this does not mean, however, that you won’t be visiting your dentist during this period.
Whatever the case may be, taking care of your dental crown is imperative if you want to prolong its functionality.
To summarize, the life of your dental crown will depend on your lifestyle and how well you take care of it.
How to extend the life of your dental crown
It is in your best interest to make sure your dental crown lasts as long as possible to avoid more dental visits and spending excess time and money in your dentist’s chair. For you to do that, here are some tips that you can follow:
-
Do not grind your teeth – It can cause the crown to crack or chip – just like how a natural tooth would. If you are someone who has a habit of grinding your teeth or do so involuntarily, then you can opt for a custom-made mouth guard.
-
Practice proper oral hygiene –Follow your dentist’s advice to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once. By practicing good oral hygiene, you will be able to protect your crown and the areas surrounding it, preventing it from decay.
-
Avoid biting hard objects – Doing so can cause stress and trauma to your crown.
Having a dental crown is like having a second chance at taking care of your teeth. Yes, it’s a solution to your tooth that needed saving, so make sure you do good to it this time around.
Looking for dental crowns near you is easy because this service is available in almost all dental clinics. Just make sure that you choose a dental clinic that is trusted and reputable.