If your dentist tells you that you need a dental crown, you may think that you’ve come into royalty. And while the crown isn’t really one you’d wear on your head nor will it get you a ticket to the royal ball, it does come with its own set of perks.
Dental crowns are used in many areas of dentistry due to their ability to enhance both the appearance of a tooth and its functionality. Let’s take a closer look.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is often used to restore a damaged tooth – or one whose integrity has been jeopardized due to a large filling or crack, for instance. Impressions are taken so that the dental crown - the finished product - will fit beautifully over your tooth. This means it matches in shape, color, size, and contour. Further, it looks very natural in appearance and helps to maintain bite alignment. Sometimes referred to as caps, crowns are very strong and are created to handle bite force.
Depending on your oral health issue, your dentist may recommend a crown for a variety of reasons, including to:
- Add the natural-appearing tooth portion of a dental implant
- Create a dental bridge
- Restore a tooth that has been broken, chipped, or fractured
- Cosmetically enhance a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
- Add additional strength to the tooth
Dental crowns play a huge role in all types of dentistry. This customized solution can improve your ability to eat and chew, increase your overall oral health, protect your teeth from further damage, and transform your smile. The best part, perhaps, is that dental crowns can last a really long time.
The Lifespan of a Dental Crown
On average, the lifespan of a dental crown is 10 to 15 years. Though, how long they truly last depends on how well they are cared for. With poor oral hygiene, the dental crown may not last more than 5 years or so. On the flip side, with a superior oral hygiene routine, dental crowns can last 20 to 30 years.
Caring for a dental crown means avoiding using your teeth as a tool. That means no more biting pen caps, biting nails, opening bottles with teeth, etc. And if you have any bad tobacco habits, it’s time to let them go.
Brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. You will want to ensure you see your dentist regularly, too. It is recommended for patients to have dental cleanings and oral exams every six months This will help keep your teeth - including your crown - in good shape for years to come.
Dental Crowns at R. Renan Williams, DDS
Dental crowns are an important part of our practice here at R. Renan Williams, DDS. Whether you are in need of a restorative procedure or you are looking to enhance the appearance of your tooth for cosmetic purposes, we are here for you.
Contact us today at 817-281-4801 . Or, request an appointment online.