How Can I Extend the Life of My Dental Crown?

Having a dental crown put into place to protect a weakened tooth is one of the most popular solutions provided to patients in need. Although its look has changed over the years with many professionals opting for more tooth-colored options, their function remains the same. But if you require one or more for your severely decayed smile, how long will it last? A local dentist in Hammonton explains how long you can expect to enjoy your new restoration and what you can do to ensure maximum longevity. 

How Long Does a Typical Dental Crown Last?

It is not uncommon for a dental crown to remain fully functional for a decade or more. Ten to 15 years is the average dental crown lifespan but depending on the material used to create your restoration, this timeframe can be shorter or longer. Although porcelain is quickly becoming the more popular option among both dentists and patients, many professionals continue to provide traditional metal crowns as well. Matching the shape, size, and in some cases, the color of your natural teeth, you can trust that your customized restoration will effectively protect and strengthen your weakened tooth.

But if you want to make sure your crown remains in place and intact for the full 10-15 years, it is ultimately up to you and how well you take care of your smile.

Ways to Prolong the Life of Your Crown

When meeting with your dentist to discuss life after receiving a dental crown, you will likely receive valuable tips and recommendations to follow that will help you to better maintain your new artificial tooth. Some of the most important components to ensuring the longevity of your crown include:

• Keeping up with your regular oral hygiene routine. The tooth underneath your crown is still vulnerable to decay, which is why you’ll need to stay on top of your brushing, flossing, and rinsing regime every morning and night.
• Continue to keep your six-month dental checkups and cleanings, as these visits allow your dentist to examine your smile in its entirety, including your customized restoration(s).
• Avoid chewing on hard foods and objects (i.e., ice, hard candy, pens, or pencils), and never use your teeth as tools to open packages or containers. These can damage your teeth and cause your crown to break.
• Wear a mouthguard if you plan to play sports or engage in outdoor physical activity. If you are prone to bruxism (teeth grinding), you should ask your dentist about the potential for a customized mouthguard.

Being mindful of these helpful tips will not only give you greater peace of mind but will ensure your new crown remains firmly in place for as long as possible. Who knows, you might even be able to extend the lifespan of your restoration for 20 years or more!

About the Practice
Dr. David Crescenzo completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery at Georgetown Dental School in 1990. Entering into private practice with his father, he took over the role of the sole dentist in 1996 before welcoming his nephew, Dr. Joseph Montalbano, to the practice. At Center for Advanced Cosmetic Dentistry, the two work together to provide patients with optimal solutions to repair, rebuild, and enhance smiles of all types. If a decayed or damaged tooth requires a customized dental crown, Dr. Crescenzo will work to ensure the new restoration blends beautifully with the remaining healthy teeth and lasts as long as possible. If you want to learn what you can do to extend the lifespan of your crown, contact us at (609) 561-0058.