After you have a new crown placed, you want to protect your investment to make sure you get the most use out of it. A well-made crown that’s properly cared for can last as long as 15 years, but there are a lot of factors that determine how long yours will last.
Porcelain and zirconia are materials that are typically used for a crown and are incredibly strong and durable; however, just like your teeth, they’re not indestructible. Excessive force placed on your crowns by eating the wrong types of foods can cause the material to crack or split.
An easy way to remember which foods you should avoid is that if the food can damage your teeth, it may also damage your crown. Gummies or other sticky candies, hard candy, and nuts are examples of foods you should avoid if you want to make sure your crown stays intact and in place.
An easy way to make sure you get the most use out of your crown is by maintaining dental exams and cleanings every six months. During these appointments, your dentist will check the health of the underlying tooth as well as the condition of the dental cement.
In many cases when a crown falls out, it’s because the seal of the cement was compromised by gum disease or dental decay. Identifying these problems during your routine exams can help you avoid the inconvenience of having the crown fall out and making an emergency trip to the dentist.
Another essential part of caring for your crown is maintaining your routine exams and cleanings. These appointments allow us to check the condition of your crown to make sure that the underlying tooth is healthy and the cement is in good condition.
If you would like more information about caring for your dental crowns in Elma, NY, please call Dr. Jennifer Finney to arrange an appointment to discuss your needs.
