For patients who have weak teeth and a great deal of tooth decay, it’s worthwhile to consider a dental crown.
They repair worn-down, unhealthy teeth and serve as a great replacement once natural teeth have reached the point of no return. While they solve several dental problems, they are not always a permanent solution.
Unfortunately, crowns don’t come with an owner’s manual or an “expiration date.” I have seen crowns last as long as 50 years, and as little as one week.
So, what causes a crown to fail and need replacement?
Decay can appear around the crown or beneath the crown.
For these reasons, maintaining a consistent dental cleaning routine (brushing and flossing at least two times per day) and visiting your dentist for cleaning regularly, is incredibly important for both crowns and natural teeth.
The seal that surrounds the crown to the tooth opens up and can allow bacteria in
The seal between your crown and tooth is vulnerable to decay and should be brushed rigorously to avoid any possible bacteria from coming in contact in this area.
Sometimes the crown can fracture.
Excessive occlusal forces are a contributing factor to creating tooth cracks. Weakened tooth structure from existing restorations also contributes to tooth cracks and crown fractures.
A person’s biology will always influence the success of dental treatment. Understanding what is best for each patient’s dental health will help ensure success of dentistry like crowns.
