If you have a damaged tooth, you know how painful it can be. You can experience discomfort when eating or even risk seriously fracturing—even losing—a tooth! Instead of dealing with that pain unnecessarily, visit your dentist in Torrance at PCH Dental to receive the dental crown you need to restore the health and appearance of your smile.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cover that is placed over a tooth used to restore its natural size, shape, and improve its appearance overall. The crowns that we provide at PCH Dental fully encase the entire portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line (visible portion of the tooth).
Why would I need a dental crown?
One of our dental experts will recommend placing a dental crown if you need:
- To protect a weak tooth (from decay or damage) from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth.
- To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down.
- To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t a lot of tooth left.
- To hold a dental bridge in place.
- To cover misshaped or seriously discolored tooth.
- To cover a dental implant.
- To save a tooth that has been so damaged by decay that it can’t support a filling.
- To protect children who are at high risk for tooth decay, especially when a child has difficulty keeping up with daily oral hygiene.
How should I care for my dental crown?
Even though a dental crown does not require any special care, remember that simply because a tooth has been restored, does not mean the tooth is protected from decay or gum disease. It’s still really important to continue to follow good oral hygiene practices, including brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily — especially around the crown area where the gum meets the tooth — and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash at least once a day. In fact, it’s dangerous if you don’t because dental bacteria can collect between your tooth and along the gum line if the restoration if not cared for with good dental practices.
How long do dental crowns last?
On average, dental crowns last between five and 15 years, depending on how each patient cares for them. The life span of a crown depends on the amount of “wear and tear” the patient exposes it to. Good oral hygiene and your personal habits can affect the longevity of your dental crown as well.
- Avoid using your teeth to open packages—just because your teeth are durable and sharp doesn’t mean you can use them in place of scissors!
- If you’re a smoker, try to stop smoking to reduce chances of discoloring and gum health problems that can directly affect your dental crown.
- Invest in a mouthguard to protect your dental crown from grinding and deterioration.
Visit PCH Dental
The most important part of maintenance for your dental crown in Torrance is keeping your dental appointments with your dentist. This way, we are able to check on the dental restoration regularly and professionally clean them. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.