How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

When you get a dental crown, you are making an investment in your health and your appearance. It is one of the most common ways to fix a tooth that is broken, decayed, or just worn down over time. Naturally, the first thing most people ask at Glendale Heights Family Dental is how long that investment is actually going to stay in place. A dental crown in Glendale Heights, IL, is built to be tough, but like anything else you use every single day, its lifespan depends on how it is made and how you treat it.

Understanding the Life of a Dental Crown in Glendale Heights, IL

On average, a dental crown can last anywhere from five to fifteen years. However, many of our patients at Glendale Heights Family Dental find that their crowns last much longer, sometimes twenty years or more, with the right care. When we talk about a dental crown in Glendale Heights, IL, we are talking about a custom-fitted cap that covers your entire tooth. Because it sits in a moist environment and deals with the pressure of chewing, it has a lot of work to do.

What Makes a Crown Last Longer?

The longevity of your crown isn't just luck. It comes down to a few specific things:

• The material used to make the crown.
• The health of the tooth underneath the cap.
• How well you keep up with brushing and flossing.
• Whether or not you grind your teeth at night.

Different Materials for a Dental crown in Glendale Heights, IL

Not all crowns are created equal. The material you choose with the team at Glendale Heights Family Dental will play a big role in how many years of use you get out of it.

Porcelain and Ceramic Options

These are the most popular choices for a dental crown in Glendale Heights, IL, because they look exactly like your natural teeth. Modern porcelain is very strong, but it can be more prone to chipping than metal if you bite down on something very hard. These usually last around 10 to 15 years.

Metal and Gold Crowns

While not as popular for front teeth because of the color, gold or metal alloys are incredibly durable. They rarely chip or break and can withstand heavy chewing forces. If you are getting a dental crown in Glendale Heights, IL, for a back molar, these can easily last 20 years or more.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)

This is a middle-ground option. It has a metal base for strength and a porcelain top for looks. These are very reliable, though sometimes a small dark line can show at the gumline over time.

Why Professional Fitting at Glendale Heights Family Dental Matters

One of the biggest factors in how long your crown lasts is how well it fits the day it is put in. If there is even a tiny gap between the crown and your gumline, bacteria can crawl underneath and cause a cavity on the natural tooth. At Glendale Heights Family Dental, we spend a lot of time making sure the fit is perfect. A well-placed dental crown in Glendale Heights, IL, seals out bacteria and protects the root of your tooth for the long haul.

The Role of Your Gums

The crown itself cannot get a cavity, but the tooth holding it up certainly can. If your gums recede due to poor cleaning habits, the edge of the tooth becomes exposed. This is why we emphasize regular check-ups for anyone with a dental crown in Glendale Heights, IL.

Daily Habits That Protect Your Dental Crown in Glendale Heights, IL

You don't need special tools to look after a crown, but you do need to be consistent. Treating it like a natural tooth is the best way to ensure it stays in great shape.

Stop the Grind

Many people clench or grind their teeth while they sleep. This puts massive pressure on a dental crown in Glendale Heights, IL, and can cause it to crack or loosen prematurely. If you know you grind your teeth, the team at Glendale Heights Family Dental can make you a custom night guard to protect your dental work.

Watch What You Eat

While a dental crown in Glendale Heights, IL, is strong, it isn't indestructible. Biting on ice, hard candy, or unpopped popcorn kernels can break the porcelain. Also, very sticky candies can occasionally pull a crown loose.

FAQ: Common Questions About Dental Crowns

Q: How do I know if my crown needs to be replaced?

A: You might notice a chip in the material, or the crown might feel loose. Sometimes, you might feel pain or sensitivity in that tooth. During your visit to Glendale Heights Family Dental, we use X-rays to check the tooth underneath and make sure everything is still solid.

Q: Does it hurt to get a dental crown in Glendale Heights, IL?

A: No. We use local numbing so you won't feel a thing during the process. Afterward, the tooth might feel a little sensitive for a day or two, but that goes away quickly.

Q: Can a crown be repaired if it chips?

A: Small chips in the porcelain can sometimes be smoothed down or repaired. However, if the chip is large or the structural metal is showing, it is usually better to replace the dental crown in Glendale Heights, IL, to keep the tooth safe.

Q: What happens if my crown falls off?

A: Don't panic, but call Glendale Heights Family Dental right away. Keep the crown clean and bring it with you. Sometimes we can simply clean it and cement it back into place if the tooth underneath is still healthy.

Keep Your Smile Strong with Glendale Heights Family Dental

A crown is one of the best ways to save a tooth that might otherwise have to be pulled. It keeps your bite aligned and your smile looking complete. At Glendale Heights Family Dental, we take pride in creating high-quality work that lasts for years.

Schedule Your Check-up for a Dental Crown in Glendale Heights, IL

Whether you think you need a new crown or you want us to check on an old one, we are here to help. A healthy smile starts with strong teeth. Contact Glendale Heights Family Dental today to learn more about getting a dental crown in Glendale Heights, IL, and let us help you keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime.