Are You Shortening The Life Of Your Dental Crowns?
Posted on: 9 January 2023
When you receive a dental crown, you picture a tooth that you hopefully will not have to address at any time soon. This assumption is because a dental crown can last for decades. Unfortunately, some things can shorten the lifespan of your crown. Knowing some of these habits will hopefully help you address them.
Practicing Poor Oral Hygiene
Although your dentist constructs your dental crown from man-made materials that are not vulnerable to decay, the underlying tooth and tooth root are not. If decay attacks your underlying tooth and root, it will affect the fit and stability of your crown.
Your dentist will have to address this decay like any other tooth. The repair would entail removing the crown, managing the decay, and then recreating the crown for the repaired tooth.
If the dentist does not address the decay, the decay will eventually destroy the underlying tooth and cause gum disease and other health issues. Practice brushing and flossing around your crown just like you do with any other teeth.
Using Your Teeth As Tools
Do you crack nuts with your back teeth, open beer bottles, chew ice, or bite into inedible materials? While your teeth and crown material are strong, they are not as strong as you think.
Your dental crown and natural teeth will crack or break if you apply enough force. When this happens, you will face the cost of replacing your crown or repairing your teeth. It is cheaper just to locate the proper tool to perform the job you are attempting.
Grinding Your Teeth
Bruxism, which is grinding, gnashing, or clenching your teeth, is a habit that some people do not realize they have. While some people perform this habit when awake, others perform it when asleep.
A mild case of bruxism may not require any treatment, but a severe case can affect your dental crown and your natural teeth. Bruxism can also cause you to have headaches and jaw disorders.
Signs of bruxism include:
- Flattened, fractured, chipped, or loose teeth
- Increased tooth pain
- Tight or tired jaw muscles
- Locked jaw muscles that don't open or close properly
- Dull temple-based headaches
- Sleep disruption
If you grind your teeth in your sleep, your first indicator may come from your partner whose sleep you may disrupt with the sound. Your dentist will also be able to see the wear your grinding creates. Fortunately, there are ways to address this before the damage becomes too severe.
For more information about dental crowns, contact a local dentist.
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