Dental crowns can last a long time as long as you practice good oral health. The exact number of years your crown will last will depend upon the type of crown you get and how well you care for it. Ceramic crowns, also known as porcelain crowns, have an average lifespan of 5-15 years. Gold alloy crowns are very durable and can last even longer. Even better? Thanks to advances in technology, same-day crowns are now available offering complete tooth restoration in a single day.
Dental Crown Procedure
Getting a crown helps you preserve your natural tooth. The preservation of natural teeth is always preferred over extraction. Your dentist will begin by numbing the area around the tooth that will be fitted with the crown. Your tooth will then be filed down for the crown to fit over it. A digital scan or mold will be taken of your tooth so that the crown can be made. You will then return to have your permanent crown placed, typically in about two weeks, unless you opt for a same-day crown.
Getting a crown isn’t painful, thanks to strong numbing agents that dentists use. However, if you’re afraid of going to the dentist, inquire about safe sedation options to help calm your fears.
Nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas, is a safe, effective sedation method that has been used for centuries. Laughing gas wears off within seconds of turning off the gas, so you won’t need to worry about lasting side effects. You can drive yourself to and from your appointment, and return to your regular activities immediately.
If you’re especially frightened about going to the dentist, you may be prescribed anti-anxiety medication to take before your appointment. You will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment if you take an oral sedative.
It is crucial to your oral health that you receive necessary dental treatment as recommended by your dentist, so do not hesitate to inquire about sedation techniques to make it easier for you to cope with going to the dentist.
How Do You Know When a Tooth Needs a Crown?
You may suspect you need a crown if you have tooth pain. However, the only way to know for sure is to visit a dentist, who can diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate treatment. Dental crowns are recommended to treat common problems with teeth including:
- Cracked tooth
- Broken tooth
- Weak tooth
- Large cavity
- Worn tooth
- Decayed tooth
- Badly discolored tooth
You will also likely need a crown following a root canal, and you will need a new crown if your existing crown begins to fail.
What Happens if You Don’t Get a Crown on Your Tooth?
If you don’t get a crown, many potential painful or expensive outcomes are possible, depending upon the problem with the tooth. A chipped or cracked tooth may chip or crack more, resulting in the need for a root canal or extraction. A broken tooth may split completely, requiring extraction. You may develop gum disease if infection and bacteria grow in a crack, cavity, or chip.
Schedule a Teeth Cleaning and Dental Exam in Suwanee
Suwanee Family Dentistry provides complete family dental care, including dental crowns. As a top-rated dental practice in Suwanee, we are here to serve patients of all ages. Contact us at 678-714-2380, or request an appointment online.