Dental Crowns Little Rock

Dental crowns are a long-term solution that can protect your teeth from infection and injury for five to fifteen years on average, but they cannot be considered permanent since they will eventually need to be replaced. However, the process of placing a dental crown is irreversible since it involves the removal of damaged enamel to make room for the restoration. Since removed enamel does not grow back, the tooth will need to be protected by a restoration from then on, and dental crowns can shelter compromised teeth from damage and infection so they can last much longer than they would otherwise. You can keep your dental crown in excellent condition for as long as possible by practicing excellent oral hygiene, visiting our office in Little Rock for regular exams and cleanings, wearing a nightguard or athletic mouthguard as needed, and limiting your sugar consumption.

Dental crowns last somewhere between five and fifteen years on average, but the actual lifespan of your restoration mostly depends on the material it is made from and how well you take care of it. While metal crowns may have longer lifespans than metal-free restorations, the difference may only be negligible. You can help your crown last for as long as possible by making smart eating decisions, adhering to an excellent at-home oral hygiene regimen, seeing us regularly for routine exams and cleanings, and breaking bad habits like smoking, teeth grinding, and chewing on ice, your nails, or inedible objects like pencils. Crowns placed on the front teeth may last slightly longer than those placed on the molars since they do not endure as much pressure during chewing.

While only a qualified oral health professional can make a definitive call as to whether your crown needs to be replaced, there are a few signs that can tell you that you should have one of our dentists inspect your restoration. A few of these include:

• Pain: If the tooth wearing a crown becomes decayed, the restoration must be removed so the infection can be treated. Afterward, our dentist can determine if your crown can be fixed back on the tooth or if it needs to be replaced.
• Instability: If your crown is wiggling about on its tooth, the cement holding it in place may be compromised. Let us know if your restoration is not sitting securely.
• Degraded appearance: Your crown should restore your tooth aesthetically as well as functionally, so unsightly chips or stains can be reason enough to replace it.
• Dark line around the base: If you have an old porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, it may show a dark line around the base when it gets old.

While it is technically impossible for a dental crown to develop cavities, the tooth wearing it can still become infected. In fact, crowned teeth are just as vulnerable to oral infections as uncrowned teeth, so you’ll still need to brush, floss, and rinse with antibacterial mouthwash regularly to keep your smile in good health after receiving your restoration. Dental infections can ruin the way crowns fit, which can make replacements necessary after the decay has been treated.