(734) 999-9909
For those who currently have dental crowns or are about to get them, one question that they might have is, “Can I get cavities under dental crowns?”
Since most dental crowns are advertised as being “just like the real thing,” it‘s no surprise that people are wondering if these implants can be affected by the same problems that plague real teeth. To their surprise, a dental crown is actually incapable of preventing cavities from forming on the tooth under it. If you’re thinking about getting a dental crown, it’s important to ask your dentist how you can avoid getting cavities through proper dental care, especially after you get such a treatment.
When should you get dental crowns?
People usually get dental crowns to protect their teeth and improve their appearance. Here are a few more situations where getting a dental crown is a good idea:
- If you have teeth with a very large filling, you should have them covered with a crown for added support and strength.
- If you have cracked, broken or worn-down teeth.
- If you have teeth with cosmetic imperfections.
- If you had a root canal on some of your teeth.
Cases where dental crowns can go wrong
While a dental crown might seem like it’ll suffice in terms of proper dental care, it’s actually only half the battle. Although a dental crown may be undeniably durable in all aspects, you should treat it as a real tooth. After all, your natural tooth is still there underneath the implant. Just like natural teeth, a dental crown can be damaged by the corrosive effects of highly acidic foods. Eating a lot of those can cause acid to accumulate along with the seal between the crown and your natural tooth. That can lead to having the tooth soften up until it forms a space where bacteria can accumulate.
As soon as softening takes place and bacteria forms, inroads can develop under the crown and right into the tooth, which can result in severe damage. Essentially, when a dental crown’s structural integrity is compromised, the tooth it protects will be left vulnerable. Furthermore, having a crown break down can be an expensive problem, as you will have to remove the crown in order to treat the damaged tooth. Naturally, you’ll have to pay for a new crown after your tooth has been fixed.
How long do dental crowns last?
If they are constantly cared for and if you develop good dental habits, crowns can last anywhere from five to 15 years (typically because they are subject to tooth decay and regular wear and tear). In extraordinary cases, however, some crowns last for as long as 25 years if you’re careful.
Another factor that can make a huge difference in the lifespan of your crown is the material it’s made of. Full metal crowns last much longer than porcelain ones, due to their enhanced ability to withstand regular wear and tear. Eventually, all types of dental crowns will give into decay, which is exactly why it’s important to visit your dentist regularly in order to determine when your crown should be replaced.
How can you prolong the life of your dental crown?
Keen on prolonging the lifespan of your crown? Here are a few tips and tricks that you can use to keep your dental crown strong for as long as possible:
- Space out your meals and reduce, if not entirely eliminate, snacking in between meals.
- Brush three times a day and floss daily.
- Eat well-balanced meals and avoid foods that are high in refined sugars and acids.
- See your dentist regularly.
By following these simple yet effective maintenance methods, it will be much easier to maintain your dental crown while protecting the natural tooth under it.
If you’re looking for a local dentist to help you with your dental crowns, get in touch with us today for a free consultation!
