Dental crowns have helped thousands of patients to prolong the health of their teeth and boost their confidence. Following treatment though, many patients want to
know how to take care of a dental crown and what post-op steps they should follow.
Dental crown care is relatively straightforward and doesn’t usually involve a long recovery period. But, there are a few important points that can help to ensure your recovery from this dental treatment is as stress-free as possible.
Please note that this dental crowns aftercare guide aims to provide you with useful information on how to best take care of your crowns. The guidelines outlined here are not intended to replace any medical advice provided to you by your dentist.
Dental Crown recovery: what to expect?
In most cases, it takes around 2-3 days to recover after getting dental crowns. During this time, it’s common to feel some pain and discomfort in the areas surrounding the newly fitted crowns. This should begin to gradually lessen during the week following your treatment and over-the-counter painkillers usually do a good job in easing the pain.
You might also experience some increased sensitivity following treatment. This is usually down to the dental cement that’s used during the procedure, which can cause some irritation around the gums. If you experience persistent pain and sensitivity for several weeks, then it’s worth contacting your dentist for a quick post-op checkup.
How long does a Dental Crown last?
You can expect your crowns to last anywhere between 5-15 years. This isn’t a fixed rule though, with many patients having dental crowns that last for more than 20 years. While there’s no definitive answer to the question “how long should a crown last?”, they’re certainly not considered permanent and will need to be replaced.
Many dentists may offer a guarantee that your crowns will last a minimum number of years, but this will vary depending on different factors, most notably, the type of dental crown you choose.
How long does a Zirconia Dental crown last?
Often referred to as ceramic crowns, zirconia dental crowns offer a natural-looking appearance and great durability. Made from what’s known as zirconium dioxide, zirconia crowns are less prone to splitting or cracking, compared to other ceramic options.
You can expect a zirconia crown to last between 10-15 years, provided that you maintain good oral hygiene.
How long does a Porcelain Fused to Metal crown last?
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns are one of the most popular options. To create these, a specialised type of ceramic is fused with metal in order to offer a balance between appearance and durability.
PFM crowns usually last around 5-15 years, depending on your dental hygiene routine.
How long does a Temporary crown last?
Temporary dental crowns are often used as placeholders until a longer-lasting solution can be fitted. Usually made from either acrylic or stainless steel, you should only have your temporary crowns fitted for a short time until your permanent ones are ready.
Other factors affecting the durability of Dental Crowns
As well as material, there are some other important factors to consider when trying to answer the question “how long does a dental crown last?”
These include:
- The health of the treated tooth: Crowns that are fitted to cover teeth that have reasonably healthy surrounding gum tissue and bone density are more likely to last longer than those covering significantly damaged teeth.
- Your dental hygiene routine: Ensure that you’re always brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice per day. Plaque build-up between the gum line and the crown is common so pay particular attention to this area to keep both your existing teeth and your crown in good condition.
- How often you visit your dentist: Regular check-ups (every six months) are a key part of the aftercare process and will help to maintain the lifespan of your crowns. During these, your dentist can make sure that your crowns aren’t causing you any issues and provide you with information on how to best look after them.
- Whether you grind or clench your teeth: Teeth grinding can have a big effect on how long your crowns last. Clenching or grinding your teeth, especially while you’re asleep, can gradually wear away the surface of your crown, making them more unstable over time.
How will I know when my Dental Crowns need to be replaced?
Assessing whether a dental crown has reached the end of its lifespan is often judged by dentists carrying out an X-ray or CT scan. But, there are a few signs that you can look out for which may suggest that it’s time to replace your crowns.
- Pain, tenderness, or swelling around the crown: Although crowns completely cover natural teeth, this doesn’t prevent the existing teeth from decaying. If you begin to notice some pain, swelling, or tenderness around the tooth and crown, this can be a sign of decay. In these cases, your dentist may suggest removing the crown to tackle the decay underneath, before creating and fitting a new crown.
- A crown that seems unstable: If you have a feeling that your crown is moving or isn’t as fixed as it once was, then it may be a sign that it needs replacing. Eating sticky or chewy foods can damage and dislodge crowns which will often result in having to have them replaced.
- Visible damage to the crown: Chewing on hard foods or using your teeth as tools (to open packaging for example) can cause a crown to break or chip. Depending on the severity of the damage, your dentist may be able to repair the crown without having to completely replace it.
How do I get started?
At My Imperial Care, we offer a patient-first service that will help you to find high-quality dental options all over Antalya. Whether you’re just looking for some information, or are ready to book your dental crowns treatment, get in touch with us.
✔ 100% free, non-binding assessment: We offer a 100% free, non-binding assessment to every patient, regardless of whether they go on to book a treatment or not.
✔ Only the best dentists in Antalya: Through our in-house scoring system we evaluate each dentist on things like their qualifications, experience, accreditations, reviews from past patients, and many more to ensure you receive the best treatment you can get.
✔ Price match: Found the same dental crowns package offered at the same clinic cheaper somewhere else? Let us know and we’ll match the price.
For more information about dental treatments by one of our Dental Clinics, please contact us.
