Porcelain Crowns Lifespan and Aftercare
Most adults will need a dental crown at some point in their lives. The common restorative treatment is designed to conceal and protect a badly damaged tooth. Unlike the unsightly gold crowns of the past, today's modern crowns are made of durable, natural-looking porcelain and can last for many years with proper maintenance. As part of our commitment to your long-term health, we encourage Philadelphia and Doylestown patients to practice these simple tips to keep their porcelain crowns healthy and beautiful!
Average Lifespan of Crowns
In general, dental crowns last between five and 15 years, with some crowns even lasting up to 25 or 30 years. A well-made crown should not have any defects that require replacement before five years, but the long-term durability of the crown depends mostly on the patient's habits and hygiene. With high-quality manufacturing, proper placement and adjustments by your cosmetic dentist, and good care at home, your porcelain crown can potentially last a lifetime.
Aftercare for Temporary Crowns
Because your dental crown is made in a special dental lab, it can take a few weeks to receive the custom-made porcelain crown for placement. At your first appointment, you will be fitted with a temporary crown to wear until your permanent crown has been made.
To protect your underlying natural tooth inside the temporary crown, we recommend that you:
- Do not eat or chew anything for 30 minutes after your appointment.
- Stick to softer foods for the first few days, if the gum and tooth is tender in the area where the work was done.
- Avoid sticky and chewy foods (such as gum and candy), which can pull off the temporary crown.
- Gently brush around the temporary crown.
- When flossing, pull the floss laterally through the teeth rather than upward.
- Call us immediately if the temporary crown breaks or falls off. If we're not available, use a denture adhesive, like Fixodent, to hold the temporary in place.
The temporary will be cemented to your tooth, but it is not intended to be a permanent solution. Taking care of it during the few weeks while your permanent crown is made will ensure that your tooth remains protected and the surrounding teeth don't shift or move.
Aftercare for Porcelain Crowns
Overall, porcelain crowns are very low-maintenance and need just basic dental hygiene to ensure they remain strong and functional.
- Do not eat or chew anything for 30 minutes after your appointment.
- Avoid hard or chewy foods for 24 hours (the time it takes for the cement to fully bond to your tooth).
- Try a toothpaste for sensitive teeth if needed. Sensitivity to hot and cold foods is common but usually disappears within a few weeks.
- Practice good dental habits, including brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and seeing us every six months for check-ups and cleanings.
- Call us if you notice any sensitivity to sweets or biting pressure, an odd taste in your mouth around the crown, or any breakage or damage to the crown.
Learn More about Porcelain Crowns
At Artistic Expressions Dentistry, we want all of our patients to enjoy healthy, beautiful, trouble-free smiles. If you are having a problem with your porcelain crown or have any questions about this treatment, please contact us today for an appointment.