Causes of Damaged Dental Crowns
If you’ve suffered a severe cavity or have a fractured tooth, Dr. Roni Berbari may recommend dental crowns. Our Montreal, QC cosmetic and restorative dentistry centre uses dental crowns to cap teeth that are decayed or damaged. This restores the strength of a tooth as well as its appearance.
While crowns are very strong, they are subject to wear and damage in certain situations. Let’s talk about the causes of dental crown damage and touch on the repair and replacement process.
The Average Lifespan of Dental Crowns
On average, a dental crown lasts about 10 years. With very good care and no mishaps, a dental crown can last even longer. In general, though, patients can expect their crows to last them roughly 10 years before they need to be replaced.
Normal Wear and Tear
While dental crowns are durable, they are subject to regular wear and tear like natural teeth. The act of biting and chewing will slowly affect the structure of the crown over time, which will require you to get the restoration replaced.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Accidental falls can lead to serious injuries, which includes damage to your teeth and any dental restorations that are in place. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, falls are a leading cause of injury among elderly Canadians. Roughly 20 percent to 30 percent of seniors experience at least one fall a year, and 85 percent of injury hospitalizations among seniors are releated to falls.
Sports Accidents and injuries
If you play contact sports such as football or hockey, or are a boxing or mixed martial arts (MMA) competitor, there’s a risk you will suffer some kind of head, facial, or mouth injury. These injuries can lead to crown damage. Even people in non-contact sports like basketball or soccer could suffer and injury because of errants elbows, slips and falls, or the heat of competition.
Physical Trauma
A physical altercation or other type of injury can lead to fractured teeth as well as dental crown damage. Montreal Smiles has helped numerous patients who’ve experienced dental injuries as a result of physical trauma.
Vehicle Accidents
Whether it’s a car accident, bike accident, or you’re a pedestrian struck by a vehicle, the injuries sustained can be severe. This is why it’s so important to wear seatbelts and safety restraints as well as head protection.
Accidents When Eating
If you accidentally bite into chunk of bone or an unpopped popcorn kernel, this can do serious damage to a tooth. This can also cause major damage to a dental crown. Be sure to eat slowly and cautiously, and always savor your food.
Bad Habits
Biting your nails, chewing on drinking straws, and chomping down on ice cubes aren’t just social faux pas. These bad habits can also lead to damaged dental crowns and tooth fractures. Do your best to avoid these actions.
Repairing and Replacing Damaged Dental Crowns
If you do experience a damaged dental crown, we can repair or replace it at our Montreal dentistry practice. The process will usually involve the careful removal of the old crown and taking an impression so a brand new crown can be created.
Contact a Skilled Dentist
If you would like to learn more about dental crowns and how they can be repaired and replaced, be sure to contact a trusted cosmetic and restorative dentist. Dr. Berbari and his team can be reached by phone at (514) 733-3933.
