A dental crown is a type of custom-made restoration to cover the entire structure of a damaged tooth. We may recommend a Dental Crowns Kingsport TN, where your tooth is no longer stable or strong enough to remain intact. In most cases where you need a tooth crown, it's one of the last options we can offer to save your tooth from extraction.
In the past, your dental crown would likely have been made from a metal alloy or even gold. More recently, dentists have preferred tooth-colored porcelain crowns that are much less obvious. If you'd like the best of both materials, we also offer porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. This composition is the most significant factor in your crown's lifespan. Porcelain crowns may last a decade, while metal crowns can last many years.
How to Make Your Dental Crown Last Longer
The best way to preserve your dental crown is to treat it like a natural tooth, faithfully brushing and flossing twice each day. You also should maintain regular dental visits for exams and cleanings. Your dental crown will also last much longer if you avoid habits that might crack or chip it.
For our patients who grind and clench their teeth (bruxism), we recommend a nightguard to protect crowns and bridges—natural teeth, too. If you play sports, we also suggest a mouthguard.