You have just invested time and resources into restoring your smile, and now you have a brand-new dental crown. It looks great, feels natural, and allows you to chew comfortably again. While crowns are designed to be durable and mimic the strength of your natural teeth, they are not indestructible. Just like your natural teeth, they require consistent care and attention to stay in top condition for years to come.

Many patients assume that because a crown is artificial—often made of porcelain, ceramic, or metal—it cannot decay or fail. While the crown itself won't get a cavity, the tooth structure underneath is still vulnerable to decay, and the gum tissue surrounding it is susceptible to gum disease. Without proper maintenance, the cement holding the crown can wash out, or the crown can fracture. We want to help you protect this investment. By following a few simple guidelines regarding hygiene, diet, and lifestyle habits, you can significantly extend the life of your restoration.

Master Your Daily Oral Hygiene Routine

The foundation of a long-lasting crown is impeccable oral hygiene. The most common reason a dental crown fails early is recurrent decay at the margin—the spot where the crown meets the tooth, right near the gum line. If plaque accumulates here, bacteria can seep beneath the crown, causing decay that is often difficult to detect until it becomes a significant issue.

We recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day, but the technique matters just as much as the frequency. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching the ceramic surface of the crown or irritating the gum tissue. Angle your brush at 45 degrees toward the gum line and use gentle, circular motions. This helps sweep away plaque bacteria that like to hide at the base of the crown. If you struggle with manual brushing, an electric toothbrush can be a fantastic tool for maintaining consistent pressure and thorough cleaning without being too abrasive.

Flossing is equally critical. You must floss once a day, preferably before bed, to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth. When flossing around a crown, be mindful of your technique. Instead of snapping the floss down and popping it back up, which could theoretically loosen a crown (especially a temporary one), gently slide the floss down between the teeth, curve it around the base of the crown to clean the gum pocket, and then pull it out to the side. If you find flossing difficult, consider using interdental brushes or a water flosser. These tools are excellent for navigating around restorations and maintaining healthy, firm gum tissue.

Watch What You Eat

While dental crowns are strong, they do have limitations when it comes to mechanical stress. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are somewhat like glass—they are incredibly hard but can be brittle under specific types of pressure. To prevent fractures, chips, or crown loosening, we advise being mindful of certain foods in your diet.

Foods to Approach with Caution

• Sticky and Chewy Foods: Candies like caramel, taffy, and gummy bears act like strong glue. They can grab onto the crown and pull it loose from the underlying tooth structure. If you have a sweet tooth, opt for chocolate or quick-dissolving treats rather than sticky snacks.
• Hard and Crunchy Foods: Crunching on ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels, or nuts can exert excessive force on the porcelain. This sudden, concentrated pressure can cause the material to crack or chip.
• Raw Vegetables: While healthy, biting directly into tough raw vegetables like carrots or apples with a front tooth crown can be risky. We suggest cutting these healthy snacks into smaller, bite-sized pieces to reduce the stress on your restoration.

It is also essential to consider temperature sensitivity. Immediately after getting a crown, you might experience some sensitivity to hot and cold foods. This sensation is usually temporary. However, if you have persistent sensitivity that doesn't resolve after a few weeks, or if you feel pain when biting down, please let us know. It could indicate that the crown sits slightly too high or that the nerve inside the tooth is irritated. Avoiding extreme temperature shifts in your diet can help manage this sensitivity while your tooth settles.

Break Habits That Damage Restorations

Beyond brushing and eating, your daily subconscious habits play a massive role in how long your dental crown will last. Your teeth are tools for eating, not for opening packages. We see many chipped crowns resulting from patients using their teeth to tear open plastic bags, uncork bottles, or hold objects like pens or hairpins. These actions put unnatural leverage on the crown, which can cause it to pop off or break. Always reach for scissors or the proper tool instead.

Another major threat to dental crowns is bruxism, or teeth grinding and clenching. Many people grind their teeth at night without even realizing it. The force exerted during sleep grinding can be many times greater than the force during regular chewing. Over time, this constant pressure can wear down the opposing natural teeth and cause porcelain crowns to fracture or the cement seal to break.

If you suspect you grind your teeth or wake up with a sore jaw or headaches, please discuss this with us. We can fabricate a custom night guard for you. This simple plastic appliance acts as a protective barrier, absorbing the force of the grinding and preventing your top and bottom teeth from damaging each other. Wearing a night guard is one of the most effective insurance policies for your dental work. Similarly, if you play contact sports, wearing a mouthguard is non-negotiable for protecting both your natural teeth and your restorations from trauma.

Regular Checkups Ensure Longevity

Even with the best at-home care, professional supervision is necessary to ensure your crown remains functional and aesthetic. We recommend visiting the office every six months for a professional cleaning and exam. During these visits, we can inspect the margins of the crown to ensure they are sealed tight and free from decay. We also check the occlusion (your bite) to make sure the crown isn't hitting other teeth too hard, which can lead to trauma or breakage.

X-rays taken during these appointments allow us to see what is happening underneath the crown and inside the bone, spotting potential problems before they become painful emergencies. These visits are a vital component of restorative dentistry, ensuring that the work we have done continues to serve you well. We can also polish the porcelain to keep it smooth and stain-resistant, ensuring your smile stays bright. Taking a proactive approach to your dental health will save you time, money, and discomfort in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions About Restorative Dentistry

How long should I expect my dental crown to last?

The lifespan of a dental crown depends mainly on the material used and how well you care for it. On average, a well-maintained dental crown lasts between 10 and 15 years. However, we frequently see crowns last 20 years or longer in patients who practice excellent oral hygiene and avoid harmful habits such as grinding. Conversely, poor hygiene or trauma can cause a crown to fail in just a few years.

Can a tooth with a crown still get a cavity?

Yes, this is a widespread misconception. While the artificial crown itself cannot decay, the natural tooth structure beneath it certainly can. Decay often starts at the "margin," which is the seam where the crown meets the tooth near the gum line. If plaque accumulates in this area, it can erode the tooth, eventually allowing bacteria to creep under the crown. This problem is why daily flossing and brushing are essential for protecting the tooth underneath.

We understand that navigating dental care can be confusing, but our team at Lane Family Dentistry is here to guide you every step of the way. We take pride in helping families in Vilonia maintain healthy, beautiful smiles through compassionate and expert care. If you have questions about your dental crown or need to schedule a checkup, please contact us today.

If you have yellow, stained, or discolored teeth, you know how uncomfortable they can make you feel. You may try to hide your smile in photos or social situations.

Professional chairside teeth whitening can give you a chance at a radiant smile in just one visit. When a dental professional provides this treatment, it is safe, effective, and shows stunning results.

Reasons Why Teeth Become Discolored

Even if you brush and floss daily, your teeth may become stained. The following conditions and lifestyle habits may lead to stained teeth:

• Natural aging
• Smoking or tobacco use of any kind
• Highly pigmented foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and dark chocolate
• Certain medications
• Poor oral hygiene and missing dental appointments

Teeth Whitening Options

Over-the-Counter Whitening

You may believe that over-the-counter whitening is less expensive than professional whitening and that over-the-counter products are equally effective. However, over-the-counter products generally use a far lower concentration of whitening ingredients than professional products, making their results less predictable and more gradual.

Conversely, some whitening gels purchased online are too strong to be used without dental supervision, leading to excess sensitivity and chemical burns to the gums.

At-Home Professional Whitening

At-home professional whitening is a safe, effective alternative to over-the-counter solutions. If you want a more gradual change, at-home professional whitening may be your best choice.

In-Office Professional Whitening

In-office or chairside whitening is the only way to significantly whiten teeth in just one or two office visits. You can achieve up to eight whitening shades in one session.

How In-Office Teeth Whitening Works

To whiten your teeth in the office, your dentist will first protect your gums, cheeks, and tongue from the robust bleaching solution. They will then paint the whitening gel on your teeth, ensuring an even coat for a perfect appearance.

Your dentist may use a particular light or a laser to activate the whitening gel, or it may activate on its own. The whitening gel enters the tooth's pores and physically breaks up stain molecules.

The dentist carefully rinses the first gel application. They may repeat the process up to three times in one appointment.

After treatment, the dentist applies a fluoride gel to remineralize the teeth and seal the pores in the enamel. The gel also helps to alleviate post-whitening sensitivity. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening

What kind of chemical is in teeth whitening solutions?

Generally, carbamide or hydrogen peroxide are used to whiten teeth. These are safe substances when used by a qualified dental professional.

How long does professional teeth whitening last?

It depends on how often you want to touch up your results. You should see excellent results for about 3 to 6 months after whitening. Ensure you take good care of your teeth and avoid staining foods and beverages to the greatest extent.

Call Lane Family Dentistry

If you're unhappy with your smile, we can help make it brilliant. Please call our Vilonia, AR, office at 501-796-3903 today to schedule a consultation.

A dental crown is a protective covering placed over a decayed or damaged tooth. A crown is used when the extent of the damage to the natural crown of the tooth is too great for a filling, inlay, or onlay, but the root is still intact. If your dentist has recommended restoring one of your teeth with a crown, you may have some questions about it. How long do dental crowns last? What factors affect their lifespan? Learn the answer to these questions and more. 

Average Lifespan of a Dental Crown

You can expect a dental crown to last for an average of 15 years. With excellent care and maintenance, a crown can last for 20 years or more. There are many factors that contribute to the length of time a crown lasts, either shortening or lengthening its lifespan. 

Factors That Affect the Lifespan of a Dental Crown

The following factors play a part in the longevity of a dental crown: 

 

• Oral hygiene habits. How well you take care of your teeth will affect the lifespan of your crown. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day will help keep your crown, and the tooth underneath it, clean and healthy. Failing to properly clean your teeth can allow plaque bacteria to form on the tooth and the crown, potentially working its way underneath the crown to cause decay. 

• Regular dental visits. In addition to cleaning your teeth at home, you need to go to the dentist every 6 months for regular cleanings and oral exams. Your dentist can remove plaque that is left behind after brushing and flossing. The oral exam will identify any potential problems with your crown, such as damage or loosening. 

• Type of crown. Dental crowns are made of porcelain, metal alloy, gold alloy, or porcelain fused to metal. Metal crowns tend to last longer than porcelain crowns because the material is stronger and less susceptible to cracking or breaking. However, porcelain provides the most natural appearance, making it one of the most common materials for crowns. 

• Quality of the crown. The higher the quality of the material used to make the crown, the longer it will last. This is especially true of porcelain. The higher the quality of the porcelain that is used, the more natural it will look and the longer it will last. 

• Location of the crown. A crown placed on a front tooth may last longer than a crown on a molar. This is because molars bear the brunt of the chewing force exerted by your teeth and jaw, causing them to wear down faster and crack or chip more frequently. 

• Eating and chewing habits. What you eat will affect the lifespan of your crown as well. Chewing on hard foods, ice, or non-food items can cause damage to your crown, shortening its lifespan. 

• Teeth grinding and clenching. If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw due to stress, your crown may not last as long. Teeth grinding and clenching puts extra strain on your crown that could cause it to wear down more quickly and potentially crack or break. Wearing a mouthguard can help protect your crown as well as your other teeth from damage due to grinding. 

 

How is a Crown Replaced?

If your crown does wear out, the replacement process is quick and easy. The old crown will be removed, impressions will be made, and a new crown will be created. Once your new crown is ready, it will be bonded into place with dental cement, ready to last another 15 years or more. 

Lane Family Dentistry Provides Quality Dental Crowns 

For a crown to last as long as possible, it must be made with high quality materials. Lane Family Dentistry provides quality dental crowns made of porcelain or metal. We will recommend the best type of crown for you depending on your needs and the location of the tooth. See us every 6 months for dental cleanings and maintenance and your crown could last a lifetime. 

Call 501-796-3903 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.

A dental crown is a protective covering placed over a decayed or damaged tooth. A crown is used when the extent of the damage to the natural crown of the tooth is too great for a filling, inlay, or onlay, but the root is still intact. If your dentist has recommended restoring one of your teeth with a crown, you may have some questions about it. How long do dental crowns last? What factors affect their lifespan? Learn the answer to these questions and more.

Average Lifespan of a Dental Crown
You can expect a dental crown to last for an average of 15 years. With excellent care and maintenance, a crown can last for 20 years or more. There are many factors that contribute to the length of time a crown lasts, either shortening or lengthening its lifespan.

Factors That Affect the Lifespan of a Dental Crown
The following factors play a part in the longevity of a dental crown:

Oral hygiene habits. How well you take care of your teeth will affect the lifespan of your crown. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day will help keep your crown, and the tooth underneath it, clean and healthy. Failing to properly clean your teeth can allow plaque bacteria to form on the tooth and the crown, potentially working its way underneath the crown to cause decay.

Regular dental visits. In addition to cleaning your teeth at home, you need to go to the dentist every 6 months for regular cleanings and oral exams. Your dentist can remove plaque that is left behind after brushing and flossing. The oral exam will identify any potential problems with your crown, such as damage or loosening.

Type of crown. Dental crowns are made of porcelain, metal alloy, gold alloy, or porcelain fused to metal. Metal crowns tend to last longer than porcelain crowns because the material is stronger and less susceptible to cracking or breaking. However, porcelain provides the most natural appearance, making it one of the most common materials for crowns.

Quality of the crown. The higher the quality of the material used to make the crown, the longer it will last. This is especially true of porcelain. The higher the quality of the porcelain that is used, the more natural it will look and the longer it will last.

Location of the crown. A crown placed on a front tooth may last longer than a crown on a molar. This is because molars bear the brunt of the chewing force exerted by your teeth and jaw, causing them to wear down faster and crack or chip more frequently.

Eating and chewing habits. What you eat will affect the lifespan of your crown as well. Chewing on hard foods, ice, or non-food items can cause damage to your crown, shortening its lifespan.

Teeth grinding and clenching. If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw due to stress, your crown may not last as long. Teeth grinding and clenching puts extra strain on your crown that could cause it to wear down more quickly and potentially crack or break. Wearing a mouthguard can help protect your crown as well as your other teeth from damage due to grinding.

How is a Crown Replaced?
If your crown does wear out, the replacement process is quick and easy. The old crown will be removed, impressions will be made, and a new crown will be created. Once your new crown is ready, it will be bonded into place with dental cement, ready to last another 15 years or more.

Lane Family Dentistry Provides Quality Dental Crowns
For a crown to last as long as possible, it must be made with high quality materials. Lane Family Dentistry provides quality dental crowns made of porcelain or metal. We will recommend the best type of crown for you depending on your needs and the location of the tooth. See us every 6 months for dental cleanings and maintenance and your crown could last a lifetime.

Call 501-796-3903 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.

 It is estimated that approximately 15 million Americans have dental crowns or dental bridges. A dental crown is also referred to as a cap. A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that is used to cover, stabilize, strengthen,  and protect a damaged tooth. Here’s what to know about dental crowns including why you need one, and what to expect when getting a crown.

Reasons You May Need a Dental Crown

Your dentist will recommend a dental crown for a variety of reasons. Teeth that have significant decay that can not be treated with a dental filling may require a crown. Likewise, teeth that have small cracks, and have become weakened may be held together and fortified with a dental crown.  

Severely worn down teeth, or teeth that are broken may also be restored with a dental crown.  In other cases, a discolored or misshapen tooth may be covered with a crown.  

Dental crowns are also used in conjunction with other cosmetic or restorative dental treatments. For example, if decay reaches the interior of the tooth, or if you develop an infection in the pulp of the tooth, you’ll need a root canal. The placement of a permanent crown is necessary following a root canal. 

If you are replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge, you may need to have dental crowns placed on the adjoining teeth to support the bridge. Finally, dental crowns are affixed to dental implants if you undergo dental implant surgery.

Types of Dental Crowns

All dental crowns serve the same purpose: to protect your natural tooth beneath it. However, not all dental crowns are made of the same material. Your dentist will go over the options most appropriate for your unique situation. Dental crowns may be made of:

• Ceramic

Ceramic dental crowns are a popular choice because they can be color-matched to match your other teeth. 

• Porcelain Fused to Metal

These crowns are durable and strong and also look very natural.

• Gold Alloys

Gold alloys may be recommended for those who grind their teeth at night. These crowns may be best suited for patients requiring a stronger type of restoration.

• Base Metal Alloys

These dental crowns may be needed if there is severe wear of a tooth, resulting in less existing tooth structure.

What to Expect When Getting a Dental Crown

If you need a dental crown, don’t panic. The procedure is not painful. But it can require two visits. During your first visit,  painless digital imaging tests will be performed so that your dentist can confirm there is no existing infection that needs to be treated before placing the crown.

Next, your existing tooth will need to be shaped to place the crown. The area surrounding the tooth to be treated will be completely numbed. Your dentist will then remove all decay, and shave down the tooth. You will not feel any pain during this process.  

Once the tooth has been shaped to hold the crown, an impression of your tooth will be made, using a state-of-the-art digital intraoral scanner. This scan is completely painless, as it only involves a handheld wand being swabbed around in your mouth. The impression will be used to create your new dental crown. To complete your initial visit you’ll have a temporary crown placed on the treated tooth. 

You’ll return to the dentist once your crown has been received from the lab. During this appointment, your dentist will ensure that your new crown fits perfectly before permanently attaching it. Your dentist may make minor adjustments to the crown, to ensure that your bite is aligned and the crown fits snugly. Then the crown will be permanently bonded to your tooth, and your treatment will be complete.

Schedule a Dental Exam in Vilonia, AR

Lane Family Dentistry provides comprehensive dental treatment including restorations such as dental crowns in Vilonia, convenient to Mount Vernon, Enola, and Rose Bud. Request an appointment online or call 501-796-3903 today.

t is estimated that approximately 15 million Americans have dental crowns or dental bridges. A dental crown is also referred to as a cap. A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that is used to cover, stabilize, strengthen,  and protect a damaged tooth. Here’s what to know about dental crowns including why you need one, and what to expect when getting a crown.
Reasons You May Need a Dental Crown
Your dentist will recommend a dental crown for a variety of reasons. Teeth that have significant decay that can not be treated with a dental filling may require a crown. Likewise, teeth that have small cracks, and have become weakened may be held together and fortified with a dental crown.

Severely worn down teeth, or teeth that are broken may also be restored with a dental crown.  In other cases, a discolored or misshapen tooth may be covered with a crown.

Dental crowns are also used in conjunction with other cosmetic or restorative dental treatments. For example, if decay reaches the interior of the tooth, or if you develop an infection in the pulp of the tooth, you’ll need a root canal. The placement of a permanent crown is necessary following a root canal.

If you are replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge, you may need to have dental crowns placed on the adjoining teeth to support the bridge. Finally, dental crowns are affixed to dental implants if you undergo dental implant surgery.
Types of Dental Crowns
All dental crowns serve the same purpose: to protect your natural tooth beneath it. However, not all dental crowns are made of the same material. Your dentist will go over the options most appropriate for your unique situation. Dental crowns may be made of:

Ceramic

Ceramic dental crowns are a popular choice because they can be color-matched to match your other teeth.

Porcelain Fused to Metal

These crowns are durable and strong and also look very natural.

Gold Alloys

Gold alloys may be recommended for those who grind their teeth at night. These crowns may be best suited for patients requiring a stronger type of restoration.

Base Metal Alloys

These dental crowns may be needed if there is severe wear of a tooth, resulting in less existing tooth structure.

What to Expect When Getting a Dental Crown
If you need a dental crown, don’t panic. The procedure is not painful. But it can require two visits. During your first visit,  painless digital imaging tests will be performed so that your dentist can confirm there is no existing infection that needs to be treated before placing the crown.

Next, your existing tooth will need to be shaped to place the crown. The area surrounding the tooth to be treated will be completely numbed. Your dentist will then remove all decay, and shave down the tooth. You will not feel any pain during this process.

Once the tooth has been shaped to hold the crown, an impression of your tooth will be made, using a state-of-the-art digital intraoral scanner. This scan is completely painless, as it only involves a handheld wand being swabbed around in your mouth. The impression will be used to create your new dental crown. To complete your initial visit you’ll have a temporary crown placed on the treated tooth.

You’ll return to the dentist once your crown has been received from the lab. During this appointment, your dentist will ensure that your new crown fits perfectly before permanently attaching it. Your dentist may make minor adjustments to the crown, to ensure that your bite is aligned and the crown fits snugly. Then the crown will be permanently bonded to your tooth, and your treatment will be complete.

Schedule a Dental Exam in Vilonia, AR
Lane Family Dentistry provides comprehensive dental treatment including restorations such as dental crowns in Vilonia, convenient to Mount Vernon, Enola, and Rose Bud. Request an appointment online or call 501-796-3903 today.