Many people have at least one dental restoration, and these are designed to last at least several years. However, it’s important to note that no restoration will last forever.
What Are Dental Restorations?
These restorations are designed to protect teeth and restore your ability to eat comfortably and smile confidently. They include dental crowns, bridges, and fillings. Porcelain veneers in Oshawa are often used in smile makeovers and are not designed to protect teeth, but they must still be replaced regularly as they age.
Understanding How Long Your Restorations Could Last
The anticipated lifespan of restorations depends on the materials used to make them and your lifestyle habits.
Generally, composite resin fillings should last for several years before needing replacement. Other restorations made from porcelain, such as veneers, crowns, and bridges, should last much longer.
For example, a well-cared-for porcelain crown in Whitby could last 10 years or longer before you need to replace it.
Lifestyle Habits That Can Shorten the Lifespan of Your Restorations
Certain lifestyle habits can reduce the anticipated lifespan of your restorations and include:
- Teeth grinding and clenching. This is a habit called bruxism in Ajax, and it can chip and crack restorations, causing them to fail much more quickly. The habit can also significantly damage your natural teeth.
- Using your teeth as tools. Using your teeth to tear open a packet could damage dental restorations. It’s far better to protect your teeth and take a few extra seconds to reach for the right tools instead.
- Poor oral hygiene. You need to clean your teeth at least twice daily and floss between them every day. This is essential to protect your natural teeth and your restorations. Failing to follow a good oral care routine increases the risk of infection and decay, which can weaken your natural teeth and restorations.
Signs Your Restorations Could Be Failing
Sometimes it is pretty obvious that the restoration is failing because it starts to look chipped or cracked. An older filling could begin to crumble away. At other times, various symptoms can indicate that your restorations need to be checked to see if they need to be replaced soon.
These symptoms can include:
- Increased sensitivity to hot or cold.
- Discomfort or pain when biting on a restoration.
- Feeling as though a crown or bridge is loose, or that your bite has changed.
Increased sensitivity or discomfort can indicate that the seal between the tooth and the restoration has begun to fail. This allows unpleasant sensations to penetrate the tooth and bacteria that, over time, could cause infection. Any changes to your bite are also a sign to see a dentist quickly.
Ensuring Your Restorations Are Checked Regularly
The best way to monitor the health of any dental restoration is to visit our dentist at Margolian Dentistry regularly for checkups. During your dental exam, our dentist will gently assess the condition of each tooth, gum, and every restoration.
By monitoring these restorations closely, we can let you know when it’s time to consider replacing them. This ensures that aging restorations are replaced before they can begin to leak and crumble, negatively impacting your dental health.
Helping Your Restorations Last Longer
Professional dental care can also help your restorations last longer. Regular hygiene appointments allow us to professionally clean your teeth and any crowns, bridges, veneers, and fillings. Treatment can help extend the natural life of your restorations while protecting your oral health.
Ongoing preventive dental care provides you with the peace of mind of knowing that your teeth and existing dental restorations are properly cared for and beautifully maintained, and that you have a healthy smile.
