How Long Does Dental Work Last?
If you’ve had a filling, crown, bridge, or other dental restoration for years, you may occasionally wonder how long it’s supposed to last. The answer depends on the type of restoration you have. Some will serve you well for many years.
Your Dental Work Has a Big Job
Think about what your teeth do every day. They bite and chew through meal after meal. They handle pressure every time your teeth come together. If you clench or grind, your teeth are putting in overtime you didn’t authorize.
Modern dental restorations are designed to be strong and durable, but they still live in a demanding environment. Over time, materials wear, restorations can be damaged, and the supporting tooth can change.
Older Doesn’t Automatically Mean Worn Out
If Dr. Estrada placed a crown years ago and it is still doing its job effectively, age alone isn’t necessarily a reason to replace it. That’s why we check your existing dental work during regular visits. We’re looking at existing fillings, crowns, and other restorations to make sure they are still in good shape.
Sometimes everything looks great, and we simply keep an eye on it. Other times, we may notice wear, changes around the edge of a filling or crown, or other signs that we should take a closer look. Finding those changes during a routine visit lets us talk about them before you’re surprised by a problem.
Help Your Dental Work Go the Distance
The habits that protect your natural teeth also protect your restorations. Brushing, flossing, and keeping up with regular dental visits all matter. It’s also smart to avoid actions that put unnecessary stress on your teeth, such as chewing ice or other very hard objects.
If you grind or clench your teeth, we should discuss that too. Extra forces can affect natural teeth and dental restorations, and we’ll consider that when evaluating your smile. If something suddenly feels different, tell us. A loose crown, a rough or chipped area, discomfort when you bite, or a change around an older filling deserves a look.
No Need to Keep Track of Everything Yourself
The nice thing about having a dental home where we know you and your history is that you don’t have to remember exactly when every filling or crown was placed. Dr. Estrada takes the time to see how your teeth and existing dental work are holding up, and if something needs attention, we’ll show you what we’re seeing and talk through your options. Our goal is to help you get as much life out of your natural teeth and restorations as possible.
If it’s time for your next appointment, call our office located in The Woodlands, TX. We’ll give you the one-on-one time and attention you deserve and make sure your teeth, gums, and dental work keep serving you well.
