Restorative dentistry is an integral part of keeping your mouth fully functioning and healthy. If you require a filling, crown, bridge, or dental implant – know how long the restorations will last so you can make informed decisions and manage your care for these significant investments. Among services provided in restorative dentistry in Dedham, MA, we will look at the extended lifespan of some common restorative dental procedures.
1. Dental Fillings
Lifespan: 5-15 years
Fairly common among restorations is a dental filling, which repairs tooth decay. The material chosen will affect the longevity of a filling generally.
- Amalgam Fillings: These classic metallic fillings can last upwards of 10 to 15 years.
- Composite fillings: Typically, they last about 5 to 10 years and are an aesthetically pleasing option. These fillings still have many of the same benefits as dental amalgams, although they are not quite as durable.
Maintenance Tips:
- Maintain good oral hygiene by doing daily brushing and flossing.
- Do not chew hard foods or use your teeth to open things.
2. Dental Crowns
Lifespan: 10-30 years
A crown, also known as a cap, encases a tooth to restore its shape size, strength, or appearance. The durability of the crown depends on its material.
- Porcelain Crowns: They are extremely popular for their natural look and can last up to a decade or even 15 years if taken care of well.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: The steel potential of metal and the aesthetical value of porcelain join together to design PFM crowns with an average lifespan ranging from 10-20 years.
- Gold/Metal Crowns: These crowns are very hard-wearing and can last for up to 20-30 years or more.
Maintenance Tips:
- Routine dental exams to maintain the crown in good condition
- Chewing on hard objects like ice or pens.
3. Dental Bridges
Lifespan: 5-15 years
Dental Bridges A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring on adjacent teeth. How Long Can Bridges Last: With the context of their location and how they are maintained, a bridge can be as old or young as one wants to believe it is.
Maintenance Tips:
- Preventing decay in the supporting teeth by maintaining good oral hygiene
- Regular professional cleanings to maintain the health of the tissue around your bridge and crowns.
4. Dental Implants
Lifespan: 20+ years
Dental implants are the surgical treatment for missing teeth. They require the surgical placement of a titanium post which will serve as an artificial tooth-root with in into your jawbone.
Maintenance Tips:
- Maintain high standards of oral hygiene to take care of the implant and ensure healthy gums around it.
- Your dentist will then track the health of your implant during routine dental check-ups.
5. Dentures
Lifespan: 5-10 years
Dentures are custom-made removable appliances that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They are categorized into two; full and partial.
- Complete dentures: With 5-10 years of wear, complete dentures are utilized when all teeth are gone.
- Partial Dentures: These dentures are used when some of the natural teeth remain, and they should not last more than five to ten years.
Maintenance Tips:
- The dentures will scan daily cleaning it to remove the food particles and plaques.
- To avoid accidental dropping of dentures, handle them with care.
Knowing the longevity of restorative dental works can allow you to practice better oral hygiene. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can help extend the longevity of any filler, crown bridge, implant, or denture. If you have issues or need cosmetic dentistry, feel free to contact your reliable Dedham dentist today.
