Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA
Dental implants are often praised for their longevity. They typically outlast any other type of dental restoration by a long shot, like 25+ years or longer, so long as you take care of it by brushing and flossing daily, and get dental cleanings and checkups twice a year. That being said, it is the implant itself, the portion that is embedded into the jawbone that has the longest life. The crown, bridge, or restoration attached to the top of the implant needs to be replaced at some point in your life.
Dental implant dentists in Bloomsburg at Hamilton Dental Care want to discuss some reasons why dental implant crowns may need to be replaced at some point.
Chipped restoration
Attached to any dental implant is some type of dental restoration such as a crown or bridgework that could become damaged or chipped. While porcelain restorations are made of high-quality materials, it doesn’t make them immune to an occasional chip or break. You can, however, do your part by taking care of your restoration. Also, avoid using your teeth to tear open packages or plastic wrap, chew on pens or pencils, ice or hard candies. Using your teeth for things other than what they are designed for could damage your porcelain restoration. In the event that your restoration becomes damaged, this would be the time to have it replaced.
Wear and tear
Like we mentioned earlier, dental restorations are designed to be quite durable, but with normal wear and tear, they eventually wear down. They could wear down even faster if you are clenching and grinding your teeth at night. This is known as bruxism. If your teeth and dental restorations seem to be wearing down or become damaged unexpectedly, then ask the dentist about a specially made night guard that you can wear to protect your teeth. Otherwise, just know that at some point, probably years later, your implant crown or restoration may need to be replaced if it becomes worn down excessively.
Discoloration
Most porcelain used in dental restorations these days is stain resistant. However, tobacco use or the excessive consumption of foods or beverages that cause staining may alter the color of your restoration. Whitening a crown or other dental restoration is generally ineffective. An instance such as this may warrant the need for a new dental implant crown to be installed. This is purely for cosmetics, and unless the crown is visible when you smile, it isn’t causing any harm to leave it as is for now.
Dental implants can last for many years, especially with good oral hygiene and proper care. If you would like to learn more about dental implants and their benefits, or how this procedure could help restore your smile, we invite you to schedule a consultation with us at Hamilton Dental Care by calling (570) 387-0533. We welcome patients of Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg.
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