Most Hendricks County residents think once they get restorative dental work, such as a filling or a crown, that’s it, they don’t have to worry about it anymore. Unfortunately, that’s simply not the case. Fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures and dental implants don’t come with a lifetime guarantee. Over time, they typically need to be adjusted, replaced, or redone. However, your dental work is still the best investment you can make to keep your smile strong and healthy.
Below are some restorative dental work treatments and how long you can expect them to last.
Fillings
A filling is a material, like amalgam or composite resin, that’s placed in a tooth where decay has been removed. While a filling can prevent further decay within that specific area, you can still get decay in another part of your tooth. Or, if you crack your filling when biting down too hard, you will likely need to have it replaced to prevent decay from getting in.
Generally, amalgam fillings last about 13 years while resin composite filling have a lifespan of 8 years. However, with proper care and maintenance, amalgam fillings can last up to 20 years while resin composite fillings can last up to 10 years.
Crowns
A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that’s placed over a tooth to fully encase it at and above the gum line. Crowns are used to protect a weak tooth, restore a broken tooth, or to cover and support a tooth with a large filling.
Crowns can last 8 to 15 years. A crown’s lifespan depends upon:
- It’s the wear and tear.
- If it becomes chipped or broken.
- If decay forms around the edges where the crown and natural tooth meet.
Dentures
Dentures are full or partial replacements for your upper or lower teeth, typically, made of acrylic resin and metal.
Dentures last about 7 to 10 years. Dentures will need to be replaced if:
- The teeth show signs of significant wear.
- They become loose due to bone and gum changes within your mouth as you age. Loose dentures can rub against your gums, causing sore spots to form.
- They’re broken.
Schedule Regular Checkups
When Hendricks County residents visit Danville Family Dentistry for regular dental exams, Dr. Jon Erickson can determine if your restorative dental work is still in good condition. If a change has occurred, he will let you know if you require a replacement. However, when changes are caught early, you may not need an extensive treatment.
What Can You Do if You Don’t Have Dental Insurance?
Danville Family Dentistry offers our Smile Savings Plan to qualified patients without dental insurance. For a low annual fee, you’ll get preventative dental care services for a year, like two dental exams and cleanings, as well as regularly scheduled X-rays. Plus, you’ll receive 15% off any other dental care procedures we provide, which includes any restorative dental work you may need to have done.
To learn more about our Smile Savings Plan, or to schedule an appointment at our Hendricks County office, contact us at 317-745-4400.
Take care of your teeth and your restorative dental work, so they last longer. Therefore, you may not require more extensive dental treatment later.
Disclaimer: The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
(317) 745-4400
