Crowns & Bridges

Most crowns and bridges last up to 15 years, and in some cases even longer. However, dental crowns and bridges’ lifespan depends on multiple factors, including the materials and how well you care for them. Our team uses the highest quality materials and technology available, so rest assured your crowns and bridges can last decades with proper oral hygiene habits.

Caring for your dental crown and bridge is the same as your normal oral hygiene routine. Brush and floss regularly, use fluoride toothpaste, wear a night guard if you grind your teeth, and visit South Hills Dental Arts every six months to ensure your teeth and restorations stay healthy. Following healthy oral habits maintains the longevity of your restoration and keeps your smile healthy!

Dental crowns are often referred to as a type of permanent restoration because they are designed to last for many years with proper care. However, it’s important to understand that “permanent” does not necessarily mean “lifetime.” The longevity of a dental crown can vary based on several factors, including the material of the crown, the health of the underlying tooth and gum, and the patient’s oral hygiene habits.

Dr. Curtis Crandall and the team at South Hills Dental Arts use high-quality materials and advanced techniques to ensure the longevity of your dental crowns. However, regular check-ups and good oral hygiene are also crucial to maintain the integrity of the crown and the health of your mouth.

After getting a dental crown, you can certainly eat, but there are a few precautions to take. Immediately following the procedure, while the anesthesia is wearing off, it’s best to avoid eating to prevent biting your cheek or tongue accidentally. Once you regain feeling, you can eat, but it’s best to start with soft foods and avoid biting directly on the new crown for a few days.

Over time, as your mouth adjusts to the crown, you should be able to resume your normal diet. However, it’s always a good idea to avoid extremely hard or sticky foods that could potentially damage the crown.

Caring for a dental crown is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Regular brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash can help keep your crown and surrounding teeth clean. It’s also important to maintain regular dental check-ups so that Dr. Crandall can monitor the condition of your crown and catch any potential issues early.

While dental crowns are designed to withstand the forces of chewing, certain habits like grinding or clenching your teeth, chewing ice, or using your teeth to open packages can potentially damage your crown. Therefore, it’s best to avoid these habits to prolong the life of your crown.

At South Hills Dental Arts, we prioritize patient comfort during all our procedures, including the placement of dental crowns. The procedure for placing a dental crown typically involves numbing the area with local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the process.

After the procedure, it’s normal to experience some sensitivity or discomfort around the treated area. This is temporary and should subside within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any post-procedure discomfort, but if the pain persists or worsens, it’s important to contact Dr. Crandall for a follow-up.

Remember, dental crowns are a proven solution for restoring the function and appearance of damaged or decayed teeth. If you’re considering dental crowns in Pittsburgh, particularly in the Upper St Clair area, Dr. Curtis Crandall and the team at South Hills Dental Arts are here to answer all your questions and guide you through the process.