Fillings, crowns, root canals, dentures – what do all of these have in common? They are all synthetic imitations of biologic structures. Biologic structures have the ability to adapt to their surroundings and protect themselves to a certain degree. The synthetic replacements that you receive from a dentist (even the best dentist in the whole world) could never have this type of responsiveness to their environment. All dental restorations have the ability to last many years, but their lifespan depends on many variables.
It’s best to compare dental treatment to a brand new set of tires. To get the most life out of your tires, they require a few things:
- gentle daily use
- maintain at proper air pressure
- regular rotation and inspection
- prompt attention and repair when needed
Here are some examples of how to shorten the duration of your tires:
- excessive wear of tire from running over curbs or peeling out
- running with deflated tires
- never rotating your tires
- ignoring small leaks or bulges until the tire pops
However, even with meticulous care, tires may have to be replaced due to:
- accumulated wear causing loss of sufficient tread
- accidental puncture from a nail that you couldn’t see
Just like tires, dental restorations last longest when cared for properly.
To get the most out of your restorations, here is how to care for them:
- gentle daily use
- maintain with daily brushing and flossing
- regular professional cleanings and examinations
- prompt attention and repair when needed
Here are some examples of how to shorten the duration of your restorations:
- excessive wear due to clenching, grinding, or chewing non-food items
- skipping days of proper oral hygiene
- missing dental cleanings and exams
- ignoring small dental issues until something hurts or breaks
Like tires, even restorations with excellent care require replacement due to:
- accumulated wear causing loss of sufficient biting or chewing ability
- accidental fracture from trauma that you couldn’t avoid
Your dentist may have other specific recommendations to elongate the life of your dental treatment, including nightguards to protect against nighttime grinding or special toothpaste to decrease the chance of getting cavities.