I am wondering how long a cerec crown will last compared to a regular crown. I just got one put on a molar, the third one from the back. My tooth was cracked and my dentist said it needed a crown. He could do it the same day so I jumped on that. I didn’t think about it at the time, but I grind my teeth. Because it was made and put on in a day, will it break easier than a regular crown with my clenching and grinding?
Thanks,
Lou from Wichita
Dear Lou,
If we were just talking regular wear and tear on a CEREC crown, its lifespan is not much different than a traditional crown. With routine checkups and good hygiene habits, a crown can last around 15 years. In some rare occasions, crowns have lasted 20 or more years!
Unfortunately, we’re not talking regular wear and tear. Teeth grinding, or bruxism, changes the game. When you grind, you are putting additional stress on those teeth. Grinding wears down the enamel on your teeth, making them more susceptible to damage, decay and even cracking. It can also affect your gums, and cause pain and sensitivity in your teeth. Beyond that, it can cause pain in your jaw and TMJ. In the case of this new crown, be it traditional or CEREC, it could fail quickly because of the grinding. It could cause it to crack just like the tooth beneath it.
If you want to save this crown, and your other teeth, from damage, treat your teeth grinding. At the very least you can get a dental night guard at some drug stores. More importantly, talk to your dentist. He can also help you get a night guard to protect your teeth, but may also check to see if you are suffering from sleep apnea or some other underlying conditions that are causing the teeth grinding.
This post is sponsored by Generations Dental Care of Enfield, Connecticut.
