That’s wild—ten years is definitely impressive, but I’m not totally convinced it’s just about good luck or dentist skill. I’ve always wondered if genetics or even diet play a bigger role than people think. I’m at year eight with mine, but my brother’s crown didn’t even make it five years, and we went to the same dentist. He swears he brushes and flosses more than I do, too. Sometimes I think there’s just a bit of unpredictability with these things, no matter how careful you are.
Sometimes I think there’s just a bit of unpredictability with these things, no matter how careful you are.
Honestly, you’re not wrong—there’s a lot more going on than just good brushing technique or dentist skill. Genetics can definitely play a role, and diet’s a sneaky culprit too (some people’s teeth just handle stress better). I’ve seen folks baby their crowns and still lose them early, while others barely blink and they last ages. It’s a bit like rolling the dice... but with fewer Vegas lights and more floss.
It’s wild how much luck seems to factor in, even when you’re doing everything “right.” I’ve had a root canal and crown on my back molar for almost eight years now, and I’ll admit, I was bracing for disaster after all the horror stories. But so far, it’s hanging in there. I’m not perfect with my dental routine (who flosses every single night, really?), but I do my best. Still, I’ve watched my partner—who’s way more diligent—need a replacement after just a couple years. Genetics, bite, maybe even how you chew your food... it all adds up.
I get the frustration, though. There’s only so much you can control, and sometimes it feels like the universe is just picking favorites. But I’m convinced little things help. For me, cutting down on super sticky snacks and not using my teeth as tools (guilty of that in the past) probably made a difference. I also started using a night guard after my dentist noticed some grinding, which honestly felt like overkill, but maybe it’s saved me. Who knows.
It’s easy to blame yourself when something goes wrong, but honestly, sometimes it’s just pure chance. I try not to stress over it too much anymore. If this crown ever gives up, I’ll deal with it then. Until then, I’m just grateful it’s lasted as long as it has—kind of feels like having a lucky penny in your mouth (but, you know, less gross).
Anyone else feel like dental stuff is just one of those things where you do your best and then cross your fingers?
I get where you’re coming from, but I actually think habits matter more than we give them credit for. I’ve seen people who never skip flossing and avoid soda keep their crowns going strong for over a decade. Genetics play a part, yeah, but sometimes it’s just those small, consistent habits adding up. Honestly, I used to think the night guard thing was overkill too, but after cracking a molar from grinding, I’m a convert. Maybe luck is part of it, but a little effort can really tip the odds.
That’s interesting—I've definitely seen some folks with crowns going strong for ages, and others who run into problems way sooner, even with good habits. Makes me wonder, for those of you using a night guard, did your dentist recommend it right after the crown, or only after issues showed up? Sometimes I feel like we catch the grinding too late... but maybe I'm just being overly cautious.
