A dental crown acts as a cover for a tooth damaged by trauma or tooth decay. Dental crowns restore your tooth’s normal function and shape.
If you need dental crowns, you may be wondering how long do crowns last? If you take care of your crowns properly with regular brushing and flossing, they can last from 10-30 years.
However, excessive wear and tear can reduce the life of your dental crown. Practice good habits, such as not opening packages with your teeth or avoiding biting your nails, so that you won’t have to prematurely replace the crown after a few years.
Why Do I Need Dental Crowns?
If too much of your natural tooth is missing due to trauma or decay, like after a root canal, your dentist might suggest a dental crown be placed over the remaining tooth structure.
Some of the other reasons why your dentist may suggest that you get dental crowns include protecting a weak tooth, restoring a tooth with a large damaged filling, holding a dental bridge in place and completing a dental implant.
How Long Do Crowns Last? Factors That Impact a Dental Crown’s Lifespan
Your dental crowns should last anywhere from 10 to even 30 years if you practice good dental habits.
One of the biggest factors determining how long your dental crowns last is establishing an excellent oral hygiene regime.
This includes brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste two to three times a day, flossing once a day, and getting a dental cleaning at least twice a year.
Other factors that contribute to how long do crowns last, include:
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Health of the treated tooth
If healthy gums and bone surround the affected tooth, your natural tooth and dental crown will last longer. If you suffer from advanced gum disease, you will need treatment, including antibiotics, scaling and root planing, to address the issue before the dental crown can be placed.
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Grinding your teeth
Tooth grinding, especially at night, can wear down your dental crowns over time. This behaviour can also affect the dental crown’s overall stability. Ask your dentist about nightguards if you grind your teeth at night.
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Using teeth for non-chewing tasks
When you use your teeth to perform tasks such as opening packages or chewing on ice, you increase the bite force on the tooth’s chewing surface, which can negatively affect the longevity of your dental crowns.
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The materials used for the crown
Dental crowns can be crafted from various materials, including gold alloy, ceramic, porcelain, and porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM). Each different material is suitable for a specific tooth location and level of tooth damage. Gold and PFM dental crowns are generally only used on the back teeth because they can withstand extreme bite force but tend to be more noticeable than other options.
Porcelain crowns are ideal for the front social six teeth because they have the same lustre as your natural teeth and are resistant to staining.
One of the fastest and most effective ways to restore your smile is with CEREC crowns. CEREC crowns are CAD/CAM generated and milled from a solid block of ceramic chair-side so we can place your crowns on the same day as your consultation and tooth preparation. They offer the perfect combination of long-lasting durability and a natural appearance.
How Long Do Crowns Last? When Do Crowns Need to Be Replaced?
While a dental crown can potentially last for many years, over time, changes to your facial shape, tooth alignment, gums and general oral health can impact how the crown fits in your mouth.
General wear and tear can deteriorate the crown’s chewing surface and impact its structural integrity, which means it will eventually need to be replaced. If any decay is visible, the crown may also need to get replaced.
Decay isn’t the only signal that a dental crown needs replacing. Other signs that you might be having issues with your crown include:
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Gaps between the gumline and crown
Having a gap between the gum line and dental crown may mean that dental cement holding the crown in place has significantly deteriorated, and the crown has become loose.
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A cracked or broken crown
A damaged dental crown needs immediate replacement and may constitute a dental emergency.
A severely cracked or broken crown exposes the tooth underneath to food debris and bacteria, which could lead to decay and infection.
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Discomfort
Discomfort around the site of the dental crown may also indicate that you need to have your restoration replaced, as this can be a symptom of an infection of the tooth underneath the crown.
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You feel the crown move in your mouth
This could happen if you’re chewing on caramel, hard lollies, crunchy foods, or gum or if you sustain facial trauma. If this occurs, see your dentist right away.
Should I Get a Dental Crown?
In many cases, a dental crown is the only option available to restore a severely damaged tooth; however, it can also be a suitable option for cosmetically enhancing your smile if you have chips, gaps or extensive discolouration. It is important to understand all your treatment options before deciding on your tooth restoration.
Our staff at No Gaps Dental can answer any question you have about how long do crowns last, as well as taking the time to address any concerns you have about the dental crown procedure. We want to ensure you are completely comfortable with the decisions you make for your dental health.
Call or visit one of the No Gaps Dental Clinics in the Sydney area for a consultation today. Call us today: (02) 8806 0227.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.