How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

When a patient realizes they require a dental crown, they usually have many questions such as if it will be painful and how much it will cost. One of the most critical questions to take into account is how long will dental crowns last.

-> So, How Much Does Dental Crown Cost?

The material type chosen largely determines the lifespan of dental crowns. The average lifetime is 5 to 15 years. But with the right maintenance, a crown may survive for many years. Unless there is an issue, they can often stay there permanently.

How Durable Are Dental Crowns?

Even though crowns are an excellent approach to repairing fractured teeth, there must be adequate tooth strength for the crown to cling to. Once it has been determined that your tooth can support a crown, the dentist will ensure that the restoration is appropriately secured over the tooth to prevent any open spaces that can capture floss or become food traps. 

If a crown is poorly fitted, it may inevitably get loose and fall off. A crown that has fallen out can be re-cemented by your dentist, but eventually, it will have to be replaced. You might be able to extend its lifespan for a few more years, but generally speaking, if the original bond is compromised, a new crown is required to restore it.

In general, dental crowns endure longer if the material is more expensive. However, it isn’t always the case. Certain materials may be less appealing to some patients for reasons other than cost. Additionally, dentists could suggest a certain material in a given circumstance if they believe it to be the best option.

Following is a list of the various dental crown materials in durability order:

The Durability of Gold Dental Crown

The most long-lasting crowns are made of gold, but they are also the most expensive. If cared for correctly, they could last many years. Their color is the main negative. A gold crown cannot be hidden unless it is placed on a rear molar.

The Durability of Ceramic/Porcelain Dental Crown

Dental crowns made of porcelain or ceramic material typically last for up to 10 years. They seem the most like real teeth because of their color, but unlike metal, they are more susceptible to chipping and shattering. New, tougher kinds of ceramic and porcelain are making their way on the market. Zirconia, for instance, is shown to be more durable and resilient than conventional porcelain. Zirconia gains greater acceptance within the industry, it could be a suitable alternative for molars that should resist vigorous chewing.

The Durability of Resin Dental Crown

Composite resin is a substance that dentists use to create dental fillings and crowns. The least costly but least long-lasting substance is resin. Resin crowns could last 10 years or more with the proper care. The material, however, may not be able to tolerate the wear and tear when placed on a molar.

How Do You Know When a Crown Needs to Be Replaced? 

Dental crowns are constructed from premium ceramics that offer a sturdy construction in order to be accommodating. Crowns may ultimately need to be replaced because of wear and tear. Knowing the basic warning indications can save you from unnecessary painful procedures and high dental bills.

Swelling or Pain

Any discomfort or swelling you experience might be a sign of a broken crown or an incorrect placement. These could potentially be infection-related warning symptoms. Thus, you should inform your dentist of any discomfort or irritation.

Gum Line is Receding

Your gum line retreating may be a sign that the crown needs to be replaced or that it was improperly bonded. The accumulation of microorganisms near the tooth’s base, which can lead to infection, can also be an issue.

Significant Wear and Tear

Pay attention to any indications that a crown is deteriorating. Because the additional pressure might hasten the deterioration of the crown, this issue is particularly prevalent in those who grind their teeth. A dentist will examine the crown as well as look for bruxism symptoms (teeth grinding).

Cracking or Chipping

While porcelain-fused-to-metal and all-ceramic crowns are appealing substitutes for metal crowns, they are susceptible to chipping or breaking over time. You should notify your dentist right away if you discover any problem. The more quickly problems are identified and addressed, the greater the likelihood of saving the crown.

Decreased Aesthetics of the Smile

Over time, individuals with porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns could see a black line running over their teeth. This is the end effect of the metal of the crown poking through. A replacement crown is typically necessary to produce a more appealing grin.

A Crown That Has Been On For More Than Ten Years

A crown typically lasts between 10 and 15 years. Even if there aren’t any telltale indicators of trouble, you should have yours evaluated regularly especially if you have had it for more than 10 years. A dentist could spot little problems that might go unnoticed otherwise. The sooner issues are discovered, the better the likelihood of being able to repair the crown with minimal risks.

What Can Affect the Lifespan of a Crown?

The material utilized, your dental hygiene practices, and other lifestyle variables can all affect how long a crown lasts.

Maintaining proper oral hygiene habits is the most crucial component in taking care of dental crowns. This comprises:

• Teeth brushing twice to three times daily
• Flossing once a day
• Avoid some type of food
• Teeth cleaning every six months

Other elements that may impact a crown’s durability include:

Material of the Crown

The durability of the crown can be influenced by the crown’s construction quality, workmanship, and material.

Expertise of the Dentist

The length of time the crown lasts can also depend on a number of things, including how effectively the dentist prepped the tooth and also how they made the imprint or scanned the teeth. For a single tooth, a digital scanner is more precise than impression materials and trays.

Health of the Tooth in Question

The crown and tooth will probably have a greater chance of survival if the tooth is generally healthy, with deeper roots and stronger levels of gum and bone in the area.

Using the Teeth as Tools

Forcing your teeth to break threads, open bottles, or chewing on ice and pens can shorten the life of a crown.

Teeth Gnashing

Grinding and clenching your teeth, particularly at night, can wear down the surface of a crown and threaten its stability, especially if it’s made of a ceramic substance. You might want to talk with your dentist about a mouthguard that you can use at night.

Final Thoughts

A crown does not necessarily need to be changed just because it is outdated. Any indications that your crown may deteriorate should be brought to your dentist’s attention. A well-cared-for crown is an investment that may last a lifetime. And if issues arise, they may be noticed during a 4-6 month recall. Please get in touch with our office if you need a dental crown, have any inquiries, or want to arrange an appointment with one of our specialists.