Discover How Long a Dental Crown Should Last
A dental crown will not last forever, regardless of how well it is formed and fitted. However, crowns usually last a long time. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that restores a decayed, broken, weak, or worn-down tooth. A crown is also used to cover dental implants and teeth that have been treated with root canals. Depending on the type of dental material used, the average lifespan of a crown is around 10 – 15 years. With proper care, good dental hygiene habits, and regular dental check-ups, some crowns may last for decades.
Sninski & Schmitt Family Dentistry fits many dental crowns. We offer same-day crowns and restorative dentistry services. In this article, we discuss the purpose of dental crowns, why you may need to replace them, and what you can do to extend the lifespan of your dental crown.
The Purpose of a Dental Crown
A dental crown covers a tooth that has been weakened by a cavity or other factor. A crown fits over an entire tooth very closely to the tooth. In fitting a crown, the dentist removes a small amount of enamel before bonding the new crown into place. A crown can be made from a variety of materials such as resin, metal, ceramic, resin-ceramic composite, and porcelain.
You may need a dental crown to:
- Strengthen a weak tooth
- Protect and support a cracked tooth
- Restore a worn-down or broken tooth
- Hold a dental bridge in place
- Cover a severely stained or discolored tooth
- Cover a dental implant
Average Lifespan of a Dental Crown
How long a dental crown lasts depends on several factors, including your oral hygiene routine, diet, the type of crown you have, the quality of the crown and the fit, and trauma to the tooth. On average, a dental crown usually has about five to 15 years of longevity. The better your oral hygiene, the longer a crown should last.
Some key factors that affect crown longevity include:
- Material Used: Porcelain crowns last from five to 15 years, while metal crowns made from gold or another metal can last much longer, sometimes even a lifetime.
- Oral Hygiene: Good brushing and flossing habits significantly impact the life of a dental crown.
- Bite Alignment: An improper bite can put extra stress on a crown, shortening its lifespan.
- Grinding Habits: Teeth grinding can wear down a crown prematurely and shorten its life.
What Type of Crown Lasts the Longest
The material a dental crown is made from impacts the longevity, regardless of whether it is a same-day crown, a CEREC crown created from ceramic, or a traditionally made crown. Metal crowns typically last longer than porcelain crowns simply because metal is stronger and more durable than porcelain. However, patients tend to prefer porcelain and ceramic because they can be matched to the color of an existing tooth. Also, if you want an attractive yet durable solution, porcelain can be fused to a metal crown; these are known as PFM crowns.
Lifespan of Composite Crowns
Resin crowns typically last slightly less time than porcelain, metal, and PFM crowns because they are more vulnerable to cracks and fractures. They are attractive options because they can match the color of your existing tooth, the same as porcelain. They are usually less expensive because of their durability.
Lifespan of Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns can last between five and 15 years, assuming you take care of your teeth and don’t suffer an accident or injury to your mouth.
Lifespan of Ceramic Crowns
With proper care, ceramic crowns can last up to 15 years.
Lifespan of PFM Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns have a slightly longer lifespan compared to porcelain crowns averaging 10 to 15 years. The addition of metals reinforces the porcelain crown which is ideal for patients who clench or grind their teeth or suffer from bruxism.
Lifespan of Gold Crowns
Because gold is pure metal, these crowns can last for 20 years or more.
Lifespan of Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia is a white ceramic material that is more durable than porcelain and some metal alloys. Zirconia dental crowns can last a lifetime with proper care.
Reasons for Replacing a Dental Crown
You need to replace a crown when it exhibits significant damage or there is a dental issue.
Damage to the crown may be chips or cracks on the crown’s surface. A chip off of a crown can cause injury to the mouth due to sharp edges. A chip or crack in a crown can create an opening that exposes the tooth and causes an infection.
Another reason to replace a crown is new pain, signs of infection, or the development of plaque around the base or ridges of the crown. These can indicate that the tooth may be infected or further damaged, and necessitate replacement and dental attention to the tooth.
How You Can Extend the Life of a Dental Crown
You can extend the lifespan of a dental crown by practicing good dental hygiene habits:
- Brushing your teeth 2 to 3 times a day
- Flossing at least once a day
- Getting a dental cleaning every 6 months
Other factors that can affect the longevity of a crown include:
The type of crown – The quality of the crown, how well it’s made, and the material used to make it all play a role in the longevity of the crown.
The dentist’s work – Some factors such as how well the dentist prepared the tooth and how they took the impression or scanned the tooth can also make a difference in how long a crown lasts. Using a digital scanner is more accurate than making impressions with trays.
The health of the tooth – If the tooth is relatively healthy with longer roots and healthier gums and bone levels, both the crown and the tooth will last longer.
Tooth grinding – Clenching and grinding your teeth can wear down a crown’s surface and affect its stability, especially if it is made of a ceramic material.
Contact Sninski & Schmitt Family Dentistry to Schedule your Dental Appointment
If you are experiencing pain under an existing dental crown, call our professional dental team today. We will thoroughly examine your teeth and provide solutions for the symptoms. It’s possible you need to replace the crown or there may be other reasons for your pain. Call the Holly Springs location at (919) 600-6262 or our dentists in Cary NC at 919-467-2203, or fill out our contact form below to schedule an appointment.