Maintaining dental hygiene requires a lifetime commitment. It only takes a minor lapse in cleaning or brushing your teeth for plaque to develop, harboring bacteria and eventually causing dental cavities. Dental cavities can worsen progressively to the level that you will require dental crowns, especially if you have large dental fillings. Large dental fillings can reduce the structural integrity of your teeth, making them susceptible to breaking. A dental crown holds the tooth and the filling together, preventing disintegration. A dentist can also recommend dental crowns for tooth damage due to falling, tripping, or other accidents. A common question most people ask is, how long can you expect a dental crown to last? How long a dental crown lasts can vary depending on how well you take care of it. A dental crown can serve you for many years with the proper care.
Understanding Dental Crowns
Crowns are ‘’caps’’ that cover the tooth surface and are prevalent in dentistry. Fillings can resolve tooth-related issues, but crowns are usually recommended for tooth issues that fillings cannot solve. Crowns fit tightly on the teeth; a dentist can mold them to take the natural shape of the patient’s teeth. You can achieve many benefits with dental crowns, like enhancing your tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance.
Your dentist will take an impression of the affected tooth to ensure the crown fits well. The dentist will send the impression to the lab developing the crown, although some dental offices can produce crowns in-house. Your dentist can place a temporary crown on your tooth as you wait for the permanent crown. A temporary crown protects the tooth as the permanent crown is produced.
The dental expert can use local anesthesia during the crown procedure to prevent pain. Crowns are suitable dental treatments to maintain natural teeth, help strengthen weak teeth, and keep the gums and teeth healthy. Crowns functionally assist in restoring, rejuvenating, and repairing the teeth.
A crown may not be a viable solution if too much of the tooth structure is lost, in which case a dental implant may be recommended. In this situation, your dentist can recommend the removal of your tooth and replacement with a dental implant.
Dental Crown Material Determines Their Durability
The durability of a dental crown also depends on the material it is made from. Some materials are more durable than others. Your dentist can advise you on the durability of different dental crown materials. The following are the common materials used to make dental crowns:
Porcelain and Metal Infusion
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns are strong and offer a balance between durability and aesthetics. They appear like natural teeth in color. However, the metallic color can begin to show because of the metal in them, which might not be ideal based on the placement of the crown. Unfortunately, the porcelain and metal fusion crowns can still chip or crack even if it is strong. They are also likely to wear down the surrounding teeth.
Pressed Ceramic
Pressed crowns are durable and also have a natural look. These crowns have a hard inner core and porcelain caps. The hardcore makes pressed ceramic crowns strong but not as strong as zirconia crowns.
Metal Crowns
Many metals, including chromium, palladium, gold, and nickel, can produce dental crowns. The main advantage of metal crowns is that they wear down much slower than any other material. It is also rare for metal crowns to chip or break. Your dentist only needs to file away a small portion of your tooth to place a crown on it. However, metal crowns might not match the color of natural teeth. This is the reason why most people prefer them for molars or other teeth, which are not easily seen when you smile.
100% Porcelain or Ceramic
Porcelain or ceramic crowns are suitable for people with allergies to metal. Unfortunately, these crowns are not as strong as metal or porcelain crowns. The main advantage of these crowns is that they provide the most natural color available. This can be the best material for any person who requires a crown for a visible tooth.
100% Resin
Resin crowns are popular among patients because they are less expensive. These crowns are cheap because they wear down faster than other materials and break easily.
Most people find porcelain or ceramic crowns the best for aesthetics, but they are more expensive. They are also designed to match the natural teeth color, making it hard for people to notice them unless you tell them you are wearing a crown.
The Extent Of Tooth Damage Can Influence The Longevity Of Dental Crowns
You will require a crown if you have cavities that expand to the level where you need to have a root canal. Other situations that require a crown include:
- Tooth fractures.
- Attaching a bridge to the tooth.
- Misshapen tooth.
- Severe tooth damage.
- Broken tooth.
Your dentist can also recommend a crown for cosmetic purposes, such as covering an abutment or a severely discolored tooth. A dental crown can last longer if the underlying tooth is not severely damaged. However, where a large portion of the tooth is affected, the dentist must place a composite filling to remold the tooth before placing a dental crown.
The Period A Dental Crown Will Last
Dental crowns are not permanent, but they can last 15 to 30 years with proper care. Durability also depends on the type of dental crown. For example, gold crowns can last longer but are costly and not used as often. When your dentist recommends a dental crown, he/she can advise you on the ideal type of crown, depending on your budget.
It is natural for your crown to wear and tear, but certain habits can make it break or weaken quickly. For example, your crown can be at risk of wearing if you eat a lot of nuts or candies because of their hardness. Usually, it is hard to pinpoint the actual lifespan of a crown because everyone has a varying diet and different dental hygiene practices.
Your dental crowns can last long if you do the following:
- Put on a mouthguard if you grind your teeth or clench your jaw.
- Reduce eating overly hard foods like nuts.
- Maintain proper oral health by flossing and brushing.
- Avoid chewing hard items like pens.
- Do not open cans or soda with your teeth.
Most people grind their teeth at night and think nothing of it. Teeth grinding can damage teeth and wear down crowns over time. If you have the habit of grinding your teeth too much, consult your dental expert. A custom mouthguard can be developed for you, and you can also secure a night guard that you can use temporarily.
The position of the tooth on which a dentist places a dental crown will also play a vital role in its wear and tear. Crowns on the back teeth will likely wear off faster because they do most of the chewing. A crown can last long without breaking, loosening, or cracking. Most crowns stay for up to ten to 15 years, but you must floss and brush your teeth twice or more daily. The lifespan of your crowns can be extended if you eat appropriate foods that are not too hard. You can discover any problem with your crown if you have a dentist examine your teeth regularly.
What You Should Do If Your Crown Fails or Falls Out
There are limits on dental restoration. Crowns can also fail even if they are best to restore the look of a person’s teeth or add strength to the tooth. The following are the common reasons for crown failure:
- Floss getting caught on the crowns and making them loose.
- Food getting trapped under the crowns and making them loose.
- Tooth decay beneath the dental crown.
However, the risk of the above hazards can be significantly reduced if your crowns are fitted appropriately. An experienced dentist knows there is no room for error with a crown. Dentists should fix crowns as tightly as possible to avoid the risk of loosening.
A dentist can re-cement a dental crown if it falls out, but it is still in good condition. Unfortunately, the crown might not have the same holding capacity as the original cement after re-cementing. Breaks or cracks can cause the crown to fail. You should consult your dentist as soon as possible if you have a crown fail or fall out to avoid further tooth damage.
Other Common Issues With Dental Crown
Other common issues with dental crowns include the following:
Changes In Color or Appearance
Dental crowns can experience changes in appearance or color because of wear or staining over time. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental cleanings can reduce discoloration. Consult your dentist if you are concerned about the appearance of your crowns. If necessary, the dentist can employ professional polishing, cleaning, or crown replacement options to restore the desired look.
Inflammation or Infection
In most situations, gum infection or inflammation can develop around a dental crown, causing discomfort, swelling, or redness. Maintaining good oral hygiene, including gentle flossing and brushing around the crown, can prevent mild cases. However, if the symptoms continue or worsen, you should see your dentist for a thorough examination and proper treatment. Your dentist can administer antibiotic therapy or professional cleaning.
Damage or Fracture
Contact your dentist if you notice a break, crack, or chip in your crown. Keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side. Your dental expert will evaluate the level of the damage and recommend the right treatment options, like crown replacement or repair.
Sensitivity or Discomfort
Sensitivity or discomfort around a dental crown can result from gum inflammation or an inappropriate bite. To alleviate the discomfort, contact your dentist so that he/she can check the occlusion, adjust the crown’s fit, or address any gum problem.
How Frequent Dental Checkups Can Impact The Lifespan Of Dental Crowns
Frequent dental checkups can play a significant role in maintaining the durability and lifespan of dental crowns. These regular assessments enable your dentist to monitor the crowns’ condition and identify any possible problems early. This will help you maximize the benefits of dental crowns. These routine checkups also carefully assess the crowns’ stability, integrity, and fit. They also examine the crowns’ appropriate alignment with the surrounding gums and teeth.
Your dentist also evaluates the edges or margins of the crowns, establishing a secure and tight fit to prevent possible complications and bacteria accumulation. He/she can intervene fast by detecting damage, wear, or material degradation symptoms. This allows for the prevention of further deterioration and handling of dental problems to extend the durability of dental crowns. You can harness the benefits of dental crowns for a long time if you observe regular dental checkups.
Routine checkups often include professional cleanings in addition to monitoring the crowns. Professional cleanings can assist in clearing tartar, plaque, and other buildup around the crowns. The cleaning not only contributes to the durability of the restorations but also promotes optimal oral health.
The Difference In Lifespan Between Crowns And Veneers
Both crowns and veneers can stay for extended periods with proper care. However, the lifespan of veneers is shorter than that of crowns. Crowns protect and strengthen weakened or damaged teeth, making them more long-lasting than veneers. Crowns are made of more substantial materials like ceramic, metal, or porcelain and anchored onto teeth structures with dental cement. Dental cement offers extra support to the teeth, which can enhance durability.
Veneers are thinner shells, which are glued on the front teeth. They are made of long-lasting materials like resin or porcelain but are weaker than crowns. Veneers can be fractured or chip over time, requiring replacement. In terms of durability, veneers and crowns can stay for more extended periods, but the actual lifespan of each depends on factors like:
- Your overall dental health.
- Your oral hygiene behaviors and
- Materials used.
You should observe good oral hygiene practices to maximize the lifespan of your veneers and crowns. Some of the proper practices can include:
- Visiting your dental expert for regular checkups and cleanings.
- Flossing and brushing regularly.
Find An Experienced Dentist Near Me
Dental crowns are an effective restorative dental procedure. With proper maintenance and oral hygiene, dental crowns can last for even up to 15 years or more. However, the longevity of dental crowns can be compromised by habits like chewing hard items. The material from which a dental crown is made as well as the crown's position in your mouth will have an impact on its durability. For high-quality dental crowns in Encino, CA, contact the Lasting Impressions Dental Spa. Contact us at 818-751-5100 to speak to one of our dentists.
