How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns are used to restore a tooth that is fractured or has extensive decay. They are also often used on teeth that have had root canal therapy. Crowns allow you to keep a tooth that might otherwise have required extraction. The lifespan of a crown is affected by a few things, which we will review here.

So what does affect the lifespan of a dental crown?

Crowns are a great way to keep your teeth healthy and uncompromised. A few things to keep in mind are:

• Material and placement: Porcelain is more common because it is strong and can be tinted to match your teeth and looks natural. Gold and other metals are even stronger and can be used in lieu of porcelain on back teeth. Your dentist will help you determine which material is best for you.
• Habits: If you clench or grind your teeth, that can be a major factor in the life of your crown and your teeth. Crowns can crack or become fractured just like your natural teeth but your Dentist can fit you for a night guard which is a sleep appliance that fits over your teeth and acts as a buffer for clenching and grinding and will greatly increase the life of your crown or other restorations. Chewing on things that should not be chewed on, like ice or hard candy, is something else you will want to pay attention to and try to avoid.
• Hygiene: Poor oral hygiene is a sure way to develop decay under your new crown. Oral hygiene is always important and making sure you are caring for your teeth and gums will help your teeth stay healthy and enable you to keep your crown longer.

How long can my dental crown last?

A crown can last up to 30 years or more if well cared for. Crowns are a common treatment for many dental ailments. For a tooth to be able to support a dental crown, there has to be enough natural tooth structure. Sometimes, your Dentist may be able to use a ¾ crown which will save some tooth structure. The crown has to fit tightly around the tooth in order to avoid an open margin which will leave you with a food trap and eventually allow the crown to loosen and come out. You can have a crown recemented but that is a temporary fix and the crown will eventually need to be replaced. Dental insurance is likely to cover some of the cost of a dental crown but most have a frequency limitation, meaning they will cover a crown on a specific tooth only once every five to ten years.

Crowns are a great way to ensure the integrity of your teeth and keep your mouth healthy. If your Dentist diagnoses a crown, it is important to follow through with treatment, usually as soon as possible. Teeth do not mend on their own so restoring them with a dental crown will keep you healthy and smiling for years to come!

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