One of the most common restorative procedures that we perform are dental crowns. A dental crown is a tooth restoration that covers the entire tooth surface following a root canal or other dental services. It is often used to restore natural teeth that have been damaged by decay, fractured, or a worn tooth.
Overall, with proper care and maintenance, your dental crown should last between five and fifteen years. If you have any questions about how you should care for your crowned tooth or if you think it may be time for a replacement, please contact our office. We would be happy to help you!
Factors that Affect the Lifetime of Your Crown
Though dental crowns are made of durable materials, they are not permanent and will eventually need to be replaced. The average time a dental crown will last is between five and 15 years, though this can vary depending on the individual.
The lifespan of your dental crown will be dependent on a few different factors, such as:
Oral Hygiene Habits
One of the essential factors in prolonging the life of your crown is proper oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing regularly helps to remove plaque and bacteria from teeth and gum lines, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, regular dental visits are essential for maintaining oral health. During these appointments, your dentist will be able to identify any potential problems and provide treatment if necessary.
Material Used for the Crown
One key factor is the material used to make the crown. Crowns can be made using metal, porcelain fused to metal, ceramic, and composite materials. Metal crowns are durable and can last for many years, while porcelain crowns, ceramic crowns, and composite resin tend to be less strong and may not last as long. A porcelain or ceramic crown is more popular among patients due to its natural-looking appearance.
Tooth Decay
If you do not practice good dental hygiene, you are at a higher risk of developing decay on your teeth. When plaque and bacteria are not properly removed, it will lead to decay forming on your underlying tooth, which can damage the dental crowns. This can lead to a loose crown and eventually cause it to fall out.
Your Personal Habits
Your lifestyle choices can also affect the lifetime of a dental crown. Factors like smoking and poor nutrition are known to have negative effects on oral health in general and may therefore impact the wear rate of your dental crown over time. If you grind your teeth or chew on hard objects, this can also put additional stress on your crown and cause it to break or come loose.
Contact Us for Your Dental Crown Needs
If you are in need of a permanent crown or have any questions about the procedure, we invite you to contact our office. We would be more than happy to help you!
Give us a call today to schedule your appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!
