How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns are a safe and effective way of restoring the shape, size, strength, and appearance of existing natural teeth. By fitting the tooth-shaped crown over the existing tooth (or an implant if there is no natural tooth left), more involved and costly dental procedures down the road can be avoided. While dental crowns are quite long-lasting, they will need to be replaced periodically. 

What are Dental Crowns?

As mentioned above, dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that fit over the patient’s natural tooth all the way to the gum line, covering the tooth in a layer of protection. Dental crowns can be made from resin, metal alloy, ceramic, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. These days, most crowns are made from zirconia, an extremely strong ceramic that matches adjacent teeth in color and esthetics. Each crown is custom-fitted to the patient’s natural tooth and made to match the tooth’s original size, shape, and color.

Why Get a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are tried-and-true dental devices that serve many potential purposes:

• Restoring a damaged or decaying natural tooth
• Maintaining proper spacing between teeth to prevent crowding or gaps
• Protecting a weak natural tooth
• Holding together a cracked natural tooth
• Supporting a tooth with a large filling
• Anchoring a dental bridge
• Covering misshapen or severely discolored teeth
• Covering a dental implant

The Lifespan of Dental Crowns

Now to the question at hand…how long do dental crowns typically last? There’s not one right answer to this question, as the lifespan of dental crowns depends on various factors. The dental crown material, its placement in the mouth, and the hygiene routine of the patient will all affect the lifespan of a dental crown. The average patient’s dental crowns will last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, although patients with stellar dental hygiene, dental care, and crown maintenance practices can see their crowns last 20 years or more!

Maximizing the Lifespan of Your Dental Crowns

Keep your dental crowns in the best condition possible, follow these easy care tips:

• Keep Your Mouth Clean: Brush and floss your teeth, including crowns and other dental devices, at least twice a day, then use an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce plaque buildup and freshen your breath.
• Get Regular Dental Care: Visit the dentist at least once every six months for a cleaning and examination, including inspection and care for any crowns.
• Wear a Night Guard: If you grind your teeth at night (a condition known as bruxism), we highly suggest you wear a custom-fitted night guard while sleeping. This will protect both your crowns and natural teeth from further damage.
• Avoid Hard Foods: Hard foods like ice, hard candy, nuts, and more can cause serious damage to dental crowns, leading to pain and discomfort. Avoid these foods when possible, and if not, eat them with great care.
• Your Teeth are Not Tools: It may be tempting to use your teeth to open a difficult package or pop off a bottle top, but don’t! Using your teeth as tools for anything other than eating is a big no-no and often leads to unexpected dentist visits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns

What happens if I don't replace an extracted tooth?

If you lose a tooth and don’t put anything in its place, the teeth around the gap will begin to shift, causing misalignments, gaps, and crowding. Reckless eating or putting foreign objects in the mouth can also cause injury to the gums where the tooth is missing.

Does a crown hurt more than a filling?

While getting a crown put in is a more involved procedure than a typical tooth filling, it shouldn’t be painful. Dentists can use local anesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable during the crown procedure.

Visit Illinois’ Premier Dental Practice - Excellent Dentistry in Mundelein

Dental crowns are a great option for anyone looking to replace a missing tooth, protect their existing natural teeth, and have a great-looking smile. The key to a long lifespan for your crowns is daily cleaning, routine dental visits, and common-sense care. If you’re in the Mundelein, IL area and thinking about getting a dental crown, trust the dental experts at Excellent Dentistry to help you with all your dental health needs. Learn more about us and schedule an appointment by calling 847-566-7850 or book an appointment online.