How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns are widely used in dentistry. They work beautifully to restore integrity to a tooth, replace a missing tooth, and aesthetically enhance a smile.
While they are considered a long-term solution, they will not last forever. Most dental crowns will need to be replaced. But, just how long do they last?
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
On average, dental crowns last about 10 to 15 years from the time they are placed. This is often due to usual wear and tear.
It is no secret, however, that the better they are cared for, the longer they will last. Those who take exceptional care of their dental crowns may find they last for 20 years — or longer.
Factors that Impact a Dental Crown’s Longevity
There are a few factors that can play a role in a dental crown’s lifespan, such as:
- Placement. Having a skilled dentist place the dental crown is so important. After all, if it is not placed properly, it can lead to other issues down the road and may need to be replaced rather quickly.
- Material. Dental crowns can be made using various types of materials. While all work great to create artificial teeth, they are not created equal. Some will naturally last longer than others.
- Location. Where a dental crown is placed within the mouth can impact its longevity. For instance, those that are placed on molars are used more for chewing and will have more wear and tear at a faster rate.
- State of the natural tooth. The tooth that the dental crown is covering will cause it to last a long time or fall apart quickly. There must be enough teeth to securely hold the crown in place.
- Oral care. How well a patient cares for their dental crown will also impact longevity. Developing bad habits, such as nail-biting, as well as not brushing and flossing thoroughly can lead to an earlier demise for the crown.
While some of these things can be controlled, most cannot. Understanding these factors and how they impact your dental crown can give you a vague idea of how long you can expect to keep yours.
Extending the Life of Your Dental Crowns
If you are investing in a dental crown, the good news is that you can take an active role in extending the life of it.
Maintaining a great oral hygiene routine that includes brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once, as well as routine visits to the dentist every 6 months is the best way to keep a dental crown.
A few other things that will help include:
- Ditching bad habits like nail biting, opening bottles with your teeth, chewing on pen caps, and so forth. This includes smoking, too.
- Minimizing your consumption of hard foods and chewy foods.
Dental Crowns at Fairbanks Dental Associates
The team at Fairbanks Dental Associates is highly skilled and experienced at precisely placing dental crowns using the best materials available.
Are you in need of a dental crown? Contact us today at 254-778-4402. Or, request an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to have a dental crown after a root canal?
Once the decay and infection are cleared out of a tooth during a root canal, the hole remaining is often too extensive for a dental filling. This is why dental crowns are used to restore the integrity of the tooth. Without it, the tooth may eventually break.
Does insurance cover a dental crown?
Most dental insurance policies do cover dental crowns, at least in part. Because each policy is different, it is always a good idea to reach out to your carrier to determine your specific benefits.