Do you have decayed or injured enamel that is too damaged to be effectively treated with a tooth-colored filling? If so, your dentist will likely recommend placing a dental crown to protect it from potential harm while restoring its appearance and functionality. These tooth-shaped caps are customized to be the right shape, size, and color to simultaneously boost your confidence and abilities.
However, many patients want to know how long these restorations usually last before committing to the procedure. Continue reading to learn more about the lifespan of dental crowns so you know what to expect!
How Long Do Dental Crowns Usually Last?
Typically, you can expect your new tooth to last anywhere from 10 to 15+ years, though it depends significantly on your individual circumstances. Different factors can influence their lifespan, such as:
- Where it’s located. If it’s covering a molar, it sustains additional pressure from biting and chewing that can wear it down faster than those over front teeth.
- Why it’s needed. These prosthetics can shield teeth, cap implants, anchor bridges, and restore functionality after a root canal. Those covering injured enamel might fail sooner if the underlying tooth develops additional injury or decay.
- What it’s made from. Most dentists make them from durable porcelain that can be customized for lifelike results. However, they can also be made from gold or amalgam metals, which can last longer, though the difference is often negligible.
How Can I Preserve My Dental Crown?
Thankfully, there are proactive ways to keep your new tooth looking and feeling great. For example, it’s likelier to last longer if you practice an at-home dental hygiene routine of brushing and flossing twice daily. This removes plaque and bacteria that could cause disease or decay that can erode the materials holding the underlying tooth in place, which can lead to restoration failure.
You should also avoid eating overly hard, crunchy, or sticky ingredients that could chip the tooth-shaped cover. The ceramic it’s made from is less porous than your enamel, so it’s more resistant to chips, cracks, and stains. It’s not completely invincible, though, and certain foods can injure, destabilize, or dislodge it. For instance, you might limit your consumption of adult beverages because alcohol can dissolve the cement holding your crown in place.
Finally, seeing your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning allows them to monitor your dental condition to catch and address any concerns, like a loosened dental crown, before they become more serious problems!
About the Practice
At Complete Dental Care, you and your loved ones benefit from two dedicated dentists with over 30 years of experience each. Dr. Kostas and Dr. Pereira collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to people of all ages, so everyone in the family receives the same top-quality care. Then, they get to know you so they can tailor treatment plans to meet your unique needs. Their compassionate approach is paired with state-of-the-art equipment to deliver comfortable, accurate results intended to last. If you have a decayed or damaged tooth that needs attention, you can request an appointment on the website or call (781) 272-0441.
