How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?- Bella Dental of Holmdel

Dental crowns work well to fill many roles in the realm of oral healthcare, including the ability to transform smiles. Although strong and long-lasting, these crowns won’t last forever. They will eventually need to be replaced due to wear and tear.

If you find yourself in need of a dental crown, the good news is that there are things you can do to extend its life so that you can get the most out of it.

Just how long do dental crowns last on average? Let’s find out.

What is a Dental Crown?

Often referred to as caps, dental crowns cover a natural tooth. They are cemented to the tooth underneath it, restoring its integrity and functionality. They are custom designed to restore a tooth’s shape, size, and contour.

Dental crowns may be used in both restorative and cosmetic dentistry in order to address a variety of oral health issues, primarily for a tooth that:

Has a crack
Is broken
Is showing discolorations
Contains a hole from a large cavity or tooth decay
Needs strength after root canal
Is being used as an anchor for a bridge
Is missing - and is being replaced with a dental implant

There are a few different types of dental crowns that are commonly used in dentistry today, such as porcelain-based ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, gold alloys, and base metal alloys.

Factors that Impact a Dental Crown’s Lifespan

Factors that can impact the lifespan of a dental crown include:

Type. The type of material used to make the dental crown matters, as well as the quality.
The natural tooth. How healthy are the natural tooth’s roots, jaw bone, and gums?
Bruxism. Grinding or clenching the teeth can cause wear and tear to happen at a faster rate.
Oral hygiene. The level of oral hygiene and care shown to the dental crown and surrounding teeth and gums.
Dental skills. The quality of work performed by the dentist - before, during, and after the procedure.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns, on average, last between 5 and 15 years - with most of them making it to at least 10 years before needing to be replaced.

There are a few things you can do to ensure the longevity of your dental crown, such as:

Brushing at least twice per day, though brushing after every meal is the best option
Flossing at least once per day
Visiting your dentist for a professional cleaning and examination every 6 months
Do not use your teeth as tools, such as nail biting, opening bottles, and so forth.

The better you care for your dental crown, the longer it will last. With exceptional care, dental crowns have been known to last upwards of 20 years.