How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns are an integral part of restorative dentistry and are used to treat badly damaged teeth in various situations.

If you’ve learned you might need a dental crown, you likely want to know how long it can last.

Well, the short answer is that it depends. Check out this article to learn everything you need to know about dental crowns and how long they last.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are small caps designed to cover a damaged natural tooth and restore its full function and appearance.

They are a type of custom-made prosthetic, usually designed to match a patient’s specific tooth color, size, shape, and other relevant characteristics.

Dental crowns can be made from several materials:

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• Metal
• Porcelain
• Resin
• Zirconia, etc.

When Are Dental Crowns Needed?

Dental crowns are used as a way to save a badly damaged tooth from extraction.

They can be especially useful in the following cases:

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• Large chips or cracks
• Tooth fractures
• Large cavities
• Worn-down teeth
• Enamel erosion
• Post-root canals, etc.

While there are other ways to restore a tooth after dealing with these types of damage, if the issues are severe, simpler methods like a filling or dental bonding might not be enough.

Dental crowns provide natural results and are strong enough to support your daily chewing needs, leading to a comfortable restoration.

How Long Do They Last?

Dental crowns can last around 10–15 years, but their exact lifespan will depend on several factors.

While they are strong, dental crowns can still chip or crack. Direct blows to the mouth or trauma can also damage the crown or knock it out of the mouth, in which case it may need re-cementing or replacing.

Moreover, developing oral health issues such as cavities or gum disease can also influence the lifespan of your crown. These prosthetics may need to be removed to allow the dentist to treat your oral health issues. Crowns may get damaged during removal and require replacement.

How to Make Your Dental Crowns Last

You can extend the lifespan of your dental crowns with just a few minor adjustments:

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• Brush your teeth twice a day.
• Floss daily
• Wear a mouthguard during contact sports or at night if you grind your teeth.
• Be mindful when eating very hard foods like nuts or crackers.
• Don’t chew on ice or hard objects.
• Eat more fresh vegetables and fruits.
• Don’t smoke or use tobacco products.
• See the dentist routinely for check-ups and professional dental cleanings.

Restoring Your Tooth with a Dental Crown

If you have a badly damaged tooth, a dental crown might be the solution you need to regain a healthy and beautiful smile.

Dr. Daniel Krauss can help you find out if dental crowns are the right procedure for you or provide an alternative that might be more suitable.

Schedule a consultation at South Shore Dentistry today.

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