Dental crowns are oral appliances designed to restore a damaged tooth to its original shape and strength. If you are considering this dental treatment, it’s important to know how long they last so that you can make an informed decision.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are custom-made tooth caps designed to fit over the entire surface of a damaged tooth. They help preserve the structure and strength of the remaining part of your natural tooth while restoring its function and appearance. Depending on your preference, crowns can be made from different materials, including porcelain, ceramic, gold, and metal alloys.
During your appointment, your dentist will first shape your tooth and prepare it for the crown. They will do this by removing a portion of the tooth enamel to give space for the dental crown. Afterwards, an impression of the prepared tooth will be taken using either alginate or a digital scanner. Then, a temporary crown will be placed while your crown is crafted in the dental laboratory. Once your crown is ready, often after two weeks, you’ll return to your dentist, and they will cement it into place. On average, tooth crowns can last for 5 to 10 years. But with proper care, the lifespan can be extended to 15 years.
The following are dental issues that tooth caps can help address:
- Cracked or fractured teeth
- Severely discoloured teeth
- Weakened teeth caused by large fillings
- Large and old fillings
- Decayed teeth that are too weak for a filling
- A tooth with root canal treatment
In addition, dental crowns can also help support a dental bridge. A dental bridge is a dental prosthesis used to replace missing teeth. By using crowns at either end of the bridge, it can be securely anchored with the adjacent teeth. Crowns also function to cover a dental implant, which is another dental treatment to replace missing teeth. A crown helps the implant blend in aesthetically with the surrounding natural teeth.
Can the Material Used for Dental Crown Affect Its Lifespan?
There is a variety of materials used for your tooth crowns, and they can affect their lifespan. Below are the types of materials and their estimated lifespans:
- Gold
Gold crowns are the most durable and can last more than 20 years. Because of their visible colour, gold crowns are usually used on molars that are further back into the mouth. In some cases, patients who see it as fashionable choose to have gold crowns installed on their front teeth. - Metal
Metal crowns have a lifespan of up to 10 years or longer. Since these crowns are stronger and more durable, they are often chosen for the molars. - Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM)
This crown material is most commonly used due to its natural look and strength. However, it’s important to know that this material can cause a slight discolouration of the gums. PFM crowns can last around 10 to 15 years, depending on how well you take care of them and the material used for them. - Ceramic or all-porcelain crown
Dental ceramic crowns provide the most naturally-looking esthetics, which is why they are ideal for your front teeth. However, this type of crown can chip or fracture over time, so extra care is needed to prevent fracturing. In most cases, these crowns may need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years.
What Factors Can Affect How Long Dental Crowns Last?
Aside from the types of crowns, other factors affect the lifespan of your tooth caps. These include:
- How you take care of them
Poor oral hygiene practices and habits can reduce the lifespan of your dental crowns. - Your oral hygiene habits
Avoid harmful habits, such as chewing on pens, ice, or other hard objects that can damage the surface of your crowns. In addition, bad dental habits like grinding or clenching your teeth can cause your crowns to wear down faster. - Your lifestyle
Regularly consuming beverages with high sugar content, such as soft drinks and juices, can lead to extensive decay and damage your crowns, thus reducing their lifespan. In addition, smoking and chewing tobacco products can also weaken the bond of your crowns and make them vulnerable to damage. - Location of the teeth
The location of the teeth with crowns also plays a role in their lifespan. For example, chewing force is greater on molars than on other teeth, thus making them more susceptible to damage and causing them to wear down faster. - External trauma
If you experience trauma to the teeth, such as in a fall or accident when playing contact sports, this can result in crown damage and reduce their lifespan. - Your overall health
Poor overall health can cause dental crown failure as it weakens your immune system and makes you more susceptible to dental problems such as dental decay and gum disease. - Manufacturing of the crown
The quality of the crowns and the material used by the dental laboratory can also affect the lifespan of your crowns.
How Often Should Dental Crowns Be Replaced?
As mentioned, how often you should have your crowns replaced depends on the abovementioned factors. But in general, most tooth crowns should be replaced every 10-15 years. Here are the warning signs or reasons that it’s time to visit your dentist for a replacement crown:
- Gaps between the crowns and surrounding teeth.
- Irregularities in the shape or alignment of your crowns.
- Pain or sensitivity when biting or chewing with the crowned teeth.
- Discolouration or visible wear on the crown surface.
- Loose crowns
Having a crown replaced should not be painful because your dentist will give you local anaesthesia. You may feel slight pressure and discomfort after the procedure, but this can be alleviated with pain medications and should go away after a few days.
Additionally, note that some teeth may require more preparation than others because of the need to remove decay or build a stronger foundation. The process may take longer and require more anaesthetic than usual, but your dentist will discuss this with you beforehand.
How Much Does It Cost to Have a Crown Replaced?
Replacing tooth crowns is similar to getting a new one. Dental crown replacement costs vary depending on the material used or crown type, your dentist’s fees, and any insurance coverage you have. On average, it can range from $1,650 to $2,100 per tooth. This is just an estimate, and it can go higher or lower. Ask your dentist beforehand for a more accurate quote.
How Can I Prolong the Lifespan of a Dental Crown?
Here are some tips to prolong the life of your crowns:
- Maintain a good oral hygiene routine by brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily and using antibacterial mouthwash and an interdental brush for better access to hard-to-reach areas.
- Avoid damaging habits such as chewing on pens, ice, or other hard objects that can damage the surface of your crowns.
- Have a regular dental appointment with your dentist for professional cleanings and check-ups to monitor the condition of your crowns.
- Wear a night guard if you have habitual teeth grinding and a mouth guard when playing contact sports.
- Avoid smoking and excessive consumption of sugary drinks and foods. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of vitamin C, calcium, and phosphorus can also help strengthen your teeth and protect the crowns from damage.
- If you experience physical trauma, seek medical attention immediately to prevent further damage to your crowns.
Final Thoughts
Tooth crowns are dental appliances that cover an entire tooth that’s severely discoloured, misshapen, damaged, or weakened. On average, they can last for 5 to 10 years, but with proper care and maintenance, their lifespan can be up to 15 years.
If you are considering this restorative treatment, call us now to book an appointment. We can determine if you are a good crown candidate and discuss other options.
Prospect Road Dental is a state-of-the-art dental office equipped with modern equipment to help us provide efficient dental services, including dental crowns. During your dental visit, one of the dentists will assess your oral health and see if you are a good candidate for this treatment. They will sit with you and discuss the procedure, cost, and other relevant information. They will also answer any questions you may have about the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
A tooth under a crown is still susceptible to plaque if dental hygiene is neglected. It is still essential to practise regular tooth brushing and flossing, as dental plaque filled with bacteria can accumulate in the space between the crown and your gum tissue.
Gum recession is when the gum around the teeth starts to wear away, exposing more of the tooth and root. This can be caused by improper fitting crowns or poor oral hygiene, allowing bacteria to accumulate along the gum line.
The crown should fit properly and feel like your natural tooth, so eating with a crown is not difficult. However, contact your dentist immediately if you experience discomfort while eating, as the crown might need adjustment.
Most private insurance companies offer coverage, paying a portion of your expenses. But this depends on your level of cover and if you have extras. Also, note that you may have to wait a few months before receiving your reimbursement. Contact your dental insurance company to see if you’re covered.