Dr. Ash Sagar 
Dental crowns are a type of dental restoration used to cover a damaged or decayed tooth. Crowns can be made from different materials, such as metal, ceramic, or both. They are recommended when a tooth is severely decayed, fractured, or otherwise damaged.
If you need a dental crown, you likely have questions about how long it will last. The lifespan of a crown varies depending on several factors.
In this post, we will discuss the factors that affect how long a dental crown lasts and learn more about their longevity. Keep reading!
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How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long dental crowns last, as it depends on several factors. Some examples are the type of crown and how well you care for your teeth. Generally, dental crowns have a lifespan of anywhere from 5 to 15 years, with proper care.
Temporary crowns are usually made of softer materials and are not meant to be used for more than a few weeks. On the other hand, permanent crowns are designed to last much longer. They’re usually made of stronger materials like porcelain or ceramic and can last many years with proper care.
So if you’re considering getting a dental crown, consider that it can provide long-lasting results.
What Factors Affect The Life Expectancy Of Dental Crowns?
Here are some factors that can affect the life expectancy and longevity of your dental crown:
- The type of crown: Dental crowns come in different types. There are metal crowns and those that are made from porcelain, metal, or composite materials. Some types of crowns are more durable than others and will last longer.
- How well you take care of it: It is important to brush and floss regularly, and see experienced dentist for regular checkups. This is so your dental crown stays in good condition. Without proper care for your crown, it is more likely to become damaged or fail.
- Whether it is a temporary or permanent crown: Temporary crowns are usually made from less durable materials and therefore do not last as long as permanent crowns. Permanent dental crowns are made from more durable materials and can last for many years with proper care.
- The fit: A crown is made to cover the entire tooth. If your dental crown does not fit properly, it will likely become loose and fall out. This can shorten its lifespan considerably.
- The location: Dental crowns in the back of the mouth are under more stress than those in the front and therefore may last shorter.
- The condition of your tooth: If the pre-existing condition of the tooth being crowned is too weak or poor, it may not be able to support a dental crown for as long.
- Your overall oral health: People with good oral health generally have dental crowns that last longer than those with poor oral health.
These are just a few of the factors that can affect the longevity of dental crowns. With these factors in mind, you can help maintain them and make them last for many years.
What Are The Common Reasons For Dental Crown Replacement?
While dental crowns are very durable, with an average lifespan of 10 years, they can eventually need to be replaced. Some common reasons for dental crown replacement include:
- Decay: If the tooth under the crown becomes decayed, the decay will need to be removed, and a new crown will be required.
- Damage: If the crown becomes cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged, it will need to be replaced.
- Staining or discolouration: If the crown becomes stained or discoloured, it can be replaced with a new one.
- Wear and tear: Over time, the crown may become worn down due to chewing and other normal wear and tear. In this case, it will need to be replaced.
- Loose fit: If the crown becomes loose, it can allow bacteria to enter the tooth and cause decay. The loose crown will need to be replaced to protect the tooth.
- Changes in appearance: Just like your natural teeth, dental crowns may change colour or shape as you age. To maintain your smile, you may need to replace your dental crowns to keep them looking great.
- Gum recession: If the surrounding gum tissue has receded, replacement may be required to improve the aesthetics of the smile.
While these are common reasons for dental crown replacement, it’s important to consult a qualified dental professional to determine if replacement is necessary.
Can Dental Crowns Be Repaired?
Dental crowns are an important part of many dental patients’ smile restoration journey. But what happens if your dental crown becomes damaged? Can it be repaired, or does it need to be replaced? The answer depends on the crown type and the extent of the damage.
If you have a dental crown that is chipped or cracked, your dentist may be able to repair it with dental bonding. This is a quick and easy procedure in which dental resin is used to fill in the damaged area. However, if the damage is more significant, you may need to have a new dental crown made.
It’s also important to know that there are different types of dental crowns, and the type you have will affect whether or not it can be repaired.
For example, temporary crowns are typically made of weaker materials and are not meant to be worn for long periods. As a result, they are more likely to become damaged and usually need to be replaced rather than repaired.
On the other hand, permanent dental crowns are made of stronger materials and designed to last for many years. Therefore, they can often be repaired rather than replaced if they become damaged.
The proper way to determine if your dental crown can be repaired or if you need a new one is to consult your dentist. They will be able to examine the damage and recommend the right course of action for you.
Final Thoughts
Dental crowns, although relatively cheaper than other dental restoration options, are an investment you make in your oral health. They help restore the function and aesthetics of a broken tooth. Therefore, extra care must be taken to make them last a long time to get value for your money.
At Narre Warren Dental Care, we want our patients to get the most out of their dental crowns. That’s why we offer a wide range of services to help keep your crowns looking and feeling great for years to come.
From regular checkups and cleanings to stain removal and dental restoration, our dental professionals have you covered. Please book an appointment online or call us today to take advantage of these services and keep your dental crowns in excellent condition!
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental crowns have a high success rate. However, some problems can still occur. These include:
- Allergic reaction to the material: Just like in dental implants, if you are allergic to the dental crown material, you may experience symptoms like swelling of the gums and irritation.
- Decay under the dental crown: If there is decay under the dental crown, the dental crown will have to be removed to address it and prevent its progression.
- The dental crown comes loose: If the dental cement used to hold the dental crown in place wears down over time, the dental crown could come loose.
- Gum inflammation: Also known as gingivitis, gum inflammation is when your gums become swollen and bleed easily. This can happen if plaque and tartar build up around the dental crown and can lead to crown failure.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures: You may experience increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures if there is a gap between your tooth and the dental crown.
Please contact your dentist or oral surgeon if you have any concerns about your dental crown.
If you have a dental crown, it is important to take special care of it to make it last. Here are some tips for caring for a dental crown:
- Practise good oral hygiene habits: Good oral hygiene practices include brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash. It is also important to schedule regular dental visits for professional cleanings and checkups.
- Be careful with what you eat: Avoid hard, chewy, or sticky foods, as they can break or loosen your dental crown. Also, pay special attention to how much pressure you put on your teeth when chewing, as this can also cause damage to crowns.
- Protect your teeth from injury: It is recommended that you wear a mouthguard when participating in sports or other activities with a risk of getting hit in the mouth.
- Quit smoking: Harmful habits like smoking increase your risk for gum disease and tooth decay, which can lead to problems with your dental crown.
Have teeth grinding managed: Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can put excessive pressure on your dental crown and cause it to become loose or break. Talk to your dentist about treatment options if you notice this habit.
Dental crowns range in price, but the average is about $1,600 to $2,200. Dental crown pricing is determined by various factors, including the type of crown, the dental crown materials used, and the dentist’s skill. For example, metal crowns usually cost less than porcelain crowns.
Dental insurance companies typically cover 50% to 60% of the cost of crowns. If you don’t have insurance, a few financing options are available to help make the procedure more manageable.
To get an accurate estimate, it is recommended that you visit a dental clinic and get a quote.
Dental crowns are often used to restore chipped teeth. In fact, this is one of the most common reasons why people get dental crowns. If your tooth is chipped, a dental crown can help to restore its original shape and appearance.
