How Long Do Dental Crowns Typically Last? Dr. Curtis Calder Explains

Dental crowns are a significant restoration modality in dentistry, considering their importance in the restoration of the strength and appearance of a tooth that has been damaged or weakened. Whether you have had a crown because of decay, a fracture, or even root canal therapy, it is important to understand how long it will last.

Dr. Curtis Calder expertly offers professional restorative dental care, and now he will explain what affects how long your dental crowns can last and what you can do on your part to make them last longer.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped covering that completely encases a badly damaged tooth to restore size, shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns are given in cases when the tooth is too damaged to be restored with a filling: extreme decay, cracks, or after a root canal. Crowns can cover dental implants.

Crowns are made from different materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, and a mixture of these. Porcelain crowns are in great demand because they have a natural look and blend well with the rest of the teeth. Metal crowns, made of gold or other alloys, are extremely durable and are used for back teeth. Ceramic crowns are another good aesthetic option, usually used for front teeth due to their ability to more or less express the appearance of natural teeth.

Dental crowns in Chippewa Falls will restore a tooth, giving you the ability to chew, speak, and smile with comfort, knowing your tooth will not further weaken or fracture.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Crowns in dentistry are long-lasting, surviving for 10 to 15 years, considering proper care. However, the different factors that will come into play will determine how long your crown will last: the materials used, the position of the crown in your mouth, and the habits of your mouth.

Dr. Curtis Calder places that number even higher, to as many as 15 years, if the crown is well taken care of. On average, a well-made crown can last up to 15 years, but with regular maintenance, it can last beyond that, according to Dr. Calder. This is because the main determining factor in crown longevity is how well (or poorly) the individual cares for it. Poor oral hygiene or deleterious habits will indeed shorten the life of a crown.

Several factors dictate the lifespan of a dental crown:

Material: There is a possibility that after some time, porcelain crowns will wear or chip, while in most instances, metal crowns are very strong and may also last longer.

Oral Hygiene: Keeping the mouth clean with brushing and flossing helps the crown remain intact and avoids further damage to the underlying tooth.

Lifestyle Habits: Certain habits, like grinding your teeth or chewing on hard foods, will accelerate the wear on your crown.

Good oral hygiene and regular check-ups with Dr. Calder are the best way to ensure your dental crowns in Chippewa Falls last as long as possible.

Factors Affecting the Lifespan of Dental Crowns

Material: The material used for the crown itself directly affects the durability of the crown: while porcelain crowns are great for aesthetic purposes, they wear down faster compared to metal crowns, which are more durable though less natural-looking. Ceramic crowns, on the one hand, are strong. However, in certain situations, they may also be prone to chipping.

Oral Hygiene: Good dental hygiene will go a long way in ensuring your crown lasts longer. Plaque gathering around the crown can lead to decay beneath the crown, thus forcing an early failure of the crown. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and using a mouthwash can be preventive measures against this.

Diet and Habits: The crown will be in continuous contact with sticky, hard, and chewy food, which can lead to its deterioration. Apart from this, teeth grinding or clenching, especially during sleep, exerts undue stress on the crown, which can result in fracturing or loosening.

Regular Dental Visits: Regular dental checkups with Dr. Calder will allow him to monitor the condition of your crown and surrounding teeth. Early detection of problems such as decay or damage will help to avoid expensive repairs or replacement.

How to Care for Your Dental Crown to Make It Last Longer

With proper care, your dental crowns in Chippewa Falls can remain intact and last for years. Here are a few tips to help you take care of your crown:

Chewing Hard Foods: Hard foods, such as nuts, ice, or candy, can require a lot of pressure on your crown to bite through them, which might crack or chip it.

Wear a Nightguard: If you grind your teeth at night, also known as bruxism, these can help protect your crown from grinding or clenching that can easily damage it.

Regularly Brush and Floss: With a crown, that doesn’t mean natural teeth are impervious to decay. You should make it a routine to brush your teeth at least twice per day and floss once a day.

Avoid sticky foods: Such foods as caramel and gum can be used to pull on the edges of the crown, thus increasing the risk of its loosening or being dislodged.

Be mindful of your habits, so do not use your teeth as tools for opening bottles or tearing packages, which puts undue stress on your crown. By following these simple care tips, you can extend the life of your crown and keep your smile looking great.

When Do You Need a Replacement for Your Dental Crown?

Like all restorations, crowns are subject to wear and tear over time and may need to be replaced. Look out for the following signs that may mean you need a replacement:

Discomfort or Pain: A loose, cracked, or damaged crown could result in discomfort or even pain. It is important to let Dr. Calder check your crown to avoid further damage.

Fracture or Chip: An evident crack or chip in your crown exposes the underlying structure of your tooth to decay or infection.

Decay Around the Edges: If you see that the edges of your crown are wearing away, it may hint that bacteria are collecting there and, therefore, can easily cause decay under the crown.

Dr. Calder assists his patients in checking the state of their crowns regularly during visits to make sure that any problem is detected early.

The Replacement Process: What to Expect

After informing Dr. Calder that your crown needs to be replaced, examination will be the first order of business. For the most part, replacement entails these steps:

Removing the Old Crown: If still intact, Dr. Calder will remove the old crown carefully, which may require breaking it if it’s been damaged in any way.

Impressions: Once the old crown has been removed, Dr. Calder will take impressions of your tooth to perfectly fit a new crown.

Temporary Crown: A temporary crown will be placed by Dr. Calder to protect your tooth while the permanent crown is being fabricated.

Fitting and Cementing: Once the new crown is ready, it will be placed on your tooth, adjusted for fit, and cemented into place.

A dental crown is an important restorative dentistry treatment that provides the inner structure of a tooth with strength and protection. When properly cared for, your dental crown can last for many years, but it’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene.

So, if your crown is in critical condition or you need a new one, then Dr. Calder can help you with a professional evaluation. Make an appointment today and keep your smile strong and healthy for many years to come.

FAQs

Can I eat normally with a dental crown?

Yes, after the crown is placed, you can eat normally, but avoid hard, sticky foods that could damage the crown.

Can dental crowns get stained?

Porcelain crowns can stain over time if exposed to certain foods and beverages, while metal crowns do not stain.

Can I use my dental crown for a lifetime?

With proper care, dental crowns can last a long time, but they will eventually need to be replaced due to wear, damage, or changes in your dental health.

How do I take care of my dental crown?

Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. Avoid biting into hard foods and consider using a nightguard if you grind your teeth.

How long does it take to get a dental crown?

The process usually involves two visits: one for taking impressions and preparing the tooth, and another to place the permanent crown.