Do you have a severely decayed or damaged tooth that interferes with your ability to eat, speak, or grin normally? Although cavities can often be mended with fillings, a different solution may be required if too much of the enamel is damaged.
If you have a broken tooth, recently underwent a root canal, or had a single dental implant placed, your dentist will provide a lifelike dental crown to restore your smile’s appearance and functionality. However, many patients want to know how long the repair will last before committing. Continue reading to learn more about the longevity of dental crowns!
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps cemented over your troublesome tooth to protect it from additional harm while improving the way it looks. They’re usually made from resilient ceramic that reflects light like enamel and can be customized to match your natural teeth for seamless results.
How Long Can I Expect My Dental Crown to Last?
These restorations can last anywhere from 5 to 15 or more years, making them an excellent long-term solution. However, they’re not completely invincible and tend to wear down over time, so they’re not always considered “permanent”.
A few factors that can impact the lifespan of your new tooth include:
- How it’s made. Some providers offer metal dental crowns that may last longer, though the difference is often negligible.
- Its location. Dental work on your molars tends to wear down faster due to the additional pressure from chewing daily.
- The underlying issue. Your crown can’t decay, but the tooth anchoring it can, which can cause it to fail. Crowns placed on implants or to anchor dental bridges may be longer-lasting because the underlying structure is still intact.
- Your habits. If you smoke cigarettes or drink alcoholic beverages, you could stain your dental work or erode the cement holding it over your damaged tooth.
How Can I Maintain My Dental Crown?
Thankfully, there are several things you can do to preserve your prosthetic, such as:
- Clean your mouth consistently. Brushing and flossing twice daily removes plaque and bacteria that contribute to oral issues that could interfere with your crown’s success.
- Protect your teeth. If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding) or participate in close-contact sports or activities, your dentist can provide a custom-fitted mouthguard or nightguard to shield your smile from harm.
- Watch what you eat. Try to avoid overly hard or sticky foods that can damage your restoration or push or yank it out of position.
Also, scheduling routine checkups and cleanings with your oral healthcare provider every six months allows them to monitor your condition so they can catch and address issues, like a wobbly dental crown, before it worsens.
Meet the Author
Dr. Afshin Azmoodeh, or “Dr. A”, has twenty years of experience helping people of all ages improve their lives by enhancing their dental well-being. He earned his dental degree from Texas A&M College of Dentistry and has completed additional specialized training in various topics like dental implants, sleep solutions, and Chao Pinhole gum surgery. Today, he offers a complete menu of services, including lifelike dental crowns, to conveniently meet your family’s needs at one location. He combines a compassionate and detail-oriented approach with state-of-the-art technology to improve patient comfort while delivering long-lasting, accurate results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (972) 820-7294.