The average lifespan for a well-maintained dental crown is typically around 15 years. However, when taken care of properly, it is common to see them last upwards of 25-30 years. The mouth is a complex system, and there are many factors that can affect the longevity of a crown, including a person’s oral hygiene habits, along with the day-to-day wear it is exposed to.
How Can I Extend the Lifespan of my Crown
- Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth. This type of trauma to your crown can cause it to chip or crack. If you have a tendency to clench or grind, it is recommended that you wear a custom-made night guard while sleeping. This will protect your crowns as well as your natural teeth.
- Always practice good dental hygiene routines, including brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. When brushing, pay special attention to the area around the crown, especially the gum line. This will help to protect the area under the crown from decay.
- Do not bite fingernails or chew on ice, hard candy, or any other hard objects. This can cause damage to crowns as well as natural teeth.
- Attend routine dental cleaning and checkup appointments. At these visits, your dentist will examine your crown for any signs of decay, trauma, or gapping between the tooth and the crown.
How Do I Know When My Crown Needs Replacing?
The amount of wear on a crown is unique to each individual and, though porcelain crowns are durable, they are not indestructible. A crown needs to be replaced if it is chipped or cracked. Allowing a damaged crown to remain in your mouth can increase the chances of decay forming under the crown. Though a crown itself cannot decay, cavities can still form underneath if proper oral hygiene routines are not maintained. Depending on the condition of the crown and extent of the decay, a replacement crown could be necessary. If this decay is not taken care of properly, the tooth might require a root canal. An imbalanced bite, or a crown that was not expertly made and fitted to your bite, could be a reason why a crown would fail earlier than expected. This is one of the most common causes of crown failure. Fortunately, most insurance companies will cover the replacement of a crown if it is over five years old.
More Questions?
Just because a crown is old, does not mean it needs to be replaced. Your dentist should alert you to any warning signs that your crown might fail. A well-maintained crown is an investment that can last you a lifetime. If you are in need of a dental crown, have any questions, or would like to schedule a consultation with one of our experts, please contact our office.
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GET TO KNOW YOUR BEST DENTIST IN SUMMERLIN
Dr. Marianne Cohan was voted The Best Dentist/ Dental Office and Best Cosmetic Dentist from The Las Vegas Review-Journal in 2020 and 2021. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1992.
With an emphasis on cosmetic dentistry, complete makeovers, and implant dentistry, Dr. Cohan is committed to continuing education and feels that we never stop learning. Dr. Cohan takes pride in using high-powered magnification to perform minimally invasive restorative dentistry. She uses all the latest technological advances including digital radiography, digital photography, computer simulations, and high-resolution pictures of your proposed treatment on 55-inch screens. She also utilizes CBCT (cone beam) and laser technology.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Q1: What is the average lifespan of a dental crown?
Most dental crowns last 10 to 15 years, with many lasting 20 or more years with excellent care. Lifespan depends on material, location in your mouth, oral hygiene, and whether you grind your teeth.
Q2: Which type of crown lasts the longest?
Gold crowns can last 20 to 30+ years. Zirconia is the longest-lasting tooth-colored option. All-porcelain crowns last 10 to 15 years with great aesthetics. Dr. Cohan recommends the optimal material based on each tooth.
Q3: What causes a crown to fail prematurely?
Common reasons: decay developing underneath the crown at the margins, the crown cracking from teeth grinding, cement failure causing looseness, and trauma. Good hygiene and a nightguard are the best preventive measures.
Q4: How do I know when my crown needs to be replaced?
Warning signs include visible dark lines at the gumline, sensitivity, discomfort when biting, food getting caught around the crown, a metallic taste, the crown feeling loose, or a visible chip or crack.
Q5: Can old metal crowns be replaced with tooth-colored ones?
Yes. Many patients at Summerlin Dental Solutions replace older metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns with modern all-porcelain or zirconia crowns for both aesthetic improvement and updated fit.
Dr. Cohan is always available to her patients and is available for any dental emergency.
