How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns are a vital solution in restorative dentistry, designed to protect and restore the function of damaged or decayed teeth. They are custom-made caps that fit over a tooth, matching its shape and color for a natural look. Commonly used to strengthen weak teeth, cover implants, or improve aesthetics, dental crowns offer numerous benefits. This blog explores the lifespan of different types of dental crowns, factors that influence their durability, signs indicating the need for replacement, and tips to extend their life. Discover how to maximize the longevity of your dental crowns.
Introduction to Dental Crowns: Purpose and Benefits
Dental crowns are custom-made covers that are placed over a damaged or weakened tooth. They encase or cover the visible portion of the tooth above the gumline, reinstating its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are typically crafted from materials like porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or an amalgamation of these materials (porcelain-fused-to-metal).
Purpose and Benefits of Dental Crowns for Dental Health and Aesthetics
Dental crowns serve multiple purposes in dentistry, offering various benefits for both oral health and aesthetics, such as:
- Restoration: Crowns restore a damaged or decayed tooth’s shape, size, and function.
- Protection: They provide a protective cover for weakened teeth, preventing further damage and decay.
- Support: Crowns are essential for supporting dental bridges, covering dental implants, and restoring cracked teeth.
- Aesthetics: They improve the appearance of teeth by covering stains, discoloration, or misshapen teeth, enhancing overall smile aesthetics.
- Durability: Designed to withstand biting forces and daily wear, crowns are longlasting solutions for dental restoration.
Common Reasons for Getting Dental Crowns
There are several common reasons why individuals may need dental crowns:
- Tooth Decay: Severe decay that compromises the tooth structure may require a crown to restore its integrity and prevent further decay.
- Fractured or Broken Teeth: Teeth that are cracked, fractured, or broken due to wear and tear or trauma can be restored with a crown to reinforce and protect the tooth.
- Large Fillings: Teeth with large fillings that weaken the remaining tooth structure may benefit from a crown for strength and support.
- Root Canal Treatment: Teeth undergoing root canal therapy often require crowns to protect the treated tooth and restore its function.
- Dental Implants: Crowns are affixed or placed over dental implants to take the place of lost or missing teeth, reinstating both function and aesthetics.
Average Lifespan of Different Types of Dental Crowns
Before searching for dental crowns near you, let’s first get to know about the lifespan of different types of crowns, which varies based on the material used:
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are popular because they closely imitate natural teeth. They are often utilized for front teeth due to their natural appearance. The average lifespan of porcelain crowns is 10-15 years with proper care.
Ceramic Crowns
Ceramic crowns are similar to porcelain crowns in appearance and are also famous for front teeth. They are slightly less durable than porcelain crowns but still last about 10-15 years.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns are longlasting and can last the longest among the different types of crowns. They are often used for molars due to their strength. Metal crowns can last 20 years or more with proper care.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
PFM crowns integrate the strength of metal crowns with the appearance of porcelain crowns. The metal provides durability, while the porcelain gives a natural look. These crowns typically last around 10-15 years.
Factors Influencing the Lifespan of Dental Crowns
Several factors can affect or impact the lifespan of dental crowns, such as:
Quality of the Crown Material
The quality of the material used for the crown plays a very important role in its durability. High-quality materials tend to last longer and endure more wear and tear.
Oral Hygiene Practices
Maintaining good oral hygiene is indispensable for the longevity of dental crowns. Regular brushing and flossing help avert decay and gum disease, which can affect the crown.
Eating Habits and Diet
Your eating habits and diet can impact the lifespan of your dental crown. Avoid chewing hard foods and ice, as they can damage the crown. A balanced diet that promotes oral health is beneficial.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Grinding or clenching your teeth can cause substantial wear and tear on dental crowns. Wearing a night guard can help safeguard or protect your crowns if you have bruxism.
Placement and Fit of the Crown
The placement and fit of the crown also affect its lifespan. A well-fitted crown is less likely to cause discomfort and more likely to last longer.
Signs That a Dental Crown Needs Replacement
It’s important to recognize when a dental crown needs replacement. Look for these signs:
Sensitivity or Pain Around the Crowned Tooth
If you encounter sensitivity or pain around the crowned tooth, it may indicate or signify that the crown is damaged or the tooth underneath is decaying.
Visible Wear or Damage to the Crown
Visible cracks, chips, or wear on the crown are signs that it needs to be replaced. Damage can compromise the crown’s integrity and function.
Loose Crown or Movement
A loose crown can enable bacteria to enter and cause decay. If you notice any movement or looseness, consult your Little Elm dentist.
Decay Around the Edges of the Crown
Decay around the edges indicates that the crown is no longer protecting the tooth effectively. This requires immediate attention.
Discoloration or Changes in Appearance
Discoloration or changes in the crown’s appearance can signify wear or damage. Aesthetic changes may also indicate the need for replacement.
Tips for Lengthening the Life of Your Dental Crown
To extend the life of your dental crown, follow these tips:
- Avoid Using Teeth as Tools: Avoid using your teeth to open packages or do other tasks that teeth are not designed for. Utilizing your teeth as tools can put excessive stress on the crown and surrounding teeth, leading to damage, fractures, or dislodgement.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Refrain from biting down on hard foods like ice, hard candies, nuts, and popcorn kernels. These can chip or fracture the crown or cause it to become dislodged. Instead, opt for softer alternatives to protect your dental work.
- Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: Opt for a soft toothbrush to avoid damaging the crown’s surface. A gentle brushing prevents wear and tear on the crown and adjacent teeth. Brush in small, circular motions rather than using aggressive back-and-forth scrubbing.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking not only stains dental crowns but also intensifies the risk of gum disease and dental decay, which can compromise the longevity of your crown. Quitting smoking can significantly improve your mouth’s overall health and extend your dental work’s life.
- Attend Regular Dental Check-ups: Regular dental visits are pivotal for maintaining the health and integrity of your dental crown. Your dentist will examine the crown during check-ups to ensure it fits appropriately, assess any signs of wear or damage, and professionally clean around the crown to remove plaque buildup that can lead to decay.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the lifespan and care of dental crowns is vital for maintaining oral health and longevity. Individuals can extend their durability by recognizing the signs that indicate replacement, adhering to proper oral hygiene practices, and avoiding habits that can compromise crowns. Regular dental check-ups and professional care from the best dentist near you are crucial for assessing crown integrity and ensuring ongoing maintenance. Ready to maximize the lifespan of your dental crowns? Schedule a consultation at Arte Dental & Orthodontics in Little Elm today for expert advice and personalized care. Your smile deserves lasting protection!