How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

At East Erie Dental, our team provides quality dental crowns for patients who need a long-term restoration for a tooth that is damaged or weakened. A dental crown (also known as a dental cap) is custom-fitted for each patient, designed to cover the entire visible surface of a tooth. Not only does this treatment protect the remaining portion of the tooth, but it also restores the tooth’s shape, strength, and appearance.

Depending on the tooth’s location and the materials that are used, most crowns last between 10 and 30 years. We offer different types of dental crowns for your unique needs, with a personalized treatment plan for every patient. Reach out to our team at East Erie Dental to learn more about available tooth restoration services.

What Affects How Long a Dental Crown Lasts

When you are investing in tooth restoration, you want to make sure that this treatment is going to last. With the right treatment plan and ongoing oral health habits to protect your smile, a dental crown is built to last for many years. Some of the factors that will affect your crown’s lifespan include:

• Material Type: One of the biggest factors that will affect the longevity of a dental crown is the type of materials that are used to make the crown. Some materials wear more quickly than others, especially under high chewing pressure.
• Location: The placement of the crown within the mouth can also affect how long the crown lasts. For example, the back molars have more pressure and force compared to front teeth, which means that molar crowns might break faster than front tooth crowns.
• Oral Hygiene: Even though the crown materials are not at risk for decay, there is a possibility of cavities in the areas of the natural tooth that are still exposed. Keeping up with good oral hygiene habits protects your tooth and crown by preventing cavities and other complications.
• Teeth Grinding: Patients with TMJ have a higher risk of broken crowns if they grind their teeth at night. This tension places extra stress on the crowns, which is why we often recommend that patients sleep with a nightguard.
• Proper Fit: The alignment of the crown is important. A well-fitted crown typically lasts much longer compared to crowns that are placed with gaps or poor bite alignment.

Crown Material Comparison: Lifespan and Best Use

The materials used to create your dental crown will depend on the tooth being treated and your unique needs. We offer personalized recommendations for every patient, with the goal of maintaining a natural appearance and long-lasting results.

The most natural-looking dental crowns are made with ceramic or porcelain, which is why these materials are often selected for front tooth crowns for aesthetic purposes. Their lifespan is typically 10-15 years. Sometimes, porcelain-fused-to-metal is used for extra strength, but this option is not ideal for front teeth since the metal base can show a dark line where it meets the gums.

Zirconia crowns are a modern option that lasts for 15-25 years or even longer. The material is durable and resistant to chipping, so it is often the preferred option, especially for molars that are under high pressure because of bite force.

Gold or metal crowns aren’t as popular as they were in the past, but they are the longest-lasting option, with a lifespan of 20-30 years or more. These crowns aren’t as cosmetically pleasing, although some patients like the aesthetics of having gold teeth in their mouths.

Signs Your Dental Crown Needs to Be Replaced

Even though dental crowns are built for durability and designed to last for many years, they can start to wear down over time and will eventually need to be replaced. If you suspect that there is something wrong with your dental crown, then it’s best to come into our office for an examination so that we can see what is going on.

Some of the most common signs that you need a replacement crown include:

• Visible wear and tear
• Chipping or broken pieces
• Pain or sensitivity, especially to temperatures
• A dark line is showing at the gumline
• The crown feels loose or is shifting around

We recommend that all patients maintain regular dental checkups twice a year. These appointments give us the opportunity to evaluate your overall oral health, including an inspection of your dental restorations to minimize the risk of complications in the future. The sooner we identify any issues with your teeth and gums, the easier it is to treat the issues before they become severe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns

Can a dental crown last a lifetime?

Yes, it’s possible for a dental crown to last for the rest of your life, especially if you have a gold or zirconia crown. You must be proactive about regular oral hygiene habits at home and be proactive about wearing a nightguard to prevent damage.

Does getting a dental crown hurt?

Our dental team always uses local anesthesia to numb the tooth, so you won’t feel any pain during the treatment. It’s common for patients to have a bit of sensitivity in the days following the treatment, but this sensitivity will naturally go away.

What happens if I wait too long to replace a failing crown?

If a dental crown is failing and you delay treatment, there is a risk that bacteria will reach the tooth underneath, which can cause decay, infection, and even the need for a root canal. In severe cases, tooth extraction might be necessary due to delayed treatment.

Are cap crowns covered by dental insurance?

Available insurance coverage depends on your plan. In most situations, dental insurance providers pay for a portion of your cap crowns treatment if it is determined to be medically necessary. Cosmetic dentistry treatments are not covered by insurance.

Quality Dental Crowns from a Team You Can Trust

At East Erie Dental, we offer personalized services and modern dental technology to ensure the best results for all of our patients. For more information about available treatments, we invite you to schedule a consultation and checkup with our experienced team. We offer dental crowns, as well as other tooth restoration services such as fillings, bridges, veneers, and more.