Dental crowns, more commonly referred to as “caps” are protective coverings that are placed on a damaged/weakened tooth to restore its natural appearance, size, shape, and strength. The crown is designed to cover the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gumline and is cemented into place, effectively becoming the new outer surface of the tooth.
Dental crowns are commonly used at Clarksburg Dental Center in Germantown, MD for several reasons:
Dental crowns may be made of a variety of materials, including porcelain, composite resin, metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), or ceramic. These dental restorations provide functional and aesthetic benefits.
However, it’s important to note that a dental crown is not a permanent solution. Eventually, it will need to be replaced. In this article, we’ll explore the factors that impact the lifespan of dental crowns, as well as offer a few tips to extend the lifespan of your dental crown.
11 Factors Affecting Dental Crowns Lifespan
On average, dental crowns last about 10 to 15 years. However, this lifespan can be shorter or longer based on a few different factors. The top 11 factors that impact the lifespan of a dental crown include:
Material Quality
The quality of the materials used for the dental crown has a significant impact on the lifespan of the crown. Higher-quality materials, such as porcelain or zirconia typically last longer than composite resin, metal, or PFM.
Experience of the Dental Professional
The accuracy of placement impacts the longevity of a dental crown. Therefore, working with a dental professional with experience and expertise in dental crowns is important.
Oral Hygiene Habits
Oral hygiene habits impact your overall oral health. While the tooth itself is covered, the gumline is exposed, which means the tooth is still susceptible to developing decay. This means that it’s important to practice proper oral hygiene habits to avoid the buildup of plaque and bacteria along the gumline to avoid tooth decay.
Chewing Habits
Chewing hard/crunchy or non-food items with the treated tooth can cause damage to the crown. Therefore, it’s important to chew carefully and avoid using teeth as tools or chewing on non-food items such as pens, fingernails, etc.
Bruxism
Bruxism, a condition involving clenching/grinding of the teeth can cause damage to the crown, reducing its lifespan.
Health of Surrounding Teeth
The health of surrounding teeth can impact the stability of your dental crown. If a neighboring tooth is decayed, damaged, or lost, the affected tooth may develop decay or shift to close the gap, which impacts the crown.
Dietary Habits
Acidic and excessively sugary foods and beverages can cause decay in the affected tooth, which impacts the lifespan of the crown.
Regular Dental Checkups
According to the American Dental Association, you should visit the dentist at least every 6 months for an exam and cleaning. This can help to monitor the health of the crowned tooth as well as the rest of the mouth.
Age of the Crown
Dental crowns have a limited lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. Therefore, the older the crown, the more likely it will be to wear out.
Gum and Jawbone Health
The gums and jawbone are designed to support the teeth. Healthy gums/jawbones support the longevity of a dental crown, while gum/jawbone health issues can cause a crown to fail.
Trauma/Accidents
Physical trauma can cause a dental crown to become damaged or dislodged.
7 Tips to Extend Crown Lifespan
While a dental crown will usually require replacement after about 10 to 15 years, there are a few things you can do to extend the lifespan of this restoration, including: Potentially
Maintain proper oral hygiene
Use a mouthguard if you have bruxism or participate in contact sports
Avoid chewing ice or hard objects
Stick to a balanced diet
Visit the dentist regularly
Address issues immediately
Follow dentist-recommended aftercare instructions
How Do You Know When Your Crown Needs to be Replaced?
There are several indications that it may be time to get a new dental crown, including:
Visible damage
It’s been a while
Decay/discoloration
Pain/discomfort
Looseness/instability
Schedule Your Dental Crown Procedure at Clarksburg Dental Center Today
If you need a dental crown to restore a weakened/damaged tooth or you need to have a crown replaced, schedule your visit with the team at Clarksburg Dental Care today. We are located in Germantown. We offer a variety of dental procedures for the entire family.
We speak several languages, including English, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese, which means that we can serve more patients. We understand the importance of dental health for your overall health and that a beautiful smile can improve your confidence and overall quality of life. We implement advanced dental technology in our practice, which means less pain/discomfort during and after procedures and faster healing times.
Conclusion
Dental crowns are a restorative procedure designed to restore the appearance and functionality of a damaged, weakened, or missing tooth.
Dental Crowns FAQs
The team at Clarksburg Dental Center is very supportive and will work with you to address any questions or concerns you may have. Below are a few of the most common questions that we hear.
How often should dental crowns be replaced?
On average, dental crowns last about 10 to 15 years. However, in some cases, may last up to 20 years or more.
How do I know if my crown could be better?
Dental crowns should be replaced any time there is visible damage, pain/discomfort, decay/discoloration, or instability. If you are unsure, schedule a consultation with an experienced dentist.
Is it a good idea to crown the front teeth?
Yes, crowning front teeth is an appropriate treatment to address both cosmetic and functionality issues.
What is the success rate of a front tooth crown?
When the procedure is performed by an experienced dentist and the crown is properly cared for, front tooth crowns have a high success rate.
