How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns can cover and protect cracked, broken, decayed, or discolored teeth and those that have undergone root canals. On average, dental crowns last five to 15 years, but they may last decades with excellent care.

Factors Affecting Dental Crown Longevity

• Tooth location: Crowns in the back tend to last longer than crowns in the front.
• Condition of the natural tooth: If your tooth is strong enough to support a crown, it should last long. However, keeping a crown from detaching and falling out may be challenging if your tooth is extremely short or flat above the gumline.
• Bruxism: If you habitually clench or grind your teeth, this habit can significantly decrease crown lifespans. If you do regularly grind your teeth, ask your dentist for a custom night guard tray to protect your crowns.
• Oral hygiene practices: If you neglect to practice proper care for your teeth, your crowns will not last as long.
• Chewing or biting non-food objects: Avoid chewing ice and pens. Do not open packages or bottles with your teeth. Avoid biting your nails.
• Food choices: Stay away from sticky candies like taffy and caramel.

The Dental Crown Process

Step 1: Consultation

Before receiving a dental crown, you will meet with Dr. Arnold to determine the best treatment for your problem tooth. If the doctor decides a crown is your best choice, she will proceed with the procedure.

Step 2: Impressions

The dentist takes a set of 3-D digital impressions to map your mouth and provides a template for the new crown.

Step 3: Tooth Shaping

The dentist gently drills your tooth, removing all decayed material and broken edges.

Step 4: Impressions

Dr. Arnold takes another series of 3-D digital impressions to design the crown's interior surfaces.

Step 5: Temporary Crown

To protect your prepared tooth, you will receive a temporary composite crown to wear until the final product arrives from the lab.

Step 6: Crown Manufacture

Dr. Arnold sends the crown design to the dental laboratory for fabrication.

Step 7: Fitting

When the crown arrives from the lab, the doctor will invite you back to the office to have it cemented. She will ensure that it fits properly and feels natural in your mouth.

Advantages of Dental Crowns

Preserve The Natural Root System

The jawbone needs chewing stimulation to stay healthy and intact. A crown augments the visible portion of your tooth while keeping the natural roots in place. A crown is a better option than a bridge whenever possible because it preserves the root structure.

Excellent Function

Crowns have a natural chewing function. While you must avoid certain hard and sticky foods to keep the crown from breaking or falling out, you should be able to eat a regular diet.

Attractive Appearance

Ceramic and porcelain crowns have the beautiful shine of healthy teeth.

Long-Lasting

A crown may last a lifetime with excellent care and expert installation.

Crown Material Choices

The dentist’s choice of crown materials greatly influences its quality and longevity:

• Ceramic: One of the most robust materials, modern ceramics look like natural teeth.
• Porcelain: These crowns are attractive and stain-resistant. They work best in the front of the mouth.
• Metal: Many patients opt for metal crowns in the back of the mouth because they grind their teeth.
• Porcelain Over Metal: This combination brings the best of both worlds, with a durable metal body and beautiful porcelain coating.
• Gold: These crowns are strong, and many patients find them attractive. However, they are by far the most expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns

Which kind of crown lasts the longest?

Gold and base metal crowns last the longest, though today's advanced ceramic crowns are almost as durable. Most patients prefer not to receive a metal crown on a tooth that shows when they smile, so ceramic may be a better option.

Will I need a crown if I get a root canal?

While a filling may be sufficient after some root canals, teeth with crowns last longer and have fewer problems. Since teeth become brittle in the years after a root canal, a filling may not last long enough to preserve the tooth for a lifetime.

Call Dr. Kim Arnold Family Dentistry

If you have a problem tooth or need an aesthetic upgrade, a crown may be the best choice for restoration. Please call our Russell, KY, office at (606) 836-6022 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Arnold today.