That is a tricky question and is generally asked by patients who have undergone dental or tooth crown fitting surgery. The question may be straightforward, but there is no precise answer to this. It varies from patient to patient. If the dental crown is properly fitted with the appropriate materials by a skilled dentist and given you take care of your oral hygiene, the dental crown can last up to years. In some cases, it can last a complete lifetime as well. In this blog, we discuss the longevity of a dental crown. Read till the finish, to learn all that you need to know about this topic.

First, what is a dental crown’s purpose?

Well, dentists generally use a dental crown to restore a broken or cracked tooth. Alongside restoring the natural look of a tooth, it also acts as a covering over the weak tooth, thereby protecting it from further damage. Tooth crowns are also used to attach dental bridges and protect a fragile tooth following root canal treatment. They can be made from several materials such as Zirconia, Gold, porcelain fused with metal, lithium disilicate to name a few, and depending on the material used, a dental crown’s lifespan may also vary.

Additional actors that affect a dental crown’s lifespan:

• Longevity depends on the placement of the dental crown placed in your mouth
• The condition of the original tooth below the crown
• Grinding and clenching of teeth
• Your oral hygiene and care routine
• Harmful habits that you may have such as chewing ice and biting fingernails
• Whether the tooth crown is full or partial
• If you suffer from any gum or oral disease

All the factors above have a direct or an indirect effect on the durability of dental crowns. Consider maintaining good oral hygiene and your dental crown can last up to anywhere between 10 and 30 years.

Knowing that it’s time for a replacement

The amount of wear on a dental crown is unique to each individual. Yes, porcelain crowns are durable, but they are not indestructible. If a crown is chipped or cracked, it needs to be replaced. If you allow a damaged crown to remain in your mouth, it can increase the chances of decay forming under the crown. The crown itself cannot decay, but cavities can still form underneath it if proper oral hygiene is not maintained. Depending on the condition of the crown and the extent of the decay, a replacement crown might be necessary. If the decay is not taken care of, the tooth might have to undergo a root canal.

Another reason why a crown might have to be replaced early is if the crown was not properly fitted or due to an imbalanced bite. You would be surprised to know that this is one of the most common causes of crown failure. However, the good news is, most insurance companies will cover the replacement of a crown if it is over five years old.  For more details on dental crowns, contact our dental clinic.