How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns are one option for managing a tooth that has compromised integrity. For many patients, it's the most viable and beneficial option. If you are considering a crown, you might wonder how long it will last. Like many other dental apparatuses, many factors can significantly impact the lifespan of a dental crown.
What Factors Impact the Lifespan of a Dental Crown?
Some of the most common factors that can impact the lifespan of a dental crown include the following:
- Detrimental dental habits: Grinding or clenching the teeth can put your crown at risk. If you are prone to such habits, a night guard can help protect your crown and the integrity of the rest of your teeth. In addition, you should avoid crunching down on hard food items, such as hard candies or ice.
- Poor oral hygiene: Failing to follow a good oral hygiene routine or not being thorough enough with your routine can easily cause premature crown loss. Every tooth requires proper care, or decay can develop in the natural tooth structure down below the crown.
- Regular dental visits: Not only do regular dental visits help keep your teeth and crown clean, but it’s also an opportunity for your dentist to inspect your crown to ensure it is still in place and working correctly.
- Crown materials: The materials used to build a crown also help determine how long a crown will last. For instance, metal crowns are more durable than porcelain and ceramic ones. Porcelain is the most common material used, especially on front teeth, for cosmetic purposes.
Crowns are a common treatment option since they can fix many different dental issues, including cosmetic and functional problems. Your dentist can help determine what type of crown is best for your mouth and treatment goals.
How Long Do Crowns Last?
Dental crowns are an excellent option to restore broken teeth, but the remaining tooth structure must be large enough for the crown to adhere to it. If your tooth can support a crown, your dentist will ensure that it fits well and is tight around the tooth. If it doesn't fit tight enough, food, bacteria, and plaque can become trapped between the crown and tooth structure, and floss can catch on the edges.
Additionally, the crown can prematurely loosen and fall out if it doesn't fit well. Your dentist can usually re-cement your crown, but once a crown falls out, as long as there is no damage to it. However, it will need to be replaced eventually after this occurs. It may be good for a few more years, but once the initial cement bond breaks, it must be re-established with a new crown.
Most dental insurance companies cover replacement crowns approximately every five to eight years. However, if a crown fits properly, it may last over a decade.
Dental Crowns in Lake Fleming, Florida
If you are in need of a dental crown or wonder how long yours might last, look no further than Doctors Lake Family Dental. Our dental professionals can help you with all of your dentistry needs. Contact our office today at 904-264-6700 or request an appointment online.