It's important to follow through with a dental crown treatment if your natural tooth needs saving, as delaying it could cause further damage to the tooth's integrity. Dental crowns are commonly used to repair decayed or injured teeth and to support dental bridges, and implants, complete root canal treatments, or protect weak teeth from breaking.
The longevity of a crown depends on various factors, such as the type of crown, the tooth's location, and how well oral hygiene is maintained.
Understanding Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are dental restorations that encase a damaged tooth. They are utilized in cases where the damage to the tooth is too extensive for a filling and when the tooth is weakened and in danger of breaking.
A
dental crown in Kernersville, NC, is necessary for various reasons, including:
- Safeguarding a weak tooth from breaking or preserving a cracked tooth.
- Repairing a tooth that has already broken or worn down.
- Providing support to a tooth with a substantial filling when not much tooth is left.
- Securing a dental bridge in position.
- Concealing misshapen or extremely stained teeth.
- Covering a dental implant.
- Making aesthetic changes to the appearance of the tooth.
Factors Affecting the Durability of Dental Crowns
Several factors can affect how long a dental crown lasts:
The health and amount of remaining natural
- tooth structure
- The location of the damaged tooth in the mouth
- The visibility of the crown when smiling
- Habitual teeth grinding Level of oral hygiene maintained
- The type of material used for the crown
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
The average lifespan of a dental crown near you is around ten years, but this can be influenced by the factors mentioned earlier. The longevity of a crown also depends on the material used, as some materials are more durable and long-lasting than others.
Zirconia crowns are a sturdy and long-lasting option, making them suitable for chewing and biting. With proper care, zirconia crowns can last for 10-15 years or even longer.
Gold has been a popular material for dental crowns for over a century due to its strength and durability. However, since it has a distinct appearance, it is mainly used for molars, as people prefer tooth-colored crowns. Gold crowns are known to last at least ten years, with some sources suggesting they can remain intact for several decades.
Porcelain fused to metal crowns offer the aesthetic appeal of porcelain and the strength of the metal. However, porcelain is prone to chipping, and the metal edge may become visible as the gums recede. Porcelain fused to metal crowns can last for 5-15 years.
All-ceramic and all-porcelain crowns are often used for front teeth as they closely match natural teeth in color. Since they are not exposed to the same biting forces as back teeth, they are less likely to chip.
Prolonging the Lifespan of Dental Crowns
Our dentist at Welden Village Dental provides tips on how to increase the lifespan of your dental crown.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is essential to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. It helps to extend the lifespan of your crown by preventing decay from building up at the base of the crown.
Avoid Clenching your Teeth
Grinding your teeth can put pressure on them, making them more prone to cracking. This pressure can also cause a crown to crack, requiring replacement earlier than expected. If stress is the cause of teeth clenching or grinding, medications may help alleviate it. Custom mouthguards may be fitted by our dentist in Kernersville, NC, for those who only grind their teeth at night.
Avoid Damaging Foods and Bad Habits
The foods you eat and your habits can also affect the lifespan of your crown. Sticky foods like caramel and taffy and hard foods like ice and hard candy can damage the crown. Habits like biting fingernails or opening packages with teeth can also cause damage.
Knowing when a Crown Needs to be Replaced
Although crowns are made of durable materials, they are not indestructible, and their lifespan varies for each individual. Factors such as bite, diet, and dental hygiene can help lengthen their lifespan, but eventually, the crown may need replacement. Crowns do not get cavities, but tooth decay can occur around or under the crown. Extensive tooth decay may require a root canal before getting a new crown. A chipped or cracked crown may also need to be replaced. A
dentist near you can detect any cracks during a semi-annual routine exam.
