Even if it’s truly excellent, your dental crown can’t (and won’t) last forever. The cap will eventually wear out and stop working once you’ve had it long enough. That said, you should learn about the lifespan of dental crowns so you’ll know when to consider follow-up care. Your Temple Dentist can even share the relevant details with you, ensuring you’re properly prepared. Just keep reading to learn how long dental crowns typically last, as well as ways to keep them functional.
How Long Can Dental Crowns Last?
To be honest, how long a dental crown lasts will vary from one patient to the next. It’s only possible to provide rough estimates given certain facts.
Today’s dental crowns usually last an average of ten years, as they use sturdy materials. (Indeed, their durability is such that they can withstand the force of your bite.) Some crowns can work longer, though, if they’re provided with good care. A crown can sometimes reach a lifespan of 15 to 30 years, for instance.
Of course, outside factors also affect things. Your oral hygiene (or lack of it) can impact whether your cap fails early or lasts past the average lifespan. Similarly, factors like a dental crown’s location, the materials used to make it, and so on can affect the treatment’s longevity.
Signs You Should Replace a Crown
Only dentists will know if you need a replacement crown, but you can watch for signs that your cap is starting to fail. Examples of these include:
- Your dental crown has many chips, cracks, or dents.
- You experience pain in or around the crowned tooth.
- There have been recent changes in your bite.
- Chewing food causes a sharp pain.
Ways to Help a Dental Crown Last
To ensure your crown lasts as long as possible, just give it proper care. That means doing the following:
- Clean Your Mouth – Good oral hygiene will keep your crowned tooth from decaying further. Therefore, remember to brush twice daily and floss once daily.
- Quit Bad Oral Habits – Habits like teeth grinding, ice-chewing, and nail-biting can make a dental crown fail early.
- Get a Dental Checkup – Please visit your dentist at least every six months for checkups and cleanings. By doing so, you can have threats to your crowns diagnosed and fixed before they affect your treatment.
You can prepare accordingly when you know the lifespan of dental crowns. So, memorize the facts above so you’re ready for future replacement visits.
About the Author
Dr. Richard Fossum is a dentist based in Temple, TX, having earned his DDS from the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry. His passion for dental work is sincere enough that he’s worked in the field for decades! Thanks to that time, he has expertise in preventive, cosmetic, and even restorative treatments, as well as emergency dental care. Today, Dr. Fossum practices at his self-titled clinic and is reachable on his website and by phone at (254)-778-3900.