Even if they look invincible, dental crowns don’t last forever. Over time, they gradually stop working and need to be replaced. Given that fact, you might wonder what to expect from dental crown lifespan. In particular, there’s a good chance you want to know how long treatment lasts and how to prevent early failure. Well, your Orlando dentist is here to give you the details. Read on to learn about dental crowns’ lifespan and what you can do to extend it.
How Long Does a Crown Last?
In most cases, a dental crown lasts for about 10-15 years. Once it reaches that mark, it’ll have worn out and require a replacement. A new crown is crucial, too, since leaving the old one in place will raise your risk of oral health issues. Doing so could even lead to invasive treatments down the line, like a root canal or tooth extraction.
Still, a crown’s lifespan can run longer if it’s well-maintained. In that case, the prosthetic can last for 25-30 years. This scenario, however, only applies when the crown’s tooth is healthy.
Dental Crowns & Early Failure
While a crown will always wear with time, your lifestyle can affect the rate at which this happens. In fact, poor oral care can cause the treatment’s failure much sooner than needed.
Consider tooth decay, for instance. If you get a cavity beneath your crown, your dentist will have to remove the prosthetic for treatment.
The same goes for damage to the crown itself. Chips or cracks could make openings in the restoration, exposing your tooth to harmful bacteria.
How Should You Care for a Dental Crown?
Luckily, you can keep a crown for decades if you give it proper care. As such, try following these tips in the future:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: By brushing and flossing your teeth daily, you can keep the area around your crown clean and bacteria-free.
- Avoid Bad Oral Habits: Try not to grind your teeth, as doing so can crack or chip crowns. Likewise, don’t bite or chew on objects like hard candy or ice.
- See Your Dentist Often: No matter how diligent a brusher you are, you should see your dentist for checkups every six months. That way, they can resolve oral health issues that would harm your crown(s).
In the end, you have the power to control dental crown lifespan. Remember the tips above, then, so your own crown stays with you for a long time.
About the Author
Dr. John. E. Russo is a dentist based in Orlando, FL, having earned his DDM from the University of Florida. He’s also a member of the American Dental Association, as well as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Thanks to receiving great training, he specializes in preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments, including dental crown procedures. Dr. Russo currently practices at his self-titled clinic and is reachable on his website or by phone at (407)-843-2112.