How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns are restorative appliances that save natural teeth. They work like caps that cover a decayed or damaged tooth, restoring its appearance and chewing ability. A dental crown can last seven to ten years with excellent care, potentially lasting for decades.

How Dental Crowns Work

If your tooth has suffered damage or decay that a filling cannot repair, you may be a good candidate for a dental crown. Patients who have undergone root canals often receive crowns on the treated tooth.

To design your dental crown, your dentist will first take a physical or digital impression. The impression will allow the doctor to create a crown that matches the size and appearance of your original tooth.

Next, the dentist prepares the damaged tooth, removing broken or decayed areas to create a placement site for the new crown. You will receive local anesthesia to prevent discomfort.

After preparing the tooth, the dentist takes a second set of impressions to shape the crown's interior. They provide you with a temporary crown to protect the prepped tooth, then send the crown design to the laboratory.

When your crown returns from the lab, the dentist checks it for fit and adjusts it accordingly. They ensure your bite feels natural and comfortable before cementing the crown and completing the restoration.

Factors Affecting Crown Longevity

Four common factors affect your crown's durability:

Material

Material choice matters when placing a crown. Porcelain, porcelain over metal, base metal alloys, and gold alloys can create durable crowns, but each material has strengths.

Porcelain is excellent for crowns that are visible when you smile. Porcelain over metal provides the durability of metal with a tooth-colored finish. Base metal and gold alloys are a good choice for the molars, especially for patients who grind their teeth.

Location

Crowns in the back of the mouth tend to last longer than crowns in the front.

Oral Habits

Patients with bruxism (chronic teeth grinding) may be more likely to lose or damage their crowns.

Oral Hygiene

Crowns need the same care as healthy natural teeth. Brushing and flossing each day are vital to treatment success. Patients who fail to maintain their crowns could develop hidden damage or decay.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns

Do patients with root canals always need crowns?

Some root canals may require a large filling, but most patients have better outcomes with a crown. Crowns keep the natural tooth from drying out and becoming brittle after a root canal.

Is a crown more uncomfortable than getting a filling?

The dental crown procedure is as comfortable as receiving a filling. You will have local anesthesia for your comfort. Most patients find a crown appointment easy and trouble-free.

Call Fallin Family Dentistry

A crown could be ideal if you have a problem tooth or need a root canal. To schedule an appointment in our Zachary, LA office, please call 225-654-2212 today.