What’s the Dental Crown Lifespan?

If you have a tooth that is severely decayed or has been badly damaged, you may need to have it repaired with a dental crown. These are caps that are shaped like teeth and cover the entire part of the tooth that’s visible over the gums. This gives the tooth back its structure, improves its appearance, and helps protect it from further harm. Though this treatment is incredibly beneficial for your oral health and the look of your smile, how long do crowns last? Continue reading to learn about the dental crown lifespan, what causes crowns to fail, and care tips to make them last longer.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns will slowly wear down over time, so they will eventually need to be replaced. They usually last around 10 years, so you’ll be able to get a lot of use out of them before you need new ones. It’s worth noting that 10 years is only the average. Well-maintained dental crowns with healthy teeth underneath often last 25 or even 30 years.

If you neglect to have a dental crown replaced once it’s time to do so, this will increase your risk of developing oral health issues. Your tooth will no longer be adequately protected, which may result in a cavity. If the decay becomes bad enough, you may end up needing a root canal to save it.

What Causes Dental Crown Failure?

There are a few things that can cause a dental crown to fail. Poor oral care is one of the biggest risk factors. Not taking proper care of your smile reduces your dental crown lifespan since the underlying tooth is more likely to become decayed. This will cause the bond between the tooth and the dental cement to weaken. This can easily cause the crown to fail and fall out of your mouth.

Similar concerns apply to dental crowns that have become chipped or cracked. When that happens, the vulnerable areas of a tooth may become exposed. This can lead to them getting infected, which may result in dental crown failure.

3 Tips for Caring for Your Dental Crown

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prevent failure and extend your dental crown lifespan, such as:

• Practice good oral hygiene – Take care of your dental crown the same way you care for your untreated teeth. This includes brushing your teeth twice per day, once in the morning and once at night. You should also floss every day after your last meal.
• Avoid teeth grinding – Also called bruxism, this can cause premature wear to both your natural teeth and your crowns. Ask your dentist about having a nightguard made to create a buffer between your teeth while you sleep.
• Visit your dentist regularly – Biannual dental visits are one of the most important parts of keeping your smile in good condition. These appointments will allow your dentist to inspect your smile and make sure that your restorations are still in good condition.

Dental crowns need regular maintenance to remain in good condition. With proper care, you can make your dental crown lifespan last a long time so you can continue to enjoy a beautiful beam!

About the Practice

The smiles of Leesburg ang the surrounding communities are in good hands with Dr. Giannina McBryde and Dr. Bao-Tran Le. They are the two skilled dentists who lead the team at All Smiles Leesburg, and they take pride in administering a range of exceptional services. They can teach you how to keep your smile healthy, such as offering you tips for extending your dental crown lifespan. To make an appointment or for more information, call All Smiles Leesburg at (703) 782-5171 or visit their website.