How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
While natural teeth are strong enough to last for a lifetime, they can sometimes get damaged. It can happen due to dental trauma, poor dental hygiene and habits, certain medications, gum disease, and natural aging. Damaged teeth can cause significant discomfort and affect oral functions, such as chewing. You can also feel unhealthy and self-conscious about showing your smile.
Thanks to restorative dentistry, you can repair your tooth damage and restore your smile with dental crowns. Let’s learn more about dental crowns and what you can expect from the treatment.
What are dental crowns?
A tooth crown is a tooth-shaped, cap-like dental restoration placed over a damaged tooth to improve its shape, size, strength, and appearance. A crown is cemented on the tooth, fully covering its entire visible part of the tooth. It makes it more effective at repairing severe tooth damage than alternative treatments like dental veneers, bonding, inlays & Onlays, and fillings. Contact our dentist near you for dental crowns in Mississauga, ON.
How are Dental Crowns used?
Placing a dental crown only takes about two dental appointments. On the first appointment, the dentist prepares the tooth by shaving a small portion of its tooth enamel. It allows the crown to fit perfectly without looking too bulky.
The tooth needs to have enough structure to hold a dental crown. If not, the dentist can build up. Tooth extraction may be the best remedy if the damage is beyond repair. The dentist might also perform a root canal if the tooth is infected.
Next, the dentist takes impressions and records of the prepared tooth and other teeth and sends them to a dental lab to create the custom-made crown. It takes about 2 – 3 weeks. You’ll wear a temporary to protect the prepared tooth.
Once the customized crown is ready, the dentist will invite you for the fitting procedure. The temporary crown is removed and the customized one cemented into place. You can consult your dentist about whether they offer same-day CEREC crowns. These crowns are prepared and installed on the same day.
Your dentist can recommend a dental crown to:
- Restore the strength of a weak tooth
- Hold together a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth
- Protect a worn down or decayed tooth
- Support a dental bridge
- Cover a misshapen or uneven tooth
- Cover a dental implant
- Protect a tooth after a root canal
- Cover a tooth with a large filling
- Enhance the color of a badly stained tooth
How Long Does a Crown Last?
Getting a dental crown is a crucial investment, and it’s reasonable to be concerned about many details like its lifespan. A dental crown can last for 10 – 20 years or more. However, this depends on several factors, including:
- Type of crown material
Common materials for dental crowns include ceramic, porcelain, composite, zirconia, metal-fused with porcelain, and gold. Gold and metal crowns are generally stronger and may last longer than tooth-colored options like porcelain and composite.
- Bruxism
Do you grind or clench your teeth? Bruxism can cause significant wear and tear to your dental crown and reduce its lifespan. Consult your dentist about a customized nightguard to protect your teeth and restoration from bruxism.
- Oral hygiene
While a dental crown contains artificial materials that can’t decay, the underneath tooth can still decay. Excellent oral hygiene will reduce the risk of developing decay under the crown, greatly extending its lifespan.
- Diet
What you eat has a significant impact on your oral health. For instance, sugary and starch goods can increase your risk of developing decay under the crown and other teeth. Similarly, chewing hard items like ice can cause the crown to break or dislodge, reducing its lifespan.
- Regular dental check-ups
Visiting our dentist in l4z 2v4 for routine dental check-ups and cleanings can also extend the longevity of your crown. The dentist can clean off bacterial plaque and tartar around your teeth, gums, and crowns that could have endangered the tooth underneath the crown. The dentist also checks your crown for damage to ensure maximum protection. Notify your dentist immediately if your crown feels loose or uncomfortable.
- Location of the tooth
Some teeth, like the molars and premolars, are exposed to tremendous forces of chewing and grinding food. A crown on these teeth is likely to wear out much faster than the one on a front tooth.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Are you ready to repair your dental imperfections with dental crowns? Contact Dr. Jeff Levman – Mississauga, ON.