Dental crowns serve functional and cosmetic purposes, but how long do they last? Crowns cover the entire exposed part of a tooth and give the appearance of a natural tooth while allowing you to bite and chew normally.

There is no set amount of time a crown can last. The level of wear on a crown is unique to each individual. Dental crowns can last for many years if you take proper care of your teeth. In fact, it’s entirely possible that you can enjoy multiple decades of use or even longer. In a study conducted in 2009, researchers found that 50 to 80 percent of crowns lasted for 15 to 20 years.  Even with proper care, you should not expect crowns to last forever.

Good Oral Hygiene is Required to Keep Your Teeth and Crowns in Optimal Condition

• It’s important that you brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste every morning and every night. Set a timer so that you brush for a total of two minutes each time. Brush especially where the crown meets the gum line. Though the crown itself will never decay, the lack of proper brushing has the potential to lead to decay below the crown and a subsequent crown replacement, or worse.
• Flossing is a vital daily task that cannot be forgotten. Do your best to floss at least once a day so your crown will be protected from the harmful particles that your toothbrush can’t reach.
• Rinse your mouth daily with mouthwash, whether it’s antibacterial or fluoride wash. Rinsing your mouth will complete the cleaning job the toothbrush misses, and it will help to keep your crown in great condition.
• Make sure you visit Dr. Shane S. Porter of Premier Dentistry of Eagle every six months for a professional cleaning and exam. These appointments will help you prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems, and it will also give our dental team a chance to check on your dental crown.

How Do You Know When It’s Time to Have a Crown Replaced?

Is it time to have your dental crowns examined? Unless a crown breaks, Dr. Porter may be the only one who can know for sure if your crown needs replaced. It is crucial to replace a cracked or chipped crown, because leaving a damaged crown in your mouth heightens the odds of decay and potential tooth loss.

If you are experiencing any discomfort or pain in or around your dental crowns, contact Dr. Porter for an examination. Receding gums, hidden cavities, or excessive wear and tear could mean it is time to replace your crown.

Symptoms That Indicate Your Dental Crowns Need to be Replaced

Receding Gum Tissue

If gum tissue is pulling away from the base of the crown, this could signal gum disease or tooth decay. Bacteria tends to cluster more readily around the base of a crown than around natural teeth, with plaque building up quicker in these areas.

Excessive Wear

Crowns are subject to the normal wear and tear of biting and chewing. Excessive wear is likely if you have misaligned teeth, where upper and lower teeth don’t meet properly. If you grind or clench your teeth, there is a much higher possibility for cracks or chips to form. Bad habits like biting fingernails, opening plastic bags with your teeth and chewing ice will also put extra force on the crown.

Hidden Decay

The crown conceals the tooth, making decay more difficult to see on a visual exam. Those who had a root canal before crown placement may have decay without experiencing any pain. X-rays helps Dr. Porter see what’s happening to the underlying tooth.

Gum Infection

Gum disease is a serious threat to both natural teeth and crowns. It can erode teeth below the gum line, eventually causing loss of bone, and of course tooth loss.

Leaking Crown

The cement used to affix the crown to the tooth base can eventually start to wear away, allowing the crown to loosen and bacteria to collect between the crown and tooth.

Do You Need A Dental Crown?

If you need a new dental crown, recent advances in materials and fabrication techniques, such as CEREC ceramic crowns makes it possible to receive a customized, natural-looking restoration in just one visit! CEREC all-ceramic crowns are available at Premier Dentistry of Eagle and have proven to be substantially superior to porcelain crowns.

CEREC same day crowns are the most advanced restorative dental crown method available. Thanks to improvements in dental treatments, permanent dental crowns can be made in the dental office during one visit, Dr. Porter can now create natural-looking ceramic crowns in his office.

CEREC utilizes 3D photography and CAD/CAM technology to help Dr. Porter design a virtual tooth restoration without taking impressions and, when combined with a milling unit, he is able to build an actual crown while you are in the dentist’s chair.

As a General and Family dentist Dr. Porter provides comprehensive care, including cosmetic and restorative dentistry for the whole family. Dr. Porter has been in practice since 1999 and strives for dental excellence with every patient. Learn more about Dr. Porter  and then make an appointment for a check-up. If you are experiencing discomfort or pain related to your dental crowns or otherwise, contact our office today at 208-546-0655. 

Premier Dentistry of Eagle is conveniently located at 467 South Rivershore Lane in Eagle, Idaho where Dr. Porter also treats patients from the surrounding communities of Star, Middleton, Meridian, Garden City, and Boise.

A dental crown is a great solution for a worn down, broken, or injured tooth. It can give you the smile you love and miss, and it can last for years to come—but only if you take proper care of it.