Royal Repair: How Long Will My Dental Crown Last?

Have you recently undergone a root canal procedure or have a severely decayed or damaged tooth? If so, there’s a good chance you’re going to need a dental crown. Your dentist uses these caps to preserve the appearance and functionality of your injured pearly white when it might otherwise require extraction.

It’s totally normal to have questions if you’ve been told you’ll be getting a dental crown. One of the first things that pops into most people’s minds is, ‘How long will it last?’ Keep reading to learn more about what you can expect in terms of your restoration’s longevity!

How Long Will My Dental Crown Last?

The length of time your dental crown will remain in good shape can depend on your individual circumstances. Typically, you can safely expect them to stick around for anywhere from 3 to 15 years. There are several factors that can impact its lifespan, such as:

Where It’s Located

If your restoration covers a back tooth, it’s more likely to be harmed than one in the front, so it may not last as long. This is because your molars are responsible for mashing up your food so it can be easily swallowed and digested. The frequent pressure put on them through the force of your bite can wear down your dental crown, which leaves it more prone to chipping or cracking. It’s likely to require repairs or replacement sooner than a prosthetic located in the front of your mouth.

What It’s For

Although dental crowns are ideal for safeguarding already injured teeth, they can be used for other purposes, too. For example, they are included on either end of a dental bridge as an anchor that attaches to neighboring teeth. They are also used to cap dental implants to rebuild grins that have suffered from tooth loss.

If your prosthetic is placed over a pearly white that’s already been harmed, it could eventually loosen or fall off. The structure of the pearly white it covers has already been compromised. That leaves it more vulnerable to additional decay or damage that can cause your dental crown to become dislodged.

Your Dental Hygiene Habits

If you want to keep your artificial tooth longer, it’s important to maintain it properly. Brushing and flossing twice daily removes unwanted bacteria and plaque buildup from around your teeth and gumlines. Consistently cleaning your mouth can prevent cavities and gum disease that can harm the tooth that your dental crown is connected to. Not only will this elongate your restoration’s lifespan, but it’ll keep your whole mouth happy and healthy!

Fortunately, with the right care, your dental crown can potentially last 15+ years!

About the Practice

Patients at the office of Laura Philipps, DMD, benefit from two dentists who offer a wide range of services to meet all your dental needs under one roof, including dental crowns. They take a whole-body approach to help you build a happy, healthy smile that you can be proud of. With state-of-the-art technology onsite, they can help you feel more comfortable while simultaneously enhancing the accuracy of their treatment plans. If you have a damaged tooth and need help, you can contact the office for an appointment on the website or call (432) 570-4433.