If you have a decayed, broken, weak, or worn-down tooth, a dental crown might be the best option to restore its aesthetic and function. Dental crowns are like caps that can be placed on existing teeth or parts of existing teeth to act like new and improved teeth. They are excellent, durable options for many patients. When considering your treatment options, you should take into account how long your dental crown will last.
The Lifespan of a Dental Crown
On average, a dental crown has a lifespan of between five and 15 years. However, with proper care and maintenance, they can last up to 25 years or more. Some factors that can affect how long a crown lasts include:
- Your oral hygiene: The better your care for your teeth, the longer your crown should last. Be sure to brush and floss daily, eat healthy foods, and avoid tobacco products.
- Crown material: The strength and durability of the materials used in crowns can vary. Crowns are crafted from a variety of materials, such as metal, resin, and porcelain. For instance, porcelain fused to metal crowns can last between ten and 15 years or longer with proper care. All-ceramic zirconia crowns can last ten years or more
- Your dentist's skill: How well the dentist prepares the tooth for crown placement and how they took the impression or scanned the tooth can also affect the quality and life of the crown.
- Location: Where your crown is placed in your mouth can also affect its longevity.
- Lifestyle: Certain behaviors, such as smoking, can increase the wear and tear process, resulting in the premature failure of your crowns.
- Accident or injury: Experiencing an accident, injury, or trauma to the crown may result in cracks, breaks, or the crown coming loose.
- How often you visit the dentist: Just like you need to see the dentist approximately every six months for a check-up and cleaning of your natural teeth, your crown will benefit from the same. This way, your dentist can watch for any issues and take care of them sooner rather than later to enhance the lifespan of your crown.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
Is Crown Placement Painful?
No, a typical crown placement shouldn’t be painful or uncomfortable. Your dentist will numb the area to ensure you don’t feel any discomfort when your natural tooth is trimmed to provide space for your crown. We also offer sedation dentistry so our patients feel completely safe and comfortable during their procedures.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Dental Crown Placement?
Typically, patients who get dental crowns won’t need any “downtime” after crown placement. This is because the treatment is non-surgical and won’t lead to any serious pain or discomfort. As such, patients can return to their day-to-day routine immediately without having to worry about taking time off work or adjusting their schedule.
Dental Crowns at Belmont Family Dentistry
At Belmont Family Dentistry, we are proud to offer dental crowns, just one tool in our toolbox for improving the look and function of your smile. We will not only place your dental crown but also work with you to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
Contact us today at 617-484-1760 to learn more about dental crowns or schedule an appointment. You can also request an appointment online.