Wondering if getting a dental crown is worth it? Or do you have an old crown that’s grown a little worse for wear? Although crowns are a durable and long-lasting type of dental restoration, they don’t last forever.
It’s important to know when it’s time to replace a crown, so you can maintain a bright, healthy smile. Read on to find out how long dental crowns can last, and how to know when a crown needs to be replaced.
How Long Do Crowns Typically Last?
The lifespan of a dental crown depends primarily on the type of material used and whether you take care of your teeth. For instance, porcelain crowns usually last up to 15 years with proper care. We offer zirconia crowns at Country Club Dental, which can last up to 20 years, as long as you take care of them.
However, other factors can shorten a crown’s lifespan, such as:
- An injury to the mouth
- Biting your nails
- Chewing on ice or hard objects
- Clenching or grinding your teeth
- Using your teeth as tools to open things
- Misaligned bite (increases your risk of tooth decay by making it difficult to keep teeth clean)
- Smoking (increases your chance of developing gum disease)
How Do You Know When a Crown Needs to Be Replaced?
A dental crown protects an already weak or damaged tooth. If your crown becomes loose or damaged, it’s essential that you have it replaced right away to prevent further damage.
Here are some signs that it’s time to replace a crown:
- There are visible chips or cracks
- Your gums around the crown are receding, swollen, or red
- There’s a gap between the crown and the tooth
- You experience a toothache in the crowned tooth
- The tooth becomes sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks
Even if you aren’t experiencing any of the above symptoms, you still need to have your dental crowns examined if they are over 10 years old. Your dentist can spot any signs of wear and tear or general weakness you aren’t aware of, and that may be putting the tooth underneath at risk.
How to Extend the Lifespan of a Dental Crown
The number one way to make sure your dental crown lasts is to practice good oral hygiene. Plaque and bacteria won’t damage the crown itself, but they can still reach the tooth underneath. Decay and infections weaken the tooth further, causing the crown to fail.
Neglecting to take care of your teeth also increases your risk of needing more crowns, root canals, or other restorations. To protect your overall oral health, make sure you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, floss daily, and use fluoride toothpaste.
Other ways you can extend the lifespan of a crown include:
- Wearing a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night
- Quitting bad habits like smoking, nail-biting, or chewing on hard objects
- Visiting the dentist twice a year for cleanings and exams
Dental Crowns in Flagstaff, Arizona
If you need to replace a dental crown, or if you’re experiencing any other dental issues, please don’t hesitate to contact us. At Country Club Dental, it’s our goal to provide dental restorations that look and feel as natural as possible.
No matter what type of restoration you need, we’ll ensure that it’s not only aesthetically pleasing but also strong and durable. Give us a call at 928-526-4314 today to set up an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (12/8/2022). Photo by Warren Wong on Unsplash
