How Long Should My Crown Last?

What is A Dental Crown?

A crown is a type of cap that completely covers a real tooth and is fixed in your mouth. They can be fitted where a tooth has broken, decayed, been damaged or to make a tooth look better. The old tooth will need to be drilled down so that the crown can be attached.

A dental crown can last anywhere between fifteen years and a lifetime but it can be determined by a few factors:

Type Of Crown

The material that the crown is made out of can have an impact on the lifespan. Composite crowns, although affordable and tailored to your tooth colour, are limited to their toughness and lifespan. Porcelain crowns can last just about fifteen years, and a gold crown can last a lifetime under the right circumstances.

Health Of Affected Tooth

If the tooth was relatively healthy to begin, with longer roots and healthier surrounding gum and bone levels, both the crown and the tooth are likely to have a longer lifespan.

Injury And Breakage

An injury to the mouth can damage the crown as well as the tooth it sits on. If the damage to the crown is to severe to be repaired it will need to be replaced.

Changes In The Mouth Due To Aging

As we age, the structures in our mouth change. For example, gum recession can affect the fit of a dental crown. If your dental crown begins to not fit properly, your dentist will advise you to get a new one.

Tooth Grinding

Grinding and clenching your teeth, especially at night, can wear down a crown’s surface and threaten its stability.

So, How Long Do They Last?

Depending on the type of crown used, the average lifespan of a crown is around 10-15 years. However, with a good oral hygiene routine and regular visits to the dentist, some crowns can last for decades.

Book an appointment with one of our dentists who will be able to talk you through the options available and which type of crown they think is suitable for you. Call us on 01723 670500 to book an appointment.