Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that help restore a decayed, broken, weak, or worn-down tooth. Dentists can use crowns to cover implants and root canal-treated teeth. Materials like metals, resin, and porcelain help make dental crowns lasting 5 to 15 years with proper attention.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown helps cover a damaged tooth. Crowns help restore the tooth’s standard shape, function, and size. Dental crowns are not permanent, but you can extend the longevity of the restoration if you are willing to take appropriate precautions.
This article looks closer at different kinds of crowns and their longevity besides the warning signs indicating that the restoration needs replacement.
The Purpose of Dental Crowns
The American Dental Association states if you have a large filling without sufficient tooth structure remaining, the dentist near me will likely recommend a crown to strengthen the tooth. Your dentist may also suggest a dental crown to repair a broken or cracked tooth, shield a weak tooth from breaking, affix dental bridges, and protect a fragile tooth after a root canal. Whatever the situation, dental crowns help protect the tooth they cover and remain on it for many years with proper dental hygiene.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
The average longevity of a dental crown is about ten years, but when correctly fabricated, dental crowns, regardless of material, can last for decades.
When selecting dental crowns for your situation, the dentist’s office near me considers the material’s strength, durability, and aesthetics to determine which dental crown is best for your specific situation. Some factors the dentist considers include the tooth’s location, how much of the natural tooth is missing, and the visibility of the dental crown when you smile. Let us consider the most common dental crowns and their lifespan.
- Zirconia : these crowns are made from zirconium dioxide, a durable material related to titanium. The durability of zirconia crowns makes them resistant to fractures. In addition, zirconia is also the most robust nonmetallic crown material. Unfortunately, the crowns don’t fit as well as other versions. However, proper dental care and correct use of zirconia crowns can make them last for 10 to 15 years.
- Porcelain Fused to Metal : PFM crowns are also popular and are also a natural-looking option. They are best suited for the front teeth. Over the last six decades, PFM crowns have been the most frequently prescribed cosmetic solution for damaged teeth. Unfortunately, porcelain is prone to chipping; over time, the metal edge may become visible if your gums recede. However, they are preferred for patients needing dental bridges to replace a missing tooth. PFM crowns last for five to 15 years and, with appropriate anchors, can last longer.
- Lithium Disilicate : Lithium disilicate is a durable glass ceramic made from lithium and silicon. Dentists make lithium disilicate crowns in the office for you to get a custom crown created and placed in one visit. It is one of the most frequently prescribed materials for dental crowns and lasts between five to 15 years or longer with proper care.
- Gold Crowns : Gold crowns have been the material of choice for over a century because of their strength, resistance to chipping and cracking, and ability to fit the tooth well. While gold crowns are not aesthetic, they are considered suitable for molars, and you may receive a suggestion for these crowns from dental crowns near me if you need a back tooth restored. With proper care, gold crowns remain over the tooth for a decade or more.
Factors That Affect the Lifespan of Dental Crowns
The lifespan of dental crowns varies depending on the material used, your dental hygiene habits, and lifestyle practices. An excellent old hygiene regimen is another factor affecting dental crowns’ lifespan. Therefore if you have a tooth restored with a dental crown, you must brush your teeth twice daily, floss them at least once and visit your dentist for checkups and cleanings every six months.
Other factors that affect the lifespan of dental crowns include their quality, the health of the affected tooth, the provider’s experience, teeth grinding, and using your teeth as tools that might affect dental restoration.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Dental Crown?
When you receive dental crowns in Atlanta, the dentist provides comprehensive instructions on caring for your dental restoration to extend its longevity. Although you can follow the dentist’s instructions, it helps if you understand dental crowns are best managed by using your teeth for chewing and biting and not for purposes other than specified.
If you notice signs of pain in the protected tooth, the crown feels unstable, or the restoration is not aesthetically pleasing, you can contact the dentist in Atlanta seeking a replacement for restoring it if possible. However, dental crowns are not a permanent restoration and will at some time need a replacement regardless of the care you provide.
New Face Dentistry provides dental crowns to help you achieve your goal if you must have a tooth restored. However, dental crowns need appropriate care to make them last for over a decade because they don’t represent permanent restorations.
