How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

If you have a broken or damaged tooth, then your main consideration would be to fix it to restore the appearance of your smile. But there's more to a broken tooth than just the appearance alone. If left untreated, bacteria can sneak in and cause an infection that can lead to tooth loss. 

Dental crowns are an excellent way to restore both the look and function of your teeth. If you are scheduled for one, you may want to know how long dental crowns last and what you can do to prolong their lifespan. 

Here's what you need to know. 

How Dental Crowns Work

Dental crowns are caps used to restore a tooth’s shape, size, and function. They can also strengthen a weak tooth or a tooth that has a large filling and not enough structure. 

If a tooth shows signs of breaking, the dentist can use a dental crown to restore and save it. 

Dental crowns are also used after a root canal to seal and protect the tooth. 

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns can last, on average, ten years, but their longevity depends on several factors, such as:

• The quality of the material they are made of. Zirconia and porcelain are usually the most durable ones. 
• The experience of the dentist who fitted the crown. If the crown is not fitted well, then it's more prone to breaking and failing.
• How well you take care of your crown. 

How to Care for Your Dental Crowns?

Perhaps the biggest influence on the longevity of your dental crowns is how well you take care of them. It doesn't matter if the dentist used the best material or if they have a ton of experience. If you ignore your oral health, then your crowns are likely to fail sooner than expected. 

The good news is that you don't have to do much to take care of your dental crowns. Some simple tips include:

• Paying attention to your oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth on a daily basis. 
• Use a mouth guard when playing sports.
• Use a nightguard if you grind and clench your teeth.
• Avoid habits such as biting on hard foods such as candy or ice cubes.
• Do not use your teeth as tools.
• Have a dental check-up twice a year to identify any potential problems in the early stages. 

Do You Have More Questions? Ask Us! 

If you have further questions, do not hesitate to get in touch with us. 

Dr. Leah Stroing and Dr. Megan White from Stroing and White Dental will be more than happy to help you get all the information you need to make an educated decision. 

Come visit us and let’s get to know each other. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our Red Bluff dentists. 

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