A dental crown can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, but with proper care, some crowns may last for decades, or even a lifetime. Dental crowns are created to be durable and resilient, serving as a protective overlay for damaged or weakened teeth.
Are you considering getting a dental crown, or perhaps already have one? This article aims to explore the factors that can affect the longevity of your dental crown. Whether you’re a potential candidate for a dental crown, seeking to replace an old one, or simply curious about dental care, read on to gain insights and tips on dental crowns in Perth.
Contents
What Factors Affect the Lifespan of a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are a great teeth restoration option, known for their ability to easily restore the form of your mouth and the look and function of your natural teeth. However, their lifespan can be quite dependent on many factors and vastly different among individuals. The following are among the common factors dentists see in their patients.
1. Material Used
The type of material selected for a crown is significant. Even though all crowns are designed to withstand the regular wear and tear that natural teeth undergo, the lifespan of a crown is often dependent on the material used in the construction of the crown.
Porcelain crowns, metal crowns, porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns, and zirconium crowns are the most common types of dental crowns available. Zirconium crowns and metal crowns generally last the longest due to their durability, while porcelain and PFM crowns may need to be replaced as they are more susceptible to wear and chipping.
2. Quality of Construction and Proper Placement
The longevity of a dental crown is also affected by the quality of its construction and how well it is placed by the dental professional. A meticulously constructed and properly fitted crown is less likely to encounter complications, reducing the risk of loosening or bacterial infiltration and infection, thereby extending its lifespan.
3. Dental Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is always very important. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups will help to prevent issues like decay in the crown and gum disease.
4. Diet
Eating a lot of hard or sticky foods can potentially damage the crown. Similarly, avoiding sugary and acidic foods on a daily basis is an important aspect of keeping the dental crown in good shape.
5. Regular Dental Check-Ups
Routine check-ups with your dental care professional are important for early detection and resolution of whatever potential issues may occur, ensuring early intervention and maintenance of the crown’s best condition.
6. Detrimental Activities and Habits
Engaging in activities that can cause direct trauma to the mouth, like certain sports, or unhealthy habits like smoking, can negatively impact the lifespan of a dental crown. Additionally, using teeth as tools, for example, to bite off plastic covers, can also damage the crown, reducing its lifespan.
7. Bruxism
For individuals who grind or clench their teeth, the excessive force and friction can accelerate the wear and tear of the crown, adversely impacting its lifespan.
In general, by applying good dental crown aftercare diligently, you can ensure the longevity of your crowns.
Summary of a Dental Crown Clinical Study
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Study Type | Retrospective Longitudinal Study |
| Objective | Assess the longevity of single-unit crowns and investigate risk factors associated with failures. |
| Number of Crowns | 3,404 |
| Number of Patients | 1,557 |
| Number of Dentists | 8 (Dutch) |
| Annual Failure Rates (AFRs) | Mean AFR at 11 years: 2.1% for success; 0.7% for survival of crowns |
| Observation Time | 3 weeks to 11 years (Mean: 7 years) |
| Crown Type | Majority were PFM (63.8%) |
| Tooth Type Majority | Molars (58.1%) |
| Endodontically Treated Teeth | 65.4% were non-endodontically treated |
| Risk Factor: Endodontic Treatment | – Hazard Ratio for Success: 1.31 [95%CI 1.07-1.61] – Hazard Ratio for Survival: 1.89 [95%CI 1.35-2.65] |
| Significant Influencers on Success | – Tooth type – Tooth position (jaw) – Gender |
| Effect of Age on Survival | Increase in patient’s age results in a higher risk for failure. |
| Variation Among Dentists | AFR varied between 1.2% and 3.5%. Type of interventions also showed relevant variation. |
| Conclusion | The crowns, placed by the selected group of dentists, showed good to acceptable success and survival rates; variations are mainly dependent on the practice. Presence of an endodontically treated tooth is a significant risk factor leading to more failures. |
A summary of a retrospective longitudinal study assessing the longevity and failure of 3,404 crowns placed by eight Dutch dentists on 1,557 patients. The mean Annual Failure Rates (AFRs) at 11 years were 2.1% for success and 0.7% for the survival of crowns, with endodontic treatment being the most significant risk factor for failure.
The study concludes that dental crowns showed good to acceptable success and survival rates with variations mainly dependent on the practice.
How Do You Know When It’s Time To Get A New Tooth Crown?
In most cases, the dentist or a dental professional will notice that your current crown is damaged, or if there are underlying issues with the tooth beneath it, they would then recommend considering a new crown to replace your old one. Signs like a loose fit, any discomfort, or a noticeable change in your bite are things you can observe on your own, and in most cases indicate that the crown isn’t functioning as it should be.
You’ll be glad to know that many dental insurance plans often cover at least a portion of the replacement cost, making it financially feasible to get a new crown when needed. It is very important to address issues like decay under the crown right away. Moreover, if the crown is damaged or if it no longer fits well due to changes in your natural teeth or other dental structures, a replacement may be necessary to ensure that no further issues will be caused by the loose crown and to maintain its best condition.
Conclusion
Dental crowns are designed to mimic natural teeth, and they have been part of modern dental restoration techniques for a long time. While dental crowns are made to last a long time, they don’t last forever.
We encourage you to contact an experienced dental expert such as My Emergency Dentist, who can help you form a complete and well-informed decision. By being proactive in obtaining the information you need, you too can enjoy the benefits dental crowns can bring you, especially the restoration of your complete and natural smile, for a very long time.
