How Long Should Dental Crowns Last?

Patients who are considering a crown, or those who need a crown replaced, often ask us, “How long can I expect this crown to last?”

Longevity of dental crowns can vary considerably, so there is no “one-size fits all” answer. The vast majority of crowns last at least five years, and many patients are able to keep their caps for much longer!

If you need to repair a tooth or to replace an existing fixture, Comfort Dental Centre in Buderim can discuss the longevity and benefits of a dental crown, as well as your other restoration options.

We are please to be able to share with potential patients needing a crown, or crown replacement, the following things to consider with respect to the longevity of crowns.

Factors that Determine Dental Crown Longevity

• Location of the tooth – front or back of mouth
• Condition of the original tooth and if it requires a full or partial crown
• Oral hygiene and care of the crowned tooth
• Harmful habits (Grinding or clenching, chewing ice, chewing fingernails, removing bottle caps, etc.)
• Proper manufacture of the crown and appropriate materials(gold, zirconia, porcelain fused to metal, etc.)
• Installation
• Periodontal health (gum disease)
• External trauma (accidents)

Many insurance companies will pay for a crown replacement if it is necessary after 5 to 8 years. This leads many dentists to estimate that a crown should typically last from 5 to 15 years.

Study Demonstrates Dental Crown Longevity

• When dental crowns are the best solution for the dental problem,
• When crowns are well manufactured out of high-quality materials,
• When properly installed by a well-trained, experienced professional, and
• When diligent patient home care is consistently practiced

Dental crowns can last beyond 15 years, and in some cases over a quarter century!

One study tracked a specialist’s success rate over 25 years, following some 2,340 crown installations. Results showed that at 10 years, the success rate was 97% (2270 crowns that lasted over a decade). At 25 years, the success rate was still an impressive 85%. A total of 1,989 out of 2,340 crowns lasted over 25 years (Walton, 2013).

Given proper crown materials, manufacturing, and expert installation, chances for long-term success are very high.

We should not forget that 3% at 10 years and 15% at 25 years did fail. These are reminders that long-term success is not a given and that proper hygiene and maintenance are needed for proper care of our teeth, especially those with dental crowns.

Guiding Principles for Dental Crown Treatment at Comfort Dental Centre

Proper Diagnosis: Dental crowns are not always the answer. We recommend crowns in cases we believe them to be the best long-term solution, with the highest chance for successful treatment.

Proper Materials: Depending on the location of the tooth or teeth to be treated, the cosmetic wishes of the patient, and the bite characteristics of the jaw and existing teeth, we will recommend the appropriate material and construction of the crown.

Zirconia is quite durable, but other choices are sometimes more appropriate. We will work with you to make the right decisions for your mouth!

Expert Installation:  we have years of experience in the successful placement of crowns. We are well aware of all of the factors involved in a successful procedure and fastidiously prepare the teeth and crown before placement. We use only the finest cement available to ensure that the crown stays firmly in place and also offer comprehensive after-care. We are considered one the best dentists in Buderim for cosmetic dentistry 

Comfort Dental & Implant Centre strives to create a virtual pain and anxiety-free experience, regardless of what treatment is being performed.

Home Care: We  will work with you to achieve the highest level of oral hygiene for your dental crown (and all of your teeth). Proper home care is crucial for your crown’s longevity, and we want you to know all the aspects of it!