How Long Can I Expect My Dental Crown to Last?

Dental crowns are used to restore a damaged tooth to its original size, shape, and function. Modern crowns are designed to look and work like real teeth, but they will eventually wear out and need replacement. The good news is that if you take excellent care of it, your crown can look and work great for much longer than average. Here’s how long you can expect a dental crown to last as well as a few tips for keeping it in excellent shape.

How Long Can a Dental Crown Last?

On average, a dental crown can be expected to last for about ten years. While the quality of the crown and its installation are both huge factors in how long it can last, other factors play into the equation as well. These include things like where in the mouth the tooth is and how much of the natural tooth structure remains. Crowns attached to teeth that endure more pressure can sustain more damage over time, and a small amount of remaining tooth structure can leave a crown without much surface area to bond to. These can both contribute to the crown having a shorter lifespan.

How Can I Make My Dental Crown Last Longer?

The best way to keep your dental crown in great shape is to practice excellent oral hygiene. A proper daily dental cleaning regimen includes:

• Brushing: Brushing is a key part of keeping your teeth and your crowns healthy. Using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush, clean each tooth and the surrounding soft tissues using short, gentle, circular motions. Each brushing session should last about two minutes, and the ritual should be performed at least in the morning after breakfast and at night before bed.
• Flossing: Flossing is just as crucial to good oral health as brushing because it can clean out the small areas where a toothbrush can’t reach. If traditional dental floss isn’t your preference, you can find alternatives such as floss picks and water flossers.
• Antibacterial mouthwash: Swishing thoroughly with an ADA-approved brand of mouthwash can kill more than 99% of the germs that cause tooth decay and gum disease and leave your mouth and breath feeling fresh and classy.

Treating tooth decay or gum disease can require a crown to be removed, making oral hygiene a must for keeping it in working order. With excellent care, your dental crown may last for up to thirty years.

About the Author

Dr. Corey Martinez earned his dental doctorate at the Indiana University School of Dentistry, where he realized that he had a passion for oral surgery and endodontics. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. His office in Indianapolis, IN offers general, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry such as dental crowns. For more information on caring for dental crowns, contact the office online or dial (317) 846-3431.