Are Dental Crowns Permanent?

Modern dental crowns have been made realistically to resemble natural teeth like never before.

Therefore, patients wearing them will not be vaguely reminded that they have a crown and how long these crowning artistic developments last.

Nevertheless, these highly long-lasting restorations eventually require replacement. Knowing how to do this appropriately is helpful for anyone who has a crown.

At Cardiff Dental, our patients often ask, “How long will my crown last?”

This is an essential question because repeat restorative or cosmetic dentistry work can traumatise an already compromised tooth.

So, patients should be well-informed about the average lifespan of porcelain crowns and when they may need to be replaced.

We will help you learn about crown longevity using the information below.

Factors that Determine Dental Crown Longevity

Location of the Crowned Tooth:

• Front Teeth: Crowns on front teeth generally endure less pressure than those on molars. They are often made from materials like porcelain, which offer a natural look and resist staining.
• Back Teeth: Crowns on molars are subjected to the constant forces of chewing, which can lead to faster wear and tear. These crowns may need to be made from more durable materials like zirconia or metal alloys to withstand the pressure.

Condition of the Underlying Tooth:

• The health of the original tooth plays a significant role in the crown’s longevity. A tooth that has been through a root canal procedure or one with a vast cavity is expected to withstand the pressures applied to it for a shorter period than a natural tooth.

Oral Hygiene and Maintenance:

• This is especially important so that any issues raised by a crown can be detected early and dealt with so as not to reduce the crown’s lifespan. Fluoride consumption through rinsing, regular brushing, and scaling helps to postpone reinforcement at the edges of the crown to the natural tooth. Failure to brush and floss causes damage to the gums and tooth enamel and can jeopardise the crown’s stability.

Bad Habits:

• Behaviours like gritting or clenching your teeth (bruxism), gnawing on intricate items like pencils or ice, or using your teeth as tools (e.g., opening bottles) can significantly reduce the lifespan of a crown. A nightguard may be recommended if you grind your teeth, especially if the crown is on a molar.

Materials Used:

• The material used to fabricate the crown affects its durability and longevity. Common materials include:
  • Porcelain: Offers a natural appearance but may be more prone to chipping.
  • Zirconia: Known for its strength and durability, it is ideal for molars.
  • Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM): Blends the beauty of porcelain with the durability of metal.
  • Gold: Although less common today, gold crowns are highly durable and can last many years.

Quality of Installation:

• The accuracy and ability of the dentist also play a role in the success of a dental crown. A well-prepared tooth and a properly fitted crown can significantly enhance the crown’s longevity.

Full or Partial Crown:

• A full crown covers the entire tooth, while a partial crown (or onlay) covers a portion. The type of crown used can impact its durability and how long it will last.

Periodontal Health and External Damage:

• Healthy gums are essential for supporting your crown. Gum disease can weaken the crown’s foundation, leading to potential failure. Additionally, accidents or trauma to the mouth can damage a crown.

As you can see, multiple factors are involved in retaining a crown. Many insurance companies cover replacing a crown if it breaks after five to eight years. Many dentists have a slightly longer estimate, believing a crown should last five to fifteen years.

Scientific Studies Demonstrate Crown Longevity

Are dental crowns the optimum solution for a dental problem? Are they manufactured well and use appropriate materials, and are they appropriately installed by a dedicated, expert professional who is given diligent home care?

In those cases, dental crowns can sometimes last for decades.

Much of what we know about crown performance has come from the study of 2,340 crowns followed for 25 years; 1,989 were still going strong after 25 years. The overall success rate after ten years of installation is 97 %, with 2270 crowns that have been in operation for more than one decade. Twenty-five years later, the effectiveness had reached 15%, which is still very high at 85 %. (Walton, 2013).

The 3% at 10 years and 15% at 25 years that did fail for one reason or another demonstrate that crowns are not eternal. This should remind us that long-term success is not guaranteed and that taking proper care of teeth, especially those with dental crowns, is critical.

Guiding Principles for Dental Crown Treatment

Good Diagnosis: Dental crowns are an excellent solution to many dental problems, but not all of them. Crowns should only be used when they are the best solution and have the highest chance of a long-term and successful treatment.

Excellent Materials: Appropriate materials must be chosen to build a crown. The appropriate material depends partly on the tooth’s location or teeth to be treated. Other issues include the patient’s cosmetic desires and bite characteristics. After all this is considered, we will advise on the best material and crown construction.

We often suggest zirconia for its extreme durability, but it is not always appropriate. Your needs and desires are always thoroughly discussed before we decide which materials are best for your unique situation.

Professional Installation: Cardiff dentist is skilled at installing dental caps and is experienced in considering all the factors involved in a successful procedure. We carefully prepare the tooth, use only the best materials to construct the crown, and then set it with only the best cement available.

We try to provide a pain-free experience, no matter what treatment we perform!

Home Care: Once the crown is in place, we will train you to use the highest oral hygiene and maintenance levels. Proper home care is crucial for your crown’s longevity; we will help you provide it!

Dental Crowns Management in Cardiff

At Cardiff Dental, we aim to make quality dental care affordable for our patients who need dental crowns and all community members with dental needs.

We aim to make oral health care an attainable goal, thus offering affordable services. Visit our special offers page today!

Contact your Cardiff dentist at (02) 4954 6888 or book your appointment online today!

Visit us at 30 Veronica Street in Cardiff.