How long do dental crowns last?

Are you thinking about getting dental crowns but are worried that they will not go the distance?

If yes, you have come to the right place.

Within the below blog, you will find out exactly what dental crowns are, what is the dental crown procedure, and how long a permanent crown does last. Plus, discover how to choose the right dental crown for your oral health needs.

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a tooth shaped cap that is placed by a dentist over a tooth to help restore its shape and size. It also has the ability to strengthen and to protect the tooth, as well as to improve its overall appearance.  

There are several types of crowns available, including:

• Stainless steel dental crowns: These are used on permanent teeth, usually as a temporary measure.
• Porcelain fused to metal crowns: These can be color-matched to your adjacent teeth. These are a good option for front and back teeth, as well as long bridges where additional strength is preferable.
• Metal crowns (including alloys): These have a high content of gold or platinum or base-metal alloys such as cobalt-chromium. This type of dental crown can withstand biting and lasts the longest.
• All-porcelain crowns: These are ideal for people with metal allergies and who want a very natural color.
• All-resin dental crowns: These are cost-effective but not as durable as other options.

What is involved in a dental crown procedure?

Your personal dental crown procedure will be dependent on whether your chosen dentist decides to carry out the treatment over the course of one day or over multiple days.

Here at our Asheville family dentistry clinic, we will work with you to plan the right crown procedure for your oral healthcare needs and any worries or anxieties you may have.

Multi-day procedure

Most dentists require at least two visits to carry out a dental crown procedure, with the first one being used to prepare the tooth and fit a temporary crown and the second for fitting the permanent crown.

If you are looking for dental crowns Asheville dentists can offer, you should know that, here at Biltmore Avenue, we will ensure you get the perfect fit for your dental crown, ensuring it blends in with your natural teeth seamlessly.

During a multi-day procedure, you can expect the below steps to take place:

1. You will have an X-ray of the tooth to check for tooth decay. Following this, some patients may require a root canal prior to a dental crown being fitted.
2. The tooth will be reshaped to accommodate your chosen crown.
3. An impression of the shaped tooth will be made using a paste or putty, and the natural color of the tooth will be noted.
4. A temporary crown will be put in place.
5. On the second visit (this can be up to 3 weeks later), the temporary crown will be removed and the permanent crown cemented in. This will take place under a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and prevent any pain or discomfort.

Same day procedure

If your dentist is about to carry out your treatment on the same day, you can expect the below steps to take place:

1. Your dentist will take digital pictures of your mouth.
2. Your dental crown will be created using the digital scan at the dental lab. This can take between 1-2 hours to complete.
3. Your dentist will cement your crown in place.

It is worth noting that not all dentists are able to offer same-day crowns, and for some people, this option may be cost-prohibitive.

How long do dental crowns last?

If you are not sure if dental crowns are worth both the expense and the time spent in your local dentist chair, you may be interested in finding out if this type of dental treatment is permanent or not.

Of course, this will vary from one patient to another depending on the material used, how well they are fitted, and whether or not you take care of them properly. That being said, on average dental crowns can last for up to 15 years and sometimes even longer.

You may also be pleased to hear that dental crowns do not require any ongoing, specialist treatment to ensure their longevity. Instead, the length of their life is mostly dependent on how well you look after them

How can I ensure my dental crown lasts?

The simplest way to ensure dental crowns last for as long as possible is to care of them like you would any of your own natural teeth.

This includes:

• Brushing twice a day
• Daily flossing
• Paying close attention to your gum line
• Attending regular dental check-up appointments and visiting your hygienist
• Avoiding excessive teeth clenching or grinding
• Using a mouthguard at night if needed
• Avoiding using your teeth to open plastic packaging or to open bottle lids or caps

All of the above being said, your crown could still become chipped, cracked, damaged, or dislodged. If this happens to your dental crown, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your tooth and to prevent an infection.

It is also important that you arrange to see your dentist if you notice any swelling or tenderness around your crown or the tooth it is covering, as this could be a sign of further tooth decay.

If you have any questions about dental crowns or the crown procedure, please contact us here today, and one of our knowledgeable and experienced team will get back to you as soon as possible.