The lifespan of a dental crown usually depends on how well you’re taking care of your teeth. If you are following good oral hygiene practices then the crown should last years. However, there are other reasons why your crown may not last as long as you’d like it to.

Dental crown problems

Crowns can become defective if they break or the tooth starts to decay underneath the crown. In either case, the crown can be replaced, assuming the tooth underneath is healthy enough to hold a crown.

Sometimes we will replace a crown because of aesthetic reasons, especially if you’re not happy with how it looks or the gum starts to recede, showing a discolored tooth below the crown.

If you discover that your crown is coming off, be sure to clean the crown and the front of your tooth. Dental adhesive or a temporary tooth cement can be used to replace the crown temporarily until you can get a permanent replacement.

You may also find that your crown has chipped. If the damage is small, it can be fixed using a composite resin. But if it continues to chip it can always be replaced.

Caring for dental crowns

Dental crowns do not usually require any special care. But it is important to realize that a dental crown does not protect a tooth from disease or decay. Continue to brush and floss daily, especially where the crown meets the tooth.

How long do dental crowns last?

Your dental crown should last around five to fifteen years. Of course, that can vary depending on how well you care for your teeth. It can also vary if you grind your teeth, clench your jaw, chew ice, or have other similar habits.

Practice good oral hygiene and avoid bad habits to extend your crown’s lifespan as long as possible.