How Long Do Full Coverage Crowns Last?
Full coverage dental crowns are used to restore teeth that have extensive decay, suffered a fracture, or have undergone root canal therapy. Crowns are considered a permanent restoration though they may not necessarily last a lifetime. Good oral hygiene is important not only to the health of your natural teeth, but to the well-being and longevity of any dental restorations.
How long do full coverage crowns last?
Most full coverage crowns can last between 15 and 20 years, but this of course depends greatly on how well you take care of it and how good your oral hygiene routine is. Teeth that have crowns can still develop decay under the crown, so it is important to maintain a good home care routine, and to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings.
Longevity of a Full Coverage Crown
There are a number of factors that can affect the longevity of your full coverage crown. As we mentioned, good, oral hygiene is vital to the longevity of your crown. Patients who have poor oral hygiene are at risk of developing periodontal disease, which compromises not only the teeth and gums, but any restoration that you have can be negatively impacted. If decay develops under a crown, the crown will need to be replaced.
Lifestyle habits can also have an impact on how long your crown lasts. Patients who suffer from bruxism apply an enormous amount of pressure on their teeth, which can wear down a crown and even cause it to fracture. Bruxism is the unconscious clenching or grinding of teeth which a lot of us do in our sleep. A simple night guard is a great way to ease the pressure of tooth to tooth contact during bruxism.
Any event that your crown falls off, it is very important to see your dentist as soon as possible to have it re-cemented. When a crown falls off, it generally means that something is wrong and needs to be addressed. Even if you are not experiencing any discomfort, the tooth is compromised without the crown and is more susceptible to fracture or even shifting.
Full coverage, dental crowns are a great way to restore a compromised tooth and keep your natural teeth as long as possible. Normal wear and tear is to be expected, but with proper care and maintenance, your crown can easily last up to 20 years or longer. A dental crown is an investment in your oral health, so it is important to take the necessary steps to keep your crown healthy.