Dental crowns are a type of dental restoration that cap (or crown) an entire tooth or a dental implant. As the name suggests, they cover the existing damaged tooth or dental implant like a crown.
They are installed to restore damaged teeth i.e., broken teeth, weak teeth, chipped teeth, decayed teeth, or worn-down teeth. Dental crowns also restore misshapen teeth and discolored teeth.
However, you may be wondering how long they last after being installed. Below is the answer to this and more related questions on the longevity of crowns.
How Long Can a Temporary Crown Last?
There are a wide variety of crowns categorized in different ways from the material that makes them to their longevity. As the name suggests, temporary crowns are designed as a short-term tooth restoration solution (usually a few weeks). They are installed to protect a patient’s tooth as they await to get permanent crowns installed.
It’s worth noting that teeth must be “prepared” before a permanent crown is installed. Preparation usually involves dental cleaning, reshaping teeth, and taking teeth impressions. It also takes some time for the actual crown to be made.
Temporary crowns can also be installed if permanent crowns need to be adjusted. While temporary crowns are meant to last a few weeks, their average lifespan will depend on factors such as material, location, and dental care discussed in detail below.
Factors Affecting the Lifespan of Temporary Crowns:
Material: Most temporary crowns are made using softer materials like composite resin and acrylic, which aren’t as durable and may be limiting in terms of the foods you can eat before you have permanent crowns installed. Temporary metal crowns, porcelain crowns (ceramic crowns), or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns have the best lifespan.
Get the best dental crown materials in Toronto from Annex Dentistry.
Placement location: The longevity of temporary crowns will also be dictated by their placement. Crowns on high-stress teeth like molars tend to wear down faster.
Dental care: Crowns also need to be cared for properly to last. Good oral hygiene practices include, but aren’t limited to brushing, flossing, regular dental visits, and eating the right foods. Generally, you need to avoid chewy, sticky, and hard foods if you have regular temporary crowns installed.
How Long Does Getting a Crown Take?
The time taken depends on several factors, the most notable being:
- Case Complexity
Different types of tooth damage will require different approaches. For instance, badly decayed teeth will require treatment first, such as a root canal. If such teeth are severely damaged, the dentist must do extensive teeth preparation, which will take longer.
- Dental Lab TAT
Dental crowns are made in dental labs. For the best turnaround time (TAT), you need a dental office such as Annex Dentistry with a fully equipped dental lab and an experienced dental team capable of making durable high-quality custom crowns that fit perfectly and last long.
- Dental Appointments Needed
Generally, dental crowns are installed in two appointments. The first one is usually to assess a patient’s dental health. If they don’t need any dental treatment before crowns are installed, their teeth will be prepared and a dental impression will be taken. Temporary crowns are also installed. This is done in the first appointment, which can take an hour or two in most cases.
During the second appointment, temporary crowns are removed. Permanent crowns are then installed. The second appointment also includes aftercare tips. This appointment can take 30 minutes to an hour.
In a nutshell, most patients will need two appointments, however, if the underlying teeth need treatment, the process can take several appointments.
Schedule a dental crowns consultation to better understand the timeframe for your specific situation.
Signs That You Need Dental Crown Replacement
Once installed, dental crowns will improve the appearance, strength, and function of your teeth. However, while dental crowns can last for years (a decade or more), there are instances where you might need to have your crowns replaced. Besides the obvious signs like when a dental crown falls out, which other scenarios warrant a replacement?
- What’s the Age of Your Dental Crowns?
If you get dental crowns installed by seasoned experts and take proper care of them, they are bound to last years with no signs of wear. However, they still need to be replaced at some point. Your dentist should be able to give a precise timeline of how long your crowns should last.
Regular dental check-ups are required at least twice a year to check the overall condition of your crowns and any underlying dental health issues. We recommend you book a dental appointment if you have dental crowns that have lasted for years.
- Signs of Wear, Tear or Tooth Decay
Common types of crowns like porcelain crowns are highly durable and stain-resistant. However, teeth grinding and teeth clenching can cause premature wear and come with obvious signs like cracks.
When crowns crack, food particles penetrate and cause bacterial buildup. The result is tooth decay. In such a case, the decay must be treated first before crowns are replaced.
- Dental Pain
Your dental crowns also need to be replaced if you are experiencing pain and related symptoms like swelling, and tooth sensitivity. Worn-out or damaged crowns tend to fit poorly and exert pressure on the gums.
- Cosmetic Reasons for Dental Crown Replacement
In some cases, crowns can discolor over time and result in an unnatural appearance (a different color from the rest of your teeth). You may also get a receding gum line when bacterial buildup causes a gum infection. In such cases, replacing the crowns will improve your appearance as crowns are made to resemble natural teeth.
Final Thoughts
Dental crowns can last for years if they are taken care of, customized, and installed properly by experienced dental professionals. While the lifespan of dental crowns depends on many factors including materials and location of the crown, experienced dentists can create dental crowns that will last and serve you perfectly. The process is also bound to be quick and professional.
If you’ve had crowns for a while now or notice visible signs of wear or discoloration, it’s time to book an appointment and find out if you need crown replacement services.
Get Long-lasting Dental Crowns in Toronto at Annex Dentistry
Annex Dentistry is an independently owned dental clinic that puts patient care first. The clinic has been offering dental crown treatment, among other general and cosmetic dentistry treatments for over 50 years.
Don’t let a damaged or decayed tooth compromise your beautiful smile and dental function. Annex Dentistry has the latest dental crown equipment and technology as well as highly experienced dental professionals led by Dr. Amy.
You can also enjoy a variety of cosmetic and general dentistry services. Get information on the best type of crowns, the best oral hygiene habits for crowns, and more. Call 416-962-4022 or email: [email protected].