If you have an upcoming root canal or have a broken or severely decayed tooth, your dentist will likely provide you with a dental crown to protect it. These prosthetics are bonded over injured teeth to repair their functionality while simultaneously safeguarding them from potential harm or injury. Plus, they’re customized to be just the right color, size, and shape so that no one can tell them apart from the real thing.
It’s natural to have questions if you’ve just been told you’ll be receiving one of these restorations. One of the first things many people want to know is how long they typically last. Continue reading to learn more about what you can expect regarding your dental crown’s longevity!
How Long Do Dental Crows Last?
There is no single answer to this question because it varies from person to person based on their unique circumstances. Typically, you can expect your artificial tooth to last 3 to 15 years, though they’ve been known to last longer if they’re properly maintained.
Some factors that can influence its lifespan include:
- Your oral hygiene routine. Although dental crowns cannot have cavities, the underlying teeth can still decay, which can loosen or dislodge your restoration.
- Your dental habits. If you tend to chew pen caps or fingernails or subconsciously grind your teeth, you could prematurely wear down or chip your prosthetic.
- The size and location. Larger dental crowns in the back of your mouth function like molars and sustain more pressure from everyday chewing, so they may require replacement sooner than one covering a front tooth.
- The material used. They can be made of metal, ceramic, or porcelain-fused-to-metal. Metal tends to last longer than porcelain but is less visually appealing and can cause tooth sensitivity.
Do CEREC Same-Day Dental Crowns Last as Long?
Traditionally, being fitted for one takes multiple appointments because your dentist must prepare your teeth and take impressions, then wait for a lab to deliver your crown to be placed. However, many dentists offer CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) same-day dental crowns to expedite a more accurate treatment. This method utilizes digital images and impressions that are fed into a computer, which uses the information to carve a small block of ceramic using an on-site milling machine in the same visit.
It’s easy to think that if your dental crown is created in the office, it will be less durable than a traditional one from a lab. Fortunately, that’s not the case! The same ceramic is used for CEREC machines so that you’re not sacrificing convenience for longevity.
Whether you have a traditional dental crown or one created with CEREC technology, you’ll be safeguarding your smile for years to come.
About the Practice
Dr. Natalie and Ramon Ortiz at Painted Skies Dental Center have decades of combined experience offering a full array of services under one roof. They enjoy connecting with people of all ages and backgrounds and go above and beyond to help every patient feel welcome. With a total-body approach to oral care, they can help improve your overall well-being by enhancing your dental health. They stay current with the latest technology and techniques, like CEREC same-day dental crowns, so you can trust that your smile is in good hands. To schedule an appointment, contact the office on the website or by calling (575) 521-8720.