How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns are one of the most popular treatment options for damaged and chipped teeth. Consisting of a small cap or cover that fits over your tooth, it restores both the appearance and the function to your broken tooth. However, one of the most common questions we get about dental crowns is how long they last.

In general, the average dental crown can last around 12 to 15 years. With proper maintenance and oral hygiene, some crowns can last 20 to even 30 years. Do you want to know how to make the most of a dental crown? Learn from our experienced dental team here at Chang Dental Group to find out how to extend the functional life of your dental crown.

Why do dental crowns fall out?

Dental crowns, which are typically made out of a porcelain material, are carefully fitted on top of your damaged tooth. A special dental glue or cement is used to attach the crown to the tooth and keep it in place. In some instances, your dentist may also hone down the edges of your tooth to ensure that the crown fits better.

A dental crown is only viable if there is a tooth as a base. If anything happens to the tooth, such as it falling out due to a bacterial infection or other forms of gum disease, the crown will fall out with it. Furthermore, the adhesive paste does wear out overtime. Highly acidic foods, tobacco, and other harmful substances can all weaken the bond as well and cause the crown to fall off.

What should I do to make a dental crown last longer?

In general, maintaining good oral hygiene habits is the best way to extend the lifespan of your dental crown. A few key oral practices include:

• Brushing your teeth at least twice daily
• Using mouthwash and flossing at least once daily
• Eating a balanced, healthy diet
• Reducing your consumption of sugary and acidic foods
• Avoiding carcinogens like tobacco, vaping, and similar substances
• Wearing a mouthguard when playing rough contact sports
• Seeing your dentist for a check-up at least twice a year

What should I do if my dental crown falls out?

If your dental crown is knocked off or falls out, don’t panic! There is a chance your dentist can save your dental crown or, in a worse case scenario, replace the crown on your tooth with another. Make sure you do the following to maximize the chance of saving both your tooth and your crown when it falls off:

• Contact your dentist and schedule an appointment as soon as possible
• Carefully rinse off your crown with tap water
• Avoid chewing with the crownless tooth
• Do not attempt to put your crown back on by yourself

Get dental crowns that last from Chang Dental Group

Do you need dental care and live in the Natick, Massachusetts area? Then we invite you to visit us at Chang Dental Group! We are one of the top-rated dental groups in the state, and strive for excellence in all we do. Want to see how our general and cosmetic services can improve your smile? Then check out our smile gallery and see the difference our dentists can make when you visit our practice.

Contact us today if you have any questions or to schedule an appointment, and we look forward to helping you here at Chang Dental Group!