How Long Does a Dental Crown Last, and When Does It Need Replacing?

A dental crown is built to handle years of chewing, but it is not permanent. If you have had a crown for a while, or you are about to get one, it is natural to wonder how long it will hold up and how you will know when it needs attention. Here is what our team at Plaza Dental Group shares with patients in Urbandale and the greater Des Moines area.

How long does a dental crown last?

Many dental crowns last 10 to 15 years, and some last much longer with good care. There is no fixed expiration date. Two crowns placed on the same day can have very different lifespans. That depends on where they sit in the mouth, how they are cared for, and how much force they take every day.

Keep in mind that the crown itself cannot get a cavity, but the tooth underneath it can. Often a crown does not fail because the porcelain wears out. Problems more commonly start at the edge where the crown meets the natural tooth, where decay or gum issues can develop.

What affects how long a crown lasts?

Several everyday factors play a part:

• Oral hygiene. Plaque that builds up along the gumline can lead to decay at the edge of the crown.
• Grinding and clenching. Nighttime grinding puts heavy, repeated pressure on a crown and can crack or loosen it.
• Chewing habits. Biting ice, hard candy, pens, or fingernails can chip porcelain.
• Location in the mouth. Back teeth do most of the heavy chewing, so crowns on molars are under more stress than crowns on front teeth.
• The health of the tooth and gums underneath. A crown relies on a healthy tooth and gums to stay secure.
• Regular dental visits. Small problems are usually easier to manage when they are found early.

When does a crown need replacing?

Age alone is not usually a reason to replace a crown. An older crown that still fits well, feels comfortable, and protects the tooth may not need any work at all. A crown may need replacing when it is no longer doing its job. For example, it may be damaged or no longer fit snugly, or the tooth or gum around it may have changed.

Only your dentist can make that call, which is why regular dental exams and X-rays matter. They allow your dentist to check the edges of the crown and the tooth underneath for changes you may not be able to see or feel.

Signs a dental crown needs replacing

These signs do not always mean a crown has to be replaced, but they are all worth having checked. Contact your dentist if you notice any of the following:

• Pain or sensitivity. You may feel discomfort when you bite down, or new sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
• A loose crown. A crown should feel like a solid part of your tooth, so any movement is worth having looked at.
• Chips or cracks. Even a small chip can leave rough edges or weak spots.
• A change in your bite. Your teeth no longer come together the way they used to.
• Receding gums or a dark line at the gumline. When the gum pulls back, more of the crown edge can be exposed.
• Swollen, sore, or bleeding gums around the crown. Irritation around a single tooth is worth having checked.
• Visible wear. The crown looks flattened or worn down.
• A bad taste or odor around the tooth.

If a crown comes off completely, keep it somewhere safe, avoid chewing on that side, and call the office as soon as you can. If you need to be seen quickly, our emergency dental services page explains how to reach us.

What happens if you put it off?

Problems with a crown are unlikely to improve on their own. If the seal around a crown breaks down, bacteria can reach the tooth underneath. Because the crown covers the tooth, decay there may not be visible. Over time, this can lead to more involved treatment. Having a crown checked early usually means simpler options.

What does replacing a crown involve?

If your dentist recommends a new crown, the process is similar to getting your first one. The old crown is removed, the tooth underneath is checked, and a new custom crown is made to suit your smile. Your dentist will explain each step for your situation before any treatment begins. To learn more, visit our page on dental crowns in Urbandale.

How to help your crown last longer

These everyday habits can help:

• Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss daily, taking extra care along the gumline around the crown.
• If you grind or clench your teeth, ask your dentist whether a night guard could help.
• Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, and other very hard objects.
• Do not use your teeth to open packages or bottles.
• Keep up with regular exams and cleanings so your crown can be checked.

Have your crown checked at Plaza Dental Group

If your crown feels different, looks worn, or has simply been in place for many years, an exam can help you understand where things stand. At Plaza Dental Group in Urbandale, our doctors can check the crown and the tooth beneath it. They can talk you through your options, including whether it needs attention now or can be left as it is.

Call us at 515-224-5999 to schedule a visit at 14111 Douglas Pkwy, Suite 103, Urbandale, IA 50323. We welcome patients from Urbandale, Des Moines, Clive, Waukee, and surrounding communities.