Ask the Dentist!
How Long Should a Crown Last?
The human mouth is one of the most hostile environments in existence. Bacteria, extremes in temperatures, extremes in pressures, and abuse from use as tools, it’s a wonder that teeth survive as long as they do. Not to mention anything we as dentists do to fix and replace them. So, when someone asks me how long a crown will last, I must answer them honestly with “I don’t know.” Studies show that the average lifespan of a crown is 6-8 years, but the longevity of a crown depends on many factors.
Bacteria
Our mouth is filled with bacteria all the time. The key is to control how these bacteria affect the teeth, this includes the tooth that has a crown. When a crown needs to be replaced, I often hear patients comment that they thought they were finished with that tooth because it has a crown. Like any other natural tooth, a tooth with a crown can still get a cavity. The junction where the tooth and crown meet is critical to keep clean with daily flossing and brushing. Diet is also an important consideration. Dietary acid softens teeth and dietary sugar feeds bacteria which can lead to cavities.
Extremes in Pressure
Teeth are designed to tolerate “normal” functions when eating. What’s hard to define is what is considered “normal.” What may be easier to define is what is considered “abnormal.” Ice chewing is the most common habit I would consider abnormal. Really hard, crunchy foods can also break not only natural teeth but porcelain on crowns. Clenching and grinding can cause premature wear and tear on teeth leading to tooth or porcelain fractures. Watching the kinds of food you eat and using a grinding splint will keep teeth and crowns intact.
Using teeth as tools
Teeth are convenient to use as a knife or scissors since you always have them handy. But beware! I have fixed many teeth that were used for tools. Once broken and fixed a filling will never be as strong as the natural tooth and the tooth must be cut down to fit a crown. Even though crowns are strong they can also fracture. So, my advice is always don’t use your teeth for tools.
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