Are Dental Crowns Permanent?

Dental crowns are a tried-and-true method of repairing and preserving broken teeth, but are they a long-term solution? We at Grand Ledge Smiles are committed to empowering our patients to make knowledgeable decisions regarding their oral health.

You can get the most out of your restoration and keep your smile confident and healthy by knowing how long dental crowns last and how to take care of them.

Dental Crowns – Are They Permanent?

This restoration is a versatile, durable, personalized solution for weak teeth. However, it is not a permanent fixture.

Variables that play into how long crowns last include the materials used, the current state of the tooth, and the person’s oral hygiene habits. According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), an estimated 95% of crowns are still functioning after five years, while survival rates over 15 to 20 years are in the range of 50% to 80%.

What Can Affect Your Restoration?

• Cavities: Cavities can still occur in your tooth beneath the crown. Make sure to floss once daily and brush your teeth twice daily to avoid cavities.
• Loose Crown: Your dental crown might come loose. This occurs when the tooth’s core, which secures the crown, is too weak. You might need a root canal if the tooth’s nerve is compromised to preserve it. Alternatively, you might have to have the tooth extracted and have a dental implant placed instead.
• Cracks and Chips: Dental crowns may crack or chip, which is important for patients to be aware of and look out for.
• Teeth Sensitivity: It’s possible that your tooth’s nerve will become more sensitive to cold and heat, which can also result in pain and discomfort. In this situation, a root canal procedure might be necessary.

Situations Where Crowns Need to Be Replaced

Tooth Decay: If oral hygiene is neglected, the tooth beneath the crown may decay. The stability of your crown can become compromised by this deterioration, requiring replacement. Our doctor would effectively remove any old or failing restorations or decay from the tooth.

Wear and Tear: Crowns may wear down, chip, or crack over time, especially if they are exposed to excessive forces from bad habits like bruxism, or teeth grinding. The crown’s appearance and functionality may be jeopardized by such damage.

Loss of Retention: Crowns can come loose due to cement deterioration or modifications to the tooth’s underlying structure, which could result in failure. In fact, according to the European Journal of Oral Sciences, loss of retention is one of the main reasons for single crown failure.

Periodontal Disease: Crown failure may result from gum disease impacting the tooth’s supporting tissues.

Dental crowns are a long-term, dependable way to restore damaged teeth, even though they are not permanent. To schedule your restoration consultation, get in touch with our dependable Grand Ledge Smiles staff!