How Long Do Full Coverage Crowns Last?
Sustaining your proper dental hygiene at home is a never-ending commitment, and just a brief lapse in brushing your teeth will result in plaque building up. If you do not see your dentist to have a cavity corrected, it will progressively decay to the point where you will need a full coverage crown.
There are other situations when your dentist might recommend a crown, such as a damaged tooth from playing sports or an accident from tripping and falling.
When Do You Need Dental Crowns?
Cavities that increase to the point where a root canal procedure is needed often require a crown to cover the entire tooth for protection. There are a variety of other situations when you may need a full coverage crown, including:
- A broken tooth.
- Tooth fractures.
- Severe tooth damage.
- To attach a dental bridge to the tooth for support.
- A misshapen tooth.
You might also desire a crown for cosmetic reasons, such as a tooth that is discolored or an unsightly gap between two front teeth.
What are Full Coverage Crowns?
Full coverage crowns are frequent and common in dentistry, and they are simply a cap that fits over the tooth. Dental fillings can solve numerous tooth-related issues, and in some situations, they may not improve; full coverage crowns may often be recommended.
The full coverage crown fits snugly on the tooth and can be custom fabricated to match the natural size and shape of your natural teeth. Full coverage crowns help achieve several objectives, such as improving your tooth’s:
- Cosmetic appearance.
- Strength and functionality.
- Shape and size.
Full coverage crowns first require an impression made of the tooth. This impression is sent to a dental lab that will design and fabricate the custom crown, but some dental offices make crowns in-house.
While you are waiting for your custom permanent crown, a temporary crown is placed on the tooth to protect it. When the new crown is finished, your dentist removes the temporary crown, confirms that the crown fits properly, and then cements the crown permanently in place. The crown will cover the entire visible part of the tooth and provide complete protection.
How Long Do Full Coverage Crowns Last?
Full coverage crowns might not last your lifetime, but with proper care, they will easily last 15 to 30 years. Gold crowns can last an exceptionally long time, but they are quite expensive.
When your dentist recommends a full coverage dental crown, they are trying to restore a tooth or regain their natural appearance. Wear and tear are completely natural and will cause your dental crown to weaken. If you enjoy eating hard objects like nuts, there will be a higher risk of wear from the density of the nuts and added chewing pressure. Since you have your own diet and dental hygiene practices, it is difficult to identify the specific lifespan of your crown.
If you wish to extend the life of your full coverage crown, you should consider:
- Maintaining your good daily regular oral hygiene habits with brushing and flossing.
- Reduce the consumption of harder foods, such as nuts.
- Wear a mouthguard if you clench your jaw or grind your teeth.
Related Article: Indication for Full Coverage Crowns