Dental crowns, called caps in previous generations, are durable restorations that cover a tooth above the gumline. Crowns provide structural support for damaged teeth. And while metal and ceramic crowns are quite strong, they don’t last forever.
If your dental crown feels loose or painful, or if it’s been a while since you visited the dentist for a checkup, call Dental Care of Lombard today and schedule an appointment with Dr. Julie Glud. A family and general dentist, Dr. Glud will examine your mouth and tell you whether a crown needs replacement. She offers metal crowns, but prefers to place the more esthetic options: porcelain/ceramic or zirconia.
How long can you expect a dental crown to last?
The longevity of a crown is based on the material used and the assumption that the dentist properly prepared the tooth and attached the crown. In general, metal crowns last 10-30 years and ceramic/porcelain crowns last 5-15 years. Zirconia crowns should last 20 or more years.
- Metal: 10-30 yrs.
- Ceramic/porcelain: 5-15 yrs.
- Zirconia: 20+ yrs.
These timelines apply for patients who take great care of their dental health at home and visit the dentist for checkups and cleanings twice a year. Furthermore, a crown may fail early if it incurs damage or the patient has poor oral health. Malocclusion and TMJ issues can place undue stress on restorations, resulting in their premature failure, as well.
What type of crown is best?
Your dentist will suggest the crown material that best suits your age, oral health, and case. Stainless steel crowns, for instance, are commonly used on children’s primary teeth because they are strong and inexpensive. After all, that crowned tooth is going to fall out and, hopefully, be replaced by a healthy permanent tooth.
Another consideration is the location of the crown. Front teeth, called incisors and canines, show when we smile. They also bite rather than chew food, so they don’t experience the crushing pressure that molars endure on a daily basis. For these reasons, ceramic or porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns are commonly placed on front teeth.
For crowns on molars, metal, PFM, or zirconia are the best options, in most cases. These materials provide excellent tensile strength, meaning they don’t break easily under pressure. While metal crowns stand out amidst natural teeth, zirconia is a white material that blends seamlessly with natural teeth. However, zirconia is more expensive than metal and is not usually covered by insurance.
How does a failing crown feel?
Dr. Glud can detect a failing crown during your checkup, so attending six-month visits is important. However, symptoms to watch for include pain ranging from mild to severe on a crowned tooth, and the pain often increases when you bite or chew. Swelling and inflammation of gum tissue near the crowned tooth may also indicate that a crown has failed. You may also notice gum recession and/or the crown’s sharp edges become visible near the gumline.
Don’t Delay. Call Today!
A failed dental crown loses its seal, so bacteria can invade the natural, underlying tooth. This leads to cavities and more serious concerns, like abscesses. So, if you suspect a failed dental crown, call Dr. Glud today at 630-629-5700 to schedule your appointment.
