How Common Is Dental Crown Replacement?

How Common Is Dental Crown Replacement? from Sonoran Desert Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZThe time and effort that go into fitting a dental crown suggest a permanent restoration. Maybe it is the fact that installing a dental crown often requires multiple dentist visits. It could be the permanence that comes with the removal of enamel before the placement of a crown. Dental crowns that sit on dental implants also seem permanent.

This raises the question: are dental crowns supposed to be permanent or not? Also, how often do dentists end up replacing their patients’ dental caps?

The dental crown: A brief explainer

A dental crown is a prosthetic that looks like the visible part of a tooth, hence its name. Dental caps are hollow on the inside, which allows them to act as a sheath for the underlying tooth. A dentist will make a mold of their patient’s tooth and use the impression as a blueprint for the dental cap.

The end product is a custom restoration with a hollow space that is a perfect fit for the tooth it sheaths. Some dentists have in-office milling machines that can fabricate same-day crowns. Many more dentists send impressions of their patient's teeth to dental labs. These labs create the crowns by hand or machine. The dental lab option requires a patient to make at least two visits to the dentist.

Does the effort it takes to get a dental crown pay off in terms of durability? A dental cap can last anywhere from fifteen years to a lifetime. However, there are cases where a dental crown lasts only a few years. Here is what determines how long a crown remains in perfect condition:

1. The type of crown

The material that goes into the making of a crown informs how long the crown lasts. Crowns made of composite resin are affordable, but there are limitations to their toughness and lifespan. A porcelain dental cap can last just about fifteen years. A gold crown can last a lifetime under the right circumstances.

2. The oral health and oral habits of the wearer

Dental crowns form protective barriers against injury and infection, but only to a degree. Take the example of a patient that experiences a failed root canal. A dentist will need to remove the patient’s crown to treat the problem tooth. The dentist may reuse the crown, or they may need to place a new crown.

3. Injury and breakage

A blow to the mouth can damage the crown as well as the tooth it sits on. Extensive damage to the structure of the crown will mean that the patient gets a new crown.

4. Changes in the mouth due to aging

Age changes the structures that anchor the natural teeth. As an example, gum recession can change the fit of a dental crown. A dentist would advise a patient who experiences this type of change to get a new crown.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges in Scottsdale, AZ

Reach out if your smile could use a boost

Our practice offers preventative and restorative oral healthcare to meet all your needs. Get in touch with us to schedule a visit with our dentist. They will use their knowledge and experience to restore your smile in a way that works for you. A talk with our dentist will help you figure out if a dental crown is the way to give your smile the touchup it needs.

Request an appointment or call Sonoran Desert Dentistry at 480-439-0117 for an appointment in our Scottsdale office.

Recent Posts

How Dental Crowns Are Bonded To A Tooth

Dental crowns are a great way to repair teeth that are damaged by decay or dental trauma, and they are commonly used for a variety of other purposes as well. While many are familiar with what dental crowns are, it can be helpful to understand exactly how they are bonded to a tooth, particularly if…

Understanding Dental Crowns Versus Veneers

Dental crowns and veneers can both restore the function and appearance of damaged teeth. That damage can take the form of decay, discoloration, chips or cracks, or a crooked appearance. The main difference is that a crown goes over the whole tooth, whereas a veneer only sits on the front. Beyond that, there are pros…

When Is Getting A Dental Crown Necessary?

A dental crowns can treat many oral issues. Also known as dental caps, crowns cover up damaged teeth completely, instantly restoring their form and function. The cosmetic and restorative properties of caps make them so popular with dentists. A dental crown is a way to extend the life of a badly damaged tooth and avoid…

Recent Posts

What To Expect When Receiving Dentures

What To Expect When Receiving Dentures

Receiving dentures is a straightforward process, but it is determined by the type of dentures you receive. There are three types of dentures we will consider for your case, and in doing so, we will walk you through the process in depth at the time of your appointment. This article strives to provide you with…

The Difference Between Full Dentures And Partial Dentures

The Difference Between Full Dentures And Partial Dentures

Full and partial dentures are two types of dental appliances that can improve your smile and ability to eat and speak clearly. While they look similar on the outside, they are very different in design and function. Read on to learn more about the differences between these two types of dentures and what you can…