What a dental crown is and how long it lasts
A dental crown is a cap that covers your whole tooth above the gum. It restores the shape, size and strength of a tooth that is weak, cracked or badly worn. Most crowns last about 5 to 15 years with good care, according to Cleveland Clinic.
A research review in the medical database PubMed found that about 95 out of 100 crowns stay in the mouth for at least five years. Over 15 to 20 years, the numbers range from about 50 to 80 out of 100. Where you land in that range depends on the tooth, the material and how well you care for it.
Crowns are one of the most common repairs in dentistry. They are not just for show. A well-fitted crown holds a weak tooth together, so a small crack does not grow into a split that costs you the whole tooth.
You may hear a crown called a cap. The two words mean the same thing.
When you need a crown
Your dentist may suggest a crown to:
- Protect a tooth that is weak from decay or a large filling
- Hold together a cracked tooth so it does not split
- Cover a tooth after a root canal
- Support a dental bridge or sit on top of an implant
- Fix a tooth that is badly worn, broken or misshapen
- Cover a tooth that is discolored or oddly shaped
Visit one: getting the tooth ready, and your temporary crown
The first visit starts with numbing medicine, so you should feel pressure but no pain. Your dentist removes any decay and shapes the tooth by taking off a layer of enamel. This makes room so the crown fits without feeling bulky.
Cleveland Clinic notes that this step removes some of your natural tooth. That is a trade-off. In return you get a tooth that is protected from breaking. If your tooth is very worn down, your dentist may first build it up with filling material to give the crown something to hold.
Next, your dentist records the shape of your tooth. At Kendall Dental Associates we use an intraoral scanner for digital impressions, so there is no tray of impression material and no gagging.
While the final crown is made, you wear a temporary one. We can print temporary crowns in the office with our in-house 3D printer.
Temporary crowns are not as strong as the final one. Avoid sticky foods like caramel and gum, and skip very hard foods. Floss carefully by sliding the floss out to the side instead of pulling it up, so you do not pop the temporary off. If it comes loose, call your dentist.
Visit two: placing the final crown
At the second visit, your dentist removes the temporary crown and tries in the final one. You and your dentist check the fit, the color and how it feels when you bite. When everything looks right, the crown is cemented on.
Cleveland Clinic says a crown usually takes two appointments. It also says that some offices can make a crown the same day with computer-aided design and milling, though same-day crowns are not right for everyone. Ask your dentist which option fits your tooth.
Before you leave, ask how to care for the crown and what to do if something feels off. Most people forget the details by the time they get home, so write down the answers or ask for them in writing.
Over the next few days, your bite and your gum should settle in. If either one does not, do not wait for the next checkup. A quick adjustment is far easier than living with a crown that does not feel right.
What crowns are made of
Crowns can be made of metal, resin, porcelain or porcelain over metal. Each one has pros and cons:
No material is best for everyone. A back tooth that takes heavy chewing may do well with a very strong material. A front tooth, where looks matter most, often does best in porcelain. Your dentist will talk through the choice with you, including how the material feels against your other teeth.
- Metal (like gold): very strong and kind to the tooth below, but it looks like metal
- Porcelain or ceramic: the best match for the color of your teeth, and a common choice for front teeth
- Porcelain over metal: strong with a natural look, though a thin dark line can show at the gum over time
- Resin: less costly, but it wears down faster and can chip
How to make your crown last
A crown protects your tooth, but the tooth under it can still get decay. Most crowns fail because new decay starts at the edge, where the crown meets the tooth.
Brush twice a day and floss every day, especially around the crown. Keep your cleanings and exams on schedule, so your dentist can check the edges. Do not chew ice, pens or hard candy. If you grind your teeth at night, ask about a night guard, because grinding can crack even a strong crown.
Small habits add up. Use a soft brush, and angle it toward the gum line, where the crown meets the tooth. A water flosser can help if string floss is hard to use around your crown.
What to expect after
Your gum may be a little sore for a few days. Your bite may feel different at first. If it still feels high after a couple of days, call your dentist. It is a quick fix to adjust it.
Some people feel sensitivity to hot and cold for a few weeks. See your dentist if the pain is sharp, lasts, or wakes you at night. If a crown comes off, keep it, bring it in and call us. Do not try to glue it on yourself.
Keep up your regular cleanings. Your hygienist can clean around the edge of the crown in a way that is hard to do at home, and your dentist can take an X-ray now and then to check the tooth underneath.
Crowns at KDA
Kendall Dental Associates offers crowns and bridges, including all-ceramic restorations, in the Kendall Mall. We have been in Kendall since 1973. Our office uses digital scans and 3D imaging, so your dentist can plan your crown with a clear picture of your tooth.
To ask about a crown, call 305-271-1421 or visit 8833 SW 107th Ave, Miami, FL 33176. We are open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with emergency care available 24/7. If a crown comes loose or a tooth breaks, call us right away. We accept most dental insurances and most Medicare supplemental plans, and financing is available.
Our dentists include Dr. Alfredo Calderon, Dr. David Faget, Dr. Wayne Berry and Dr. Laurence Huber, and Dr. Huber has practiced in South Florida for over 45 years. Ask which dentist is the best fit for your tooth.
Common questions
Does getting a crown hurt?
The tooth is numb, so you should feel pressure and not pain. Mild soreness in the gum for a few days is common.
How many visits does a crown take?
Usually two. Cleveland Clinic says some offices offer same-day crowns, but these are not right for every tooth.
How long does a dental crown last?
Cleveland Clinic says about 5 to 15 years with good care. Many last longer.
Can a tooth under a crown get a cavity?
Yes. Decay can start at the edge of the crown, so brushing, flossing and regular checkups still matter.
What if my crown falls off?
Keep the crown, call your dentist and avoid chewing on that tooth. Do not use household glue. Your dentist can usually put it back or replace it.
Is the crown color a match for my other teeth?
Porcelain and ceramic crowns can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. Your dentist will show you the shade before it is placed.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Your dentist will confirm what is right for you at your exam. General information checked against: my.clevelandclinic.org, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, mayoclinic.org.