Longevity of Crowns

Your teeth are the strongest substance in your body and can stand up to a substantial amount of daily use. However, while incredibly strong, they can still face issues such as physical damage and decay, which can leave them vulnerable to serious harm and infections. When the teeth are damaged, Shenandoah Family Dentistry can restore them with crowns. A crown protects a damaged tooth and restores its strength. It also allows the tooth to remain in its socket, preventing the need for a tooth extraction. Crowns are highly effective, but how long can they be expected to last.

What is a Crown?

A crown is a common restoration used to treat a damaged tooth. It can also provide an effective solution for a tooth affected by decay that cannot be treated with a filling. A crown resembles a small cap in appearance and is made to fit over the entire visible surface area of a damaged tooth. It encases the entire crown of the tooth, preventing further harm and infections and restoring its strength.

Crown Materials

Crowns can be made from many different materials. Common materials include:

•	Metal. There are several different metals that may be used for a crown such as palladium, nickel, chromium, and gold. These crowns are incredibly strong. They also stand out against the rest of your teeth.
•	Porcelain fused to metal. PFM crowns combine the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain. A metal base surrounds the tooth while a porcelain coating helps the crown to blend in with the rest of your teeth.
•	Ceramic. Ceramic crowns are made entirely of ceramic. They provide the greatest aesthetic results.

What Issues Can a Crown Treat?

Crowns can treat a variety of different issues. You may be a candidate for a crown if:

•	You have a damaged tooth. A crown provides an effective treatment for a tooth affected by more significant damage that cannot be treated with a cosmetic solution like bonding or veneers.
•	You have a significantly decayed tooth. A crown can provide greater protection for a tooth affected by larger amounts of decay that cannot be treated with a filling.
•	You have undergone a root canal. A crown is placed after a root canal to provide additional protection after treatment.

What Factors Affect the Longevity of Your Crown?

There are many different factors that can impact how long your crown lasts. These factors include:

•	The material used. Different materials have different lifespans. Metal crowns, which are the strongest material available, can last 50 years or more. Ceramic crowns have an expected lifespan of about 20 years.
•	Your oral hygiene practices. Even though a crown cannot decay, it can still collect plaque and bacteria, just like the rest of your teeth. This accumulation can lead to decay and cavities in adjacent teeth. It can also lead to gum disease.
•	Any oral habits you have. If you chew on your fingernails, ice, or pens, your crown is at greater risk for damage. Using your teeth to open packages or remove tags can also increase your risk.
•	Grinding and clenching your teeth. Called bruxism, grinding, and clenching puts excessive pressure on your teeth, including your crowns. This can cause your crown to break. A night guard for bruxism can help to protect your crown as well as the rest of your teeth and your overall oral health.

A crown protects for your damaged or decayed tooth and increases its strength so that it can function normally. With proper care, a crown can last for many years. For more information, and to schedule your appointment, call Shenandoah Family Dentistry at (540) 773-0011 today.

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Shenandoah Family Dentistry

1705 Amherst St #102, Winchester, VA 22601
Phone: (540) 773-0011
Fax: (540) 662-5072

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Shenandoah Family Dentistry | www.winchestersmiles.com | (540) 773-0011
1705 Amherst St #102, Winchester, VA 22601