HOW LONG DO DENTAL CROWNS LAST?
Decay can severely damage a tooth over time. Along with damage caused by decay, accidents can also lead to a teeth being broken or otherwise damaged. No matter what the reason may be, if the crown of a tooth has been significantly damaged, it will need to be repaired. One option for the repair of a more severely damaged crown is a tooth crown.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a dental prosthetic that is often used to replace the crown of a tooth that has sustained some form of damage. Crowns may also serve as abutments for a dental bridge.
Why a Replacement Crown?
It is necessary to replace a broken crown in order to maintain the integrity of the remaining, healthy part of the tooth. If the crown is damaged, not only is it painful, but it can lead to further breaks, infection and advanced decay. This can all lead to the need for a dentist to extract the
damaged tooth.
Replacement crowns help to maintain the oral health of the patient, as well as returning the functionality to the damaged tooth. On top of that, certain dental crown material options can be made to closely resemble the look of the damaged tooth. This allows the patient to continue to
smile without feeling self-conscious.
How Much Do Crowns Cost?
The actual cost of the crown varies depending on a few different factors. One of the main factors is what materials are being used to create the crown. Some options for materials include:
- Porcelain-Fused to Metal
- Ceramic
- Metal Alloy
- Gold Alloy
These different options have their advantages and disadvantages—along with their various prices.
Any additional procedures or the placement of additional prosthetics need to also be considered when considering the cost of the replacement crown. A dentist may need to remove decay, or do other work to the tooth. Also, the crown or crowns may be serving as abutments.
Generally, for a prosthetic crown (not including a dental bridge), the cost is around $1,000 to $3,000.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Just like the cost of a crown depends on different factors, so does the longevity of the crown. Different materials have different average lifespans, as some are more durable. Still, a patient can expect a crown to last anywhere between 10 to 30 years.
A big factor in the longevity of the crown is how well the crown is cared for. If the patient takes proper care of their oral health, the crown is more likely to last longer. Keep in mind that the prosthetic crown is still attached to a healthy tooth that needs to be properly cared for.
Is a Crown Right for Me?
If you have a broken or decayed tooth, set an appointment with your dentist to discuss different repair options. One option that your dentist may consider for more severe damage to the tooth is a dental crown.
Learn More About Dental Crowns : How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost?