A well-made dental crown usually lasts 10 to 15 years, and many last 20 years or more. A crown is a custom cap that covers a damaged tooth. How long yours lasts depends on the material, where it sits in your mouth and, most of all, how well you care for the tooth underneath. The crown itself rarely wears out first. More often, the problem is new decay or gum trouble at the edge where the crown meets the tooth.
Crown Lifespan by Material
Crowns are made from several materials. Each has its own balance of strength and looks. Your dentist will suggest one based on which tooth needs the crown and how hard you bite.
| Material | Typical lifespan | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Porcelain or ceramic | 10 to 15 years | The most natural look, so it is often used for front teeth. It can chip under heavy biting forces. |
| Zirconia | 15 years or more | A very strong ceramic that is tooth-colored. A popular choice for back teeth. |
| Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) | 10 to 15 years or more | Strong metal base with a porcelain outer layer. A thin dark line may show at the gum over time. |
| Gold (gold alloy) | 20 years or more | The longest track record and very gentle on opposing teeth, but the color shows. |
These are averages, not expiration dates. A crown that fits well and stays clean can last far longer than the ranges above. A crown on a back molar takes more chewing force than one on a front tooth, so it may need attention sooner.
What Shortens a Crown's Life
A crown can't get a cavity, but the natural tooth underneath it can. Most of the things that shorten a crown's life affect the tooth or the gums around it:
- Decay at the margin. The margin is the thin seam where the crown meets your tooth. Plaque that sits there can cause a new cavity that slowly undermines the crown.
- Grinding and clenching. Grinding (called bruxism) often happens during sleep. It puts heavy force on crowns and can chip porcelain or crack the tooth below.
- Gum disease. When gums pull back, the edge of the crown and the root of the tooth can be exposed. This makes decay more likely and can loosen the tooth.
- Chewing hard things. Ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels and pen caps can chip or crack a crown.
- Using teeth as tools. Opening bottles or tearing packages puts the wrong kind of force on teeth and crowns.
Is Your Crown Holding Up? Schedule a checkup and we'll look closely at your crowns, catch small problems early and help your dental work last for years to come.
Signs Your Crown Needs Attention
Crown problems are often easy to fix when they are caught early. See your dentist if you notice:
- A crown that feels loose, moves, or has come off
- Pain when you bite down, or new sensitivity to hot or cold
- A chip, crack or rough spot on the crown
- A dark line or a gap at the gumline around the crown
- Swollen, red or bleeding gums around the crowned tooth
- A bad taste or smell near the crown, which can be a sign of decay underneath
- Your bite feels different, or the crown hits first when you close
Some problems have no symptoms at all. That is why your dentist checks the edges of your crowns at each exam and uses X-rays to look for decay hiding underneath.
If a crown comes off, keep it in a clean bag and call your dentist. Avoid chewing on that side. Do not use household glue to put it back. Over-the-counter dental cement can hold it for a day or two until you can be seen.
How to Make Your Crown Last
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, paying extra attention to the gumline around the crown.
- Floss once a day. Slide the floss along the side of the crown and just under the gumline. If you have a hard time with floss, a water flosser or small brushes made for between teeth can help.
- Wear a nightguard if you grind. A custom nightguard takes the force of grinding so your crown and teeth don't have to.
- Skip ice and other very hard foods, and don't use your teeth to open things.
- Keep up with checkups and cleanings. Regular cleanings remove the hardened plaque you can't brush away, and your dentist can spot a small problem at the margin before it becomes a big one.
When a Crown Needs to Be Replaced
If a crown is cracked, worn, or has decay underneath, your dentist will remove it, treat the tooth, and make a new one. If decay has reached the nerve, the tooth may need a root canal before the new crown goes on. Most of the time, the tooth can still be saved.
If you have an older crown and are not sure how it is holding up, Dr. Kathiriya can check it at your next visit to our Sacramento office. You can learn more about how crowns are made and placed on our dental crowns page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a dental crown last a lifetime?
Some do. Gold and zirconia crowns often last 20 years or more, and a crown placed in middle age may never need replacing. It depends on your bite, your habits and how well the tooth and gums are cared for.
Can you get a cavity under a crown?
Yes. The crown itself can't decay, but the natural tooth underneath can, usually starting at the edge where the crown meets the tooth. Daily flossing and regular checkups are the best protection.
Does insurance pay to replace an old crown?
Many dental plans help pay for a replacement crown once a certain number of years have passed, often five. Crowns are usually covered as major care, often around 50 percent. Your dental office can check your plan's rules before treatment.
Is it normal for a new crown to feel sensitive?
Mild sensitivity to hot or cold for a few days to a couple of weeks is common. If the crown feels high when you bite, or the pain gets worse instead of better, call your dentist. A small bite adjustment often fixes it.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Every mouth is different. For advice about your own teeth, please schedule a visit or call (916) 929-3737.