How long does a dental crown last?

A well-made crown generally lasts between about five and fifteen years, and sometimes longer, depending on the material used, where it sits in the mouth, and how well it is cared for. Fitting a crown itself usually takes two appointments, about one to two weeks apart, while a dental laboratory makes it.

In short

• A crown typically lasts between about five and fifteen years, and can last longer with good care.
• A crown on a molar carries more chewing force than one on a front tooth, which can affect how long it lasts.
• Grinding your teeth, or regularly chewing very hard foods or ice, can shorten a crown’s life.
• Fitting a crown normally takes two appointments, one to two weeks apart, while a dental laboratory makes the permanent crown.
• Brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth, and regular check-ups all help a crown last as long as possible.

This article is part of the crowns and bridges information on this site for patients in Cape Town.

What affects how long a crown lasts?

The material makes a difference, since a metal crown is generally the most durable, an all-ceramic crown is strong and looks the most natural, and a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown sits between the two. The material chosen for a crown involves similar trade-offs to those between white and silver fillings, balancing strength and appearance. How well the crown fits, how much chewing force it carries, and habits such as grinding your teeth or chewing ice or very hard foods all affect how long it lasts too. Good oral hygiene around the edge of the crown, where it meets the natural tooth, also matters, since this is where decay is most likely to start.

Does a crown on a molar last as long as one on a front tooth?

A molar does far more chewing work than a front tooth, so a crown fitted there carries more force over time and can be more prone to wear or, occasionally, a crack. This does not mean a crown on a molar will not last, only that fit, material and habits such as grinding matter even more there. A crown fitted after root canal treatment, described in How long does a root canal take?, works the same way and depends on the same care, since these are often placed on back teeth for exactly this reason.

How long does fitting a crown take?

Fitting a crown normally takes two appointments. At the first, the tooth is reshaped under local anaesthetic, a mould is taken, and a temporary crown is fitted while the permanent one is made, usually by a dental laboratory. The permanent crown is normally ready about one to two weeks later, when it is checked for fit and appearance and cemented into place. What drives the fee for a crown is set out in How much does a dental crown cost in Cape Town?

What are the signs a crown needs attention?

A crown that feels loose, a tooth that has become sensitive again, or pain when you bite down are all reasons to have a crown checked rather than waiting for your next routine visit. Pain when biting on a crowned tooth can sometimes mean a crack in the tooth underneath rather than a problem with the crown itself; see What are the signs of a cracked tooth, and can it be saved? for what to look for. A visible chip, or a change in how your bite feels, is also worth having checked.

How do I reach Dr Davies?

Dr Davies treats adults and children at BRS Dental, on Strand Street in the Cape Town city centre, and can assess whether a crown, rather than a filling, is the right option for a particular tooth. To make an appointment, call her directly on her own mobile, which is shown on this page. This page gives general information and does not replace an examination.