Dental crowns are built to last, but they are not indestructible. If you have a crown or are considering getting one, understanding how long it will last and what can go wrong helps you protect your investment and your oral health.
Average Lifespan of Dental Crowns
Research shows that dental crowns last:
- Porcelain/ceramic crowns: 10 to 15 years on average
- Zirconia crowns: 15+ years (relatively newer material with excellent long-term data)
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): 10 to 15 years
- Gold/metal crowns: 15 to 30+ years (the most durable option)
These are averages. Many well-maintained crowns last significantly longer, and some may need replacement sooner due to complications.
What Affects How Long a Crown Lasts?
1. Oral Hygiene
The crown itself cannot get a cavity, but the tooth underneath can. If decay develops at the margin where the crown meets the natural tooth, the crown may need to be removed and replaced. Good brushing and flossing around the crown is essential.
2. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Grinding puts enormous pressure on crowns and can cause them to crack, chip, or wear down prematurely. If you grind your teeth, wearing a night guard is one of the best things you can do to protect your crowns.
3. Material Quality
Higher-quality materials and better lab work produce crowns that fit more precisely and last longer. This is one area where you get what you pay for.
4. Bite and Chewing Habits
Chewing on hard objects (ice, pens, hard candy, bone) or using your teeth as tools can crack or dislodge crowns.
5. Gum Health
Gum disease can cause the gums to recede around a crown, exposing the margin and creating a gap where bacteria can enter. Maintaining healthy gums is essential for crown longevity.
Signs Your Crown Needs Replacement
- Pain or sensitivity around the crowned tooth
- Visible crack or chip in the crown
- Dark line at the gum margin (common with older PFM crowns)
- Crown feels loose or rocks when you press on it
- Recurring decay detected at the crown margin on X-ray
- Gum recession exposing the edge of the crown
- Food constantly getting stuck around the crown
- The crown falls off — this can sometimes be re-cemented, but often indicates the underlying tooth needs attention
What to do if your crown falls off: Keep the crown safe, avoid eating on that side, and see your dentist as soon as possible. Do not try to glue it back yourself. In many cases, the crown can be re-cemented if the underlying tooth is still sound.
How to Make Your Crown Last Longer
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, paying attention to the gum line around the crown
- Floss daily — thread the floss carefully around the crown
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
- Avoid hard foods on the crowned tooth — no chewing ice, bones, or hard candy
- See your dentist every 6 months for check-ups and professional cleaning
- Address gum disease early — don't ignore bleeding gums
What Happens When a Crown Needs Replacing?
The process is similar to getting the original crown:
- The old crown is removed
- The tooth underneath is examined for decay or damage
- Any decay is treated
- A new impression is taken
- A new crown is fabricated and fitted
In some cases, if there is extensive decay or damage beneath the old crown, additional treatment like a root canal may be needed before the new crown can be placed.