How Long Do Zirconia Crowns Last
Dental crowns serve as a cover or cap for a damaged tooth. Crowns help to restore the natural tooth’s shape, function, size, and appearance. While crowns unfortunately do not last forever, their lifespan can be extended through practicing good oral hygiene, taking care of the restoration, and following the dentist’s instructions and limitations. In this article, we will review zirconia crowns, their expected lifespan, and common signs of a damaged crown.
According to the American Dental Association, crowns are commonly used when a patient has a large filling without enough tooth to secure it. Crowns can be used to help strengthen a tooth and are often used in the following scenarios:
* Protecting a fragile tooth following a root canal
* Protecting weak teeth from further damage
* Restoring a cracked or broken tooth
* Supporting or attaching dental bridges
Various materials can be used for creating dental crowns. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some materials last longer or are more durable compared to others. The average expected life expectancy of a crown is about 10 years. When properly created and cared for, crowns can last for decades. In determining the optimal material for a crown, the dentist often considers the location of the damaged tooth, the amount natural tooth available, and how visible the crown is.
Zirconia is a material which is commonly used for crowns. It is a type of ceramic material and zirconia crowns are created from zirconium dioxide. This durable material is as strong as titanium. Because zirconia crowns are so durable, they resist fractures. Zirconia is the strongest non-metal material for making a crown. When patients practice good oral hygiene and make regular visits to the dentist, zirconia crowns commonly last for more than 15 years.
The dentist will typically require a dental X-ray and clinical examination when evaluating if the crown needs to be replaced. If there are any open margins preventing the crown from properly sitting on the tooth, it must be replaced. The crown must be replaced if there is a gap between the tooth and the crown. A replacement is also required when there is a break in the crown or a gap between the adjacent teeth as food or bacteria could easily accumulate.
Signs that a crown should be replaced soon include:
* The presence of pain in the general area of the crown. Pain associated with a crown often suggests the presence of decay. If decay is present, the crown will need to be replaced.
* Crowns which move or are unstable also suggest that they need to be replaced. This often occurs when the patient chews on a sticky substance like caramel or gum, causing the crown to come loose.
* The tooth which has the crown differs in its appearance from the adjacent natural teeth. Patients often start to notice that a crown is a different in its color from the natural teeth when the teeth have recently undergone a whitening procedure.
* Over time, the crown may chip, crack, or become damaged from normal wear. Once this occurs, the crown must be replaced.