A dental crown, often called a cap, is a custom-made restoration cemented over a tooth to cover the entire visible portion above the gum line. It restores the tooth’s original shape, size, and strength. Crowns are needed when a tooth is compromised by damage or decay too extensive for a traditional filling. This article explores the prevalence of crowns, the circumstances that necessitate them, the materials used, and their expected longevity.
The Prevalence of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are a highly common procedure in modern restorative dentistry. Millions of people in the United States have at least one dental crown, making it one of the most routine treatments performed by dentists. This frequency reflects the effectiveness of crowns and the success of modern dentistry in helping people retain their natural teeth longer.
The increasing prevalence is linked to an aging population keeping their teeth longer. As teeth accumulate decades of wear, fractures, and large restorations, the need for protective caps increases. Advancements in materials and techniques have made crowns a reliable, long-term solution for preserving compromised tooth structure.
Clinical Situations Requiring a Crown
A dental crown is necessary when the remaining tooth structure is insufficient to support a simple filling and is at risk of fracture. A common indication is following a root canal procedure, which leaves the tooth brittle and structurally weakened. Placing a crown over the treated tooth provides protection to prevent cracking under normal chewing forces.
Crowns restore teeth severely worn down by grinding (bruxism) or acid erosion. They are also used to repair significant fractures or broken cusps resulting from trauma or biting hard objects. When a tooth has a very large filling, the surrounding structure may become fragile, requiring a crown to hold the tooth together. Additionally, crowns are placed over a dental implant to serve as the functional and aesthetic tooth replacement.
Different Materials Used
Selecting a crown material balances aesthetics, strength, and the tooth’s location. All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns are favored for front teeth because they mimic the natural translucency and color of enamel. Although ceramic materials offer excellent aesthetic results, they can be more susceptible to chipping than metal-based options.
Zirconia, a high-strength ceramic, is popular for both front and back teeth, combining durability and good aesthetics. Metal alloys, such as gold or palladium, offer unmatched durability and wear resistance, making them ideal for molars that endure heavy chewing forces. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) crowns combine a strong metal substructure with an exterior porcelain layer, offering a compromise between sturdiness and a tooth-colored appearance.
How Long Dental Crowns Last
The lifespan of a dental crown typically ranges from 5 to 15 years. Some crowns, particularly those made from durable metal alloys, can last for 20 years or more. Longevity is influenced by the material chosen and the forces the crown must withstand.
Crowns placed on molars are subjected to greater bite force, which can affect their lifespan compared to crowns on front teeth. Patient habits, such as teeth grinding, clenching, or chewing on hard objects, can shorten the time a crown remains functional. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups, is necessary for maximizing the lifespan of the restoration.