How long can a crown stay? Will a crown deteriorates or comes off due to wear & tear after more than 10 yrs?

Question

I'd an upper front tooth crowned more than 10 years ago. Recently, I brushed my teeth very thoroughly / vigorously and I can feel the gumline (using my tongue). I also felt some sticky feelings around the front teeth area including the inside lip of the mouth (but found nothing physical) thus feeling a little dry on the area soon after brushing my teeth. I can't see anything physically wrong from the outstide. Could it be from the crown? Is there any problem on my crown?? How can I tell if the crowned tooth or crown is still in good shape and condition? How long can a crown stay? Will a crown deteriorates or comes off due to wear and tear? It's worrying me.

Can anyone please advise??? Thank you

Answer 1

It makes me nervous when you say that because this can lead to recession and tooth brush abrasion. Brush using a circular motion, soft brissles, and most important a flouride containing tooth paste. If manual dexterity limits your ability to do this, electric tooth brush is a nice alternative. 60-70% of crowns placed in 10-15 years will fail. It is at no fault to the patient or dentist, that is just the average longevity of the crown. Sometimes we are able to repair crowns by placing a filling material around the margin of the crown without having to replace it. But if there is decay on the margin of the crown, it will most likely need to be replaced. I would see your dentist. Worst case senerio, if you need a new crown, 2-3 visits to the dentist at most. Don't worry. Hope this helps
Katie

Answer 2

Hi,

I have a porcelain crown on the front tooth (one of the upper big ones). I just had mine redone today ( i have a temp in). My broke off. I was told that my root is perfectly healthy. Ok here is what i have heard from my years at different dentists. #1 over time the gum line can recede so thats why you see the metal lining on some peoples crowns. #2 from personal experience I also get sticky stuff on my crown. I usually wipe it off gently (or use a toothpick) , what think it is dried saliva, that gets stuck to the crown because of the material its made out of. #3 my parents have crowns and there are for the molars and have been in for well over 10 years. I was told by the dentist when i got my that they last about 10 years, but it's all about how you take care of it.

I understand that you are worried. The crown thing has become my room 101 (read Orwell's 1984).

Basically I NEVER bite into apples or bite into anything for that matter. I usually cute everything up or stick it in through the side.
Also you may want to buy one things , it's like the pick the dentist uses but it has a gold handle and the tip is made of soft dark orange/red rubber to clean around the gum line.

I hope your lasts and I hope what I've said is helpful. I'm not 100% sure of what I'm saying but it's what I live by.

Answer 3

Had a gold one for 32 years now no problem think porcelin is 10-15 years.