How long does a porcelain crown last, on average? Does it last as long as a porcelain veneer? Will I eventually need an implant?

You should expect a porcelain crown to last as long as the alternatives, a veneer or porcelain fused to metal crown.  While the crown won't be bulletproof, it is extremely strong.  If cleaned and maintained like it should, it is possible it could last the rest of your life.

Not all crowns end up leading to implants, so odds are that this won't happen with you.  The question is more, why the need for the crown to begin with?  If the treatment is heroic, then perhaps an implant IS in your future.  Without an exam and x-rays, I could only guess.

This is a great question that I am asked routinely at my office.  As with any procedure, there are going to be pros and cons to veneers vs. crowns and longevity is one of the major concerns my patients are worried about.  There is an average life expectancy for crowns of around 15 years.  The average for a veneer may range around 7-10 years.  However, these numbers can be deceiving due to several reasons.A patient's home care and regular checkups are going to affect the longevity of any restoration.  For instance, a patient who has great home care (brushing twice daily as well as routine flossing) can expect, on average, to get more time out of their restorations than someone with poor home care.  One of the main reasons for crown/veneer failure is due to a cavity/decay occurring at the margins of the restoration.  Good home care helps to prevent decay from occurring under the margins and allows the crown/veneer to remain in place for a longer period of time.The difference in longevity between a veneer and crown is due to several factors:1.  A veneer is thinner and does not have a supportive element underneath to provide strength.  This leads to a higher fracture rate for veneers that would necessitate replacement.2.  Veneers have a higher rate of becoming debonded or "popping off".  This is due to the difference between the flex of the tooth and the non-flex of a rigid veneer.  This would necessitate the need to recement or rebond the veneer, or possibly replace.3.  Veneers have mainly "supra-gingival" margins (exposed, not hidden under the gum tissue).  There is a higher rate of decay that can occur with these margins when compared to those that are hidden under the gums.The main advantage veneers provide is that they conserve more tooth structure than crowns.  Some new age veneers require no or minimal removal of tooth structure.  I hope this helps

Porcelain crowns or porcelain veneers can last a very long time. Mine have been in for more than 10 years and they look as good as the day they were placed. But there is a responsibility that goes with that. A human element.  Dental  restorations take care and maintenance. You must manage plaque. You must be sure to brush and floss. They do not like to be abused. Don't be using your teeth for things that teeth are not to be used for. Destructive habits or behavior will destroy enamel and porcelain alike.  Today's advanced porcelains are very strong but not indestructible. Bacterial plaque and abuse will cut short the life of your crowns and veneers. It's mostly up to you how long they last.