Can a Tooth That's Been Prepared for a Crown Keep Getting a Crown on It?

Question

Once the tooth receives a crown can that tooth keep getting a crown replaced on it every 15 years or so or does a point come when the person loses that tooth early. I ask because I'm only 19 and got 3/4 crowns for two teeth recently, can these teeth keep getting crowns or will I lose them much sooner than my other teeth and need extraction and implants?

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

Fortunately, crowns are among the longest lasting restorations we have, and you may find some last up to 20-30 years.  Some, much less.

	There are many factors to longevity of crowns, not limited to if a person clenches, grinds their teeth while they sleep, hygiene habits, periodontal condition, material of the crown, and so on.

	Each time the tooth is worked on, some tooth structure is removed.  It is a good idea for the dentist to be as conservative as possible to allow future work if needed and to avoid the pulp/nerve.

	At age 19, you are wise to be aware that these are not the last crowns these teeth will have, perhaps 2 or 3 more times.  It is good that they are only 3/4 crowns now, which will allow future work to be done.

Scott Young, DDS · Answer

I think that the answer to your question depends on several factors.  Do you see a dentist regularly for cleanings and exams?   Is your hygiene excellent including flossing daily?  Do you have an ideal bite? Are you a grinder?  All of these things play a factor in the lifespan of a tooth after having a crown.  Typically, a crown can be replaced when the existing one breaks or gets recurrent decay.  Only if the problem has been present for a while before seeking treatment are you in jeopardy of losing the tooth and then needing an implant.  Hope this helps.

Scott LeSueur, DDS · Answer

Crowns can be remade on a tooth indefinitely as long as there is tooth structure to attatch them too.  They can last many years as long as you take care of your teeth and get your checkups.  One should always keep restorations to the minimum size so that when they need to be replaced that there is enough tooth to continue to use them.  Sounds like the 3/4 crowns were a way to be more conservative and save more of the teeth and that is good.  Always keep your restorations small.  There are so many ways to keep things small nowdays.  Talk to your dentist or find one that believes in minimally invasive dentistry.

Leonard Tau, DMD · Answer

Crowns are some of the longest lasting restorations but a number of factors are involved in terms of when they need to be replaced.  Each time a tooth is crowned more tooth structure is removed.  At some point enough tooth may not be there and you would probably be better off with an implant at that point . Considering you said that they were just placed hopefully you have many years before you even have to worry about it

Wendy S. Spektor, DDS · Answer

Great question-Dentists try hard to do excellent work.  How you take care of your oral health will aid in the longetivity and maintenance of your dentistry.  You must have regular cleanings and check-up visits.  Brushing and flossing and overall good sense will help keep your smile healthy.  Watching your diet, eating healthy and not abusing the work you have is also important.  No chewing of ice or hard foods so you don't get chipping.  Consider wearing a bite protector as well.  Nothing lasts forever-everything will eventually need replacing-especially if you are blessed with long life.  BUT recurrent decay and other unexpected events can result in revisions.  Modern dentistry is always evolving and you never know what will be the state of the art when you need to redo your teeth.  Enjoy and be careful-

Can a Tooth That's Been Prepared for a Crown Keep Getting a Crown on It?

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Can a Tooth That's Been Prepared for a Crown Keep Getting a Crown on It?

Answers (6)

Answer: How often can a tooth be crowned

Answer: How often can a tooth be crowned

Answer: The Longevity of All Dental Work Depends on YOU

Answer: The Longevity of All Dental Work Depends on YOU

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Crown

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.