Can you keep crowns on molar teeth for a lifetime? - Dental Health Message Board

LINDA5ONE4 · 08-13-2006, 04:15 PM

Just wondering if you are able to keep the crowns on your teeth for the rest of your life?
Can they be changed ?

If you go to the dentist every 4 months for cleanings.
And keep them plaque free is it possible ?

Thanks

Thelma-Louise · 08-13-2006, 05:19 PM

As far as I know most crowns can last a lifetime if taken care of and yes they can be changed if necessary - they usually are filed off with a drill, unless the dentist can pop them off - but the longer they have been there the chances they will pop off become less likely. The better the hygiene the longer they will last - just like your natural teeth. Of course sometimes they can come off on their own especially if you eat something hard or chew gum, etc.. So some extra caution wouldn't hurt.

LINDA5ONE4 · 08-13-2006, 05:41 PM

thanks I was a little worried ...

Lenin · 08-20-2006, 06:41 AM

You can keep crown on molars for a whole lifetime...IN THE TEXTBOOKS.
In reality, it works that way way for people who die early.

It's hit or miss depending on how well the job was done. I've lost two molars that were crowned...one even root canaled and posted after the crown failed and I STILL lost the tooth...and about $3 grand to boot! None has lasted 20 years!

I look at a crown as a "long term temporary" repair.

On the other hand, my last dentist could not have done poorer work had he been blind. Alas, I found this out far too late.

Dentists have a great advantage over doctors, the results of their incompetence often take YEARS to surface since decay and gum loss occurs so slowly. So pick a young dentist...at least he'll be around long enough to SUE!