How long do fillings, crowns, and root canals last?
None are truly "permanent," but they can last a long time. Here’s what to expect — and what makes dental work last longer.
The short answer
With good care, most tooth-colored fillings last around 7–10 years, crowns commonly 10–15 years (and often longer), and a root-canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime — especially once it’s protected with a crown.
None of them are strictly permanent, because nothing replaces natural enamel perfectly. But how you care for them — plus your bite and whether you grind — makes a real difference in how long they last.
Fillings
Modern tooth-colored (composite) fillings typically last about 7–10 years, sometimes longer. Larger fillings, ones on heavy chewing surfaces, grinding, and how well you clean around them all affect the lifespan.
Signs a filling is due to be replaced include a rough or chipped edge, new sensitivity, or a dark line appearing at the margin where it meets the tooth.
Crowns
A well-made crown commonly lasts 10–15 years, and plenty last 20 or more. Interestingly, crowns rarely "wear out" themselves — what usually shortens their life is decay sneaking in at the margin where the crown meets the tooth, which is exactly what routine checkups are designed to catch early.
Root-canal-treated teeth
The root canal itself has a very high success rate, and a treated tooth can last a lifetime. The one catch: a tooth that’s had a root canal becomes more brittle, so it usually needs a crown to protect it from cracking. A treated tooth that never gets its crown is the one most likely to fail early.
What makes dental work last longer
- Good daily brushing and flossing, especially around the edges of fillings and crowns
- A night guard if you clench or grind — grinding is hard on everything
- Regular checkups, so decay at a margin is caught while it’s still small
- Going easy on ice, hard candy, and using teeth as tools
How we can help
If any of this sounds like what you’re dealing with, the fastest way to real peace of mind is a quick exam. We’ll tell you exactly what’s going on and lay out your options — and the fees — clearly before we start anything. We accept many dental insurance plans and file your claims as a courtesy; see our Insurance page for the plans we accept. We keep time open for same and next-day emergencies when you need us.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a filling last?
Most tooth-colored fillings last around 7–10 years, though it varies with the filling’s size and location, your bite, grinding, and how well you keep the area clean. Some last considerably longer.
Do crowns last forever?
No, but they’re durable — commonly 10–15 years and often much longer. When a crown does fail, it’s usually not the crown wearing out but decay forming at the margin underneath, which is why regular checkups matter.
Does a root canal last a lifetime?
It can, especially once the tooth is protected with a crown. The treatment itself is highly successful; the tooth just becomes more brittle, so the crown is what protects your investment for the long haul.
Keep reading
Still not sure? We’re glad to help.
A quick call or visit beats guessing. Dr. Skiba will give you a straight answer and a clear plan — with no pressure.