Dental Crowns
Advanced tooth decay has the potential to significantly damage a tooth, rendering a filling insufficient for maintaining its integrity. Without intervention, such teeth may deteriorate further. In such instances, dentists turn to dental crowns to safeguard the remaining structure of the tooth.
A crown, also referred to as a cap, serves as an effective solution for concealing discolored or irregularly shaped teeth, and it can also be utilized to cover a dental implant. Not only does a crown enhance the appearance of your tooth, but it also reinforces its strength. Functioning akin to a natural tooth, a crown necessitates the same level of care post-placement. Therefore, it is imperative to maintain regular brushing and flossing routines, in addition to attending routine checkups with your dentist.
What is Dental Crown?
In the field of dentistry, a crown, also referred to as a cap, is an artificial tooth designed to cover and protect a damaged tooth. These crowns are individually crafted to precisely match your smile and are engineered for long-lasting durability. Various dental conditions may necessitate the use of crowns to preserve the integrity of your teeth. Following certain dental procedures, such as a root canal or extensive filling, the affected tooth may become weakened and susceptible to cracking or breaking, thus requiring a crown for added protection. Additionally, crowns can serve as a cosmetic enhancement to improve the appearance of a misshapen or discolored tooth.
A variety of crown options are available, each differing in appearance and strength, providing you with choices tailored to your needs.
Metal Crowns
Constructed from gold or other metal alloys, metal crowns are renowned for their durability and minimal wear on opposing teeth. However, their conspicuous appearance may not be desirable for front teeth.
Ceramic Crowns
Similar to metal crowns, ceramic crowns offer exceptional durability and minimal impact on opposing teeth. Yet, their inability to blend seamlessly with your natural smile may render them less suitable for prominent teeth.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
Combining the strengths of ceramic and metal alloys, Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) crowns provide both strength and aesthetics. However, the metal component’s visibility at the gum line can affect their visual appeal, and the porcelain exterior is susceptible to wear and damage.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia, a tooth-colored metal, is a popular choice for crowns due to its durability and natural appearance. However, it may not offer the same aesthetic appeal as porcelain and can be less gentle on opposing teeth compared to metal alloys.
Procedure Overview
After determining the most suitable crown type for your needs, we’ll arrange two appointments for you. During the initial appointment, the dentist will prepare your tooth for the custom-made crown. At the subsequent appointment, the crown will be permanently affixed.
Before the tooth can be prepared for a crown, any decay must be removed, and fillings or root canals may be performed if necessary.
Subsequently, the dentist will trim down your tooth enamel to ensure a proper fit for the crown. Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the tooth before this process begins. The amount of enamel removal depends on the chosen crown type, with metal crowns typically requiring the least.
Following tooth preparation, an impression (mould) of your teeth will be taken. This involves gently pulling back the gums from the prepared tooth and biting down on putty-filled trays. The mould is then sent to a lab, where a crown matching the color of your natural teeth is created. For ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or zirconia crowns, the lab will ensure a color match to your existing teeth.
To protect the prepared tooth until your next appointment, a temporary crown will be placed.
During the second appointment, the permanent crown will be attached using a bonding resin after ensuring a proper fit.
After determining the most suitable crown type for your needs, we’ll arrange two appointments for you. During the initial appointment, the dentist will prepare your tooth for the custom-made crown. At the subsequent appointment, the crown will be permanently affixed.
Before the tooth can be prepared for a crown, any decay must be removed, and fillings or root canals may be performed if necessary.
Subsequently, the dentist will trim down your tooth enamel to ensure a proper fit for the crown. Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the tooth before this process begins. The amount of enamel removal depends on the chosen crown type, with metal crowns typically requiring the least.
Following tooth preparation, an impression (mould) of your teeth will be taken. This involves gently pulling back the gums from the prepared tooth and biting down on putty-filled trays. The mould is then sent to a lab, where a crown matching the color of your natural teeth is created. For ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or zirconia crowns, the lab will ensure a color match to your existing teeth.
To protect the prepared tooth until your next appointment, a temporary crown will be placed.
During the second appointment, the permanent crown will be attached using a bonding resin after ensuring a proper fit.
It’s crucial to care for dental crowns like natural teeth, as while the crown itself doesn’t decay, the underlying tooth can. Regular brushing and flossing are essential for maximizing the lifespan of your crown, which typically ranges from 10 to 50 years with proper maintenance.