Today, dental crowns remain one of the most commonly used dental restoration procedures. In the United States alone, at least 15 million people have bridge or crown replacements. If you are looking to know more about dental crowns, you are in the right place. Continue your reading and enhance your knowledge about dental crowns:
So, what is a dental crown?
Also referred to as a cap, a crown is simply a fixed prosthetic device intended to fit over the remaining part of a repaired or corrected tooth. It not only makes the tooth relatively stronger, but also enables it to assume the shape of a real tooth.
So, what is the purpose of a crown?
Dental crowns are highly important devices that perform a variety of tasks when it comes to improving your smile. They offer a great way to repair broken teeth or those that have been weakened wither by a large filling or tooth decay. In general, they can serve the following purposes:
- They can be used to cover discolored teeth to boost their appearance.
- They can be used to protect what’s left after a root filling.
- They may also be used to keep a denture or bridge firmly in their place.
So, what materials do dental crowns feature?
Dental crowns can be made of a plethora of materials, but the most popular ones include:
- Porcelain bonded to precious metal: This is arguably the most common material for dental crowns. A precious metal base is crafted first, and thereafter porcelain is applied over it in layers.
- Porcelain: These feature porcelain as the only sole material. And while they often look gorgeous and natural, they are not as robust as their bonded counterparts.
- All-ceramic: This is the latest technique and doesn’t involve the use of any metal but guarantees the strength of a bonded crown and the appearance of a porcelain crown. They are highly versatile and can be used in nearly all areas of the mouth.
- Glass: They are popular thanks to their natural looks and can be used in all areas of your mouth.
- Gold-alloy crowns: It is important to note that gold is among the oldest filling materials. Nowadays, it’s used with other metal alloys to boost its overall strength. They are usually gold or silver in color.
So, how are dental crowns crafted?
The first step usually involves your dentist preparing your tooth to the exact shape of the crown. This is done by eliminating a layer of the outermost surface, leaving a robust inner core. The size of the tooth removed is usually the same as the crown’s thickness.
After shaping the tooth accordingly, your dental crew will take an impression of the crafted tooth, one of the opposite jaw and potentially the other one as well just to demonstrate how you should bite together. The impressions will then be forwarded to a dental specialist, along with information regarding the choice of the shade among other vital information.
So, what does the term post crown mean?
In a tooth-filled tooth, it may be essential to place a post into the tooth before inserting a crown. A post is intended to provide support and help the crown to stay in position. It may involve removing the tooth surface to ensure it’s at the same level as that of the gum.
A post crown may feature pre-fabricated stainless steel as the material, and your dentist will fit it directly into your root canal. Sometimes, a dental technician can customize a post to perfectly fit the shape of the prepared root canal. The post is inserted directly into the root canal and cemented in place, ready for crown attachment.
Is there an alternative option for root-filled teeth?
If a root-filled tooth isn’t entirely damaged, your dentist may be able to build it up once again through the help of filling material. The core is first designed in the same way as a natural tooth before taking the impressions.
So, what takes place between visits?
Your dentist will provide a temporal crown to allow you to use the tooth while the crown is being prepared.
So, how is the crown installed’?
When both you and your dental team are satisfied by both the appearance and fit of the crown, it will then be installed in place using a special adhesive, which creates a seal to keep the crown in place.
What is the duration of the treatment?
This procedure can be completed in two dental visits. During your initial appointment, your dentist will prepare the tooth, take the impressions, craft a note of your tooth’s shade, and ultimately fit the temporary crown. During your second visitation, your dentist will permanently fit the crown. The entire process will take around one to two weeks.
Will you experience pain during your dental crowing procedure?
No. Your dentist will not only administer local anesthesia, but the preparation work will equal will just be as normal as a dental filling. And if the affected tooth doesn’t feature a nerve, and a post crown is being prepared, the chances are high that you won’t require anesthesia.
Will the crown be recognizable?
As earlier mentioned, dental crowns are often made with materials that match your remaining teeth as closely as possible. The color of the adjacent teeth will be taken into account, to ensure the selected color not only appears natural, but matches those teeth as well.
Will the crown feel quite different?
Bearing in mind that the crown’s shape will slightly differ from that of your tooth before crowing, you will feel different. However, it will feel okay after a few days. Depending on the nature of your bite, your dentist may have to adjust the crown to make you feel more comfortable.
So, what’s the cost of dental crowns?
Generally, the cost of dental crowns will vary depending on the type of the crown as well as the material used. Your dentist should provide you with a written estimate as well as a detailed treatment plan.
Any dental crown maintenance tips?
It is imperative that you look after your crowns. And while the crown itself is decay-resistant, decay could still occur at the point where the crown connects with your tooth. Routine brushing and flossing, cleaning in between your teeth using an interdental brush should help keep your crowns in tip-top condition.
What’s the lifespan of dental crowns?
Generally, how long your crowns will last largely depends on your individual dental care routine. They should serve you for an extended period if you take great care of them. Your dentist will tell you the approximate lifespan of your crowns.
If you are looking for a dentist, HPS Advanced Dental Care would love to see you. Dr. Heather is gladly accepting new patients.
We are located at 4741 24 Mile Rd. Shelby Township, MI 48316, and we can be reached at (248) 652-0024. We look forward to meeting you!
