A crown is a tooth-shaped restoration used to cover or support a tooth.
Crowns are often placed over the chewing surface of teeth to restore the lost shape and size of a weak tooth from decay, damage, or wear. As well as providing aesthetic improvement, it can also protect the prepared tooth structure against further damage from tooth decay. The use of this type of dental restoration is most often employed in the case of a tooth with a large cavity, fracture, broken tooth, restorations that are causing recurrent decay, teeth with extensive dental work as fillings and veneers, as well as those with root canal treatment.
In order to attach the crown onto the tooth, preparation is made for it either by removing a small amount of enamel from the tooth or by cutting the tooth to a point where a small collar is left. A dental implant may be necessary before a newly crowned tooth is placed in advanced cases of tooth or gum damage that leads to extraction or missing teeth.Dental crowns commonly used in restorative and cosmetic dentistry are made from various materials.
These are fabricated from composite dental resin. Resin crowns are widely used in dental crowns practice. These crowns can be easily prepared at the clinic and fit other teeth nicely. They are affordable but not long-lasting. They are a good choice for those with metal allergies.
Porcelain crowns are the most common in dental crown procedure practices. Porcelain dental crowns have a great semblance with the natural teeth in colour and shape. They lack the strength of other dental crowns and need more care. Metal or resin crowns tend to wear down neighbouring teeth less.
Can be used as a restorative and protective procedure.
Covers most of the tooth structure, which minimises staining from extrinsic stains.
Use of porcelain provides a natural look.
Tooth preparation for a crown is much smaller than the preparation required for a porcelain veneer.
Has a long lifespan.
Crowns are much more expensive to make than regular fillings, usually costing much more than a porcelain veneer.
Can change the way foods tastes.
If the crown is not made and fitted to perfection, it can cause damage to the surrounding natural tooth enamel and gums.
An oral infection under or around a crown can be difficult for your dentist to treat.
When the nerve of a tooth is exposed during any type of treatment, there will most likely be some pain. Before placing a crown on a tooth, the dentist will numb the area surrounding it. This has to be done because once the tooth is shaped for the crown, there can't be any pain. The only drawback of numbing is that whatever type of treatment you are getting done to your mouth also numbs up your lips and makes talking difficult for about an hour or so afterwards.
If you are afraid of this type of dental work, ask your dentist about sedation options during treatment. You can either get laughing gas or take something orally to help relieve some anxiety. It is considered less painful than having a tooth removed.Crowns are made of many different materials, but the ones that last the longest are gold alloyed with at least 10% of other metals such as silver or copper, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (a type of permanent crown), and all-ceramic crowns, also known as "zirconia" crowns. The life of a crown depends on a number of things. How well you take care of your teeth and gums, the kind of food you eat, how often you come in for check-ups and cleanings are some examples. Also note, except for gold crowns and stainless steel, teeth whitening does not work for permanent crown teeth. With proper care, a permanent dental crown can last anywhere from fifteen to 20 years or longer. You must see your dentist regularly to make sure that everything is working well. If there are any signs of decay or fracture, it is important to be treated by a dentist as soon as possible so that it doesn't lead to larger issues like tooth loss.
A ceramic crown is a procedure that envelopes the entire tooth surface, restoring its size, shape, and strength.
Provides protection to the natural teeth against fracture and helps prevent further damage.
Adding additional support to your bite improves chewing.
If you have cosmetic concerns in regards to the colour or appearance of your teeth, then this is often an option.
Glossiness of porcelain makes it very difficult for others to notice.
Provides increased strength to teeth compared with other types.
Can restore anterior (front) and posterior (back) teeth.
Restores both visible surfaces as well as under-surface areas.
Natural-looking tooth colour.
A more conservative approach as less of the natural tooth is removed.
The preparation (hole) left for the crown can cause sensitivity to hot and cold foods for a few days after placement.
There may be some discomfort, which should disappear within a couple of hours.
Excessive biting force can damage restorations.
Does take longer to place than other types.
Cannot be placed immediately following root canal therapy.
Dental crowns are considered to be permanent. The only way that they can be taken out is if there is an infection or decay. In some circumstances, a dentist will apply a temporary crown. A temporary dental crown may be necessary if the tooth is badly damaged as a suitable new crown is prepared in the dental lab. A temporary crown is a short time fix. The acrylic materials used to make temporary crowns wear down faster.
A dental crown is one of the best ways to restore a damaged tooth. Especially if it's looking like you might lose your tooth because there is decay or fracture. A traditional crown completely covers the entire tooth and is the same size, shape, and strength. The preparation (hole) for this type of restoration does cause some pain, but it should go away within an hour or so after having it prepared. It can be placed immediately following root canal therapy. However, it typically takes longer than other types to place. If you are dealing with sensitivity, your dentist may suggest placing a fluoride treatment on top of the nerve to help reduce any discomforting feelings while eating hot and cold foods. Once your crown is in place, you will notice that it is stronger, doesn't chip or break, and looks great.
Provides protection and support to the adult teeth.
Can be placed immediately following root canal therapy.
Although not as strong as a dental crown, it's still stronger than your natural tooth.
If you have any concerns about the look of your front teeth, this is often an option.
Glossiness of porcelain makes it very difficult for others to notice.
Single visit procedure.
Can restore both anterior (front) and posterior (back) teeth.
Restores both visible surfaces as well as under-surface areas.
Tooth coloured material will not provide the same level of support as a dental crown.
Tooth coloured material cannot restore teeth that have been significantly worn down.
If your chewing muscles are weak because you grind your teeth, you may need a custom bite guard made.
You may experience some sensitivity after placing this restoration because there is still a small piece of tooth left.
The cost will depend on the material that is used. If you choose to have porcelain, you can expect to pay more because it's a type of ceramic. The price for a porcelain crown starts at about $1100 and goes up from there based on the size and complexity of your case. Other types of materials will cost less, with composite resin being one of the least expensive options. Composite resin starts at about $350 and goes up depending on the level of work.
For more information on the dental crown procedure, take a look at the Health Direct website.Dental crowns are made in a dental laboratory by technicians who specialise in this type of work. It can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks for them to get your crown ready. The first visit will include taking an impression or moulding of your tooth and surrounding area. This is then sent off to the lab, where they use the information provided to create the restoration that is custom-designed for you. If you need additional treatments, such as root canal therapy, these steps may be done at the same time, so your investment doesn't have to be repeated later on when it's all finished up.