A dental crown procedure is a treatment option for patients who have lost all or most of their natural tooth structure and need to replace it with an artificial one. They are a great way to fix teeth that have been weakened by decay, an injury or some other dental concerns.
There are different types and materials used for crowns, so it might be helpful to consult with your dentist to see which one will work best for you. When you need a dental crown, it is essential to get the best possible outcome for your smile. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about the process of getting dental crowns.
What are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap fitted over the top of an existing tooth to cover and protect it. It is often used as a solution for teeth that have suffered various types of damage. It includes damage due to tooth decay, accidents, or tooth grinding problems. In addition, crowns restore your teeth to your desired shade, shape and function. Crowns can be made of porcelain, gold alloys or resins.
They can also be used in place of fillingswhen placed over teeth with large fillings and, in some cases, on top of dental implants. Crowns can also attach bridges, protect weak teeth from breaking or cover misshapen teeth. This way, they improve both the function and appearance of your smile.
In most cases, your dental professional will suggest the best material for your case. A crown is usually prescribed if there is not enough natural tooth structure left to support a filling, if it is a badly broken tooth and needs increased strength and protection, or if the tooth has undergone root canal therapy and needs a good filler.
Types of Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal Crowns
The most popular restorative material for crowns and bridges is a combination of porcelain and metal. When heated, the porcelain chemically binds with the metal oxides, forming a solid bond between the two materials.
Metal-based crowns are more durable than traditional porcelain crowns because they are supported by an underlying metal structure that allows them to withstand biting pressures, while the porcelain allows them to blend in with your other natural teeth.
Metal & Gold Crowns
Metal crowns come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colours. They are resistant to fracture and don’t erode teeth. To make these crowns, gold-palladium, nickel, and chromium are frequently utilized. Non-noble metals are occasionally used in metal crowns that are incredibly sturdy and corrosion-resistant.
When attaching a crown, the underlying tooth structure must be shaped to fit the crown. Metal-based crowns are a more conservative choice since they need less preparation and tooth structure reduction.
Stainless Steel Crowns (SSCs)
Crowns made of stainless steel are used for primary (baby) teeth. These are used following pulpotomy treatment or when traditional cavity filling material, such as amalgam fillings, is anticipated to fail.
It is occasionally used to temporarily restore a kid’s permanent tooth until the permanent porcelain or metal crown replacement is available, allowing the tooth to act as a gap maintainer.
Cosmetic Crowns (Ceramic)
For those who want the crown to look and feel natural, porcelain can be a fantastic choice. Ceramic crowns are made of porcelain. It is used in dentistry to create tooth-coloured dental products, such as cosmetic crowns, that replicate teeth in form, and function.
Crowns are used to repair teeth that have deteriorated as a result of age or decay. Their colour and shape are similar to that of natural teeth, and they are highly durable. Zirconia is frequently used in place of all-ceramic crowns.
All-Resin Crowns
All-resin restoration is a less expensive option than metal, ceramic, gold, or porcelain crowns. However, dental professionals do not recommend them because they are more fragile and are likely to crack more easily. It is typically used on decayed baby teeth rather than permanent teeth.
Learn more: Different Types Of Dental Crowns: Advantages & Disadvantages
What to Expect When Getting Dental Crowns
Once your dentist decides you require a crown, they will first check for any underlying damage to the natural tooth and gums before making a dental impression of your teeth for the lab technician to create the actual crown. Once the restoration is ready, your dentist will then use dental cement to attach it to the prepared tooth.
One day visit (without temporary crown)
A single appointment procedure eliminates the need for a temporary crown since you can get the permanent crown on the same day.
- During the consultation, digital photographs of your mouth are taken by the dentist.
- The dentist uses the digital scan of the photographs to create the crown in the office. The crown will take approximately 1 to 2 hours to complete.
- Once the crown is ready, the dentist will attach it using dental adhesive. The entire procedure takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on the dentist’s skill performing the procedure.
Not all dentists have the ability to make same-day crowns. Inquire about this option and the anticipated cost, especially if you don’t have dental insurance.
Multiple days visit (including temporary crown)
It requires at least two dental clinic visits for the treatment to be completed.
- The first step in crown restoration is an x-ray of the patient’s jaw and tooth. The dentist may also take a digital impression of your mouth in advance.
- Then the tooth is reshaped and moulded, depending on the type of crown. All metal crowns are thinner, so they require less tooth removal than porcelain ones.
- An impression will be made of your trimmed tooth and the surrounding teeth and oral structures.
- A temporary crown is placed over the tooth after successful tooth preparation.
- The permanent crown is created in a dental laboratory which may take approximately 2-3 weeks.
- On the second visit, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and replace it with the permanent one. Your dentist will ensure that the colour of the crown matches your adjacent teeth and is comfortable to wear.
Aftercare for Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are a common procedure in which an artificial tooth is installed over the natural teeth. The crown should be adequately maintained with good oral hygiene practise once installed since proper maintenance will increase its lifespan.
How to Manage Pain After Crown Procedure
Once the anaesthesia wears off, it is expected that you may feel some discomfort in your teeth and gums for a few days. To treat toothache, dentists generally prescribe pain medications such as ibuprofen. These medicines aid in the reduction of discomfort during the healing process.
However, if your symptoms are severe and persist beyond a few weeks, it’s essential that you see your dentist to ensure there isn’t another underlying problem.
Foods to Avoid
Following the placement of a permanent dental crown, you will need to restrict your diet. Try avoiding the following foods when possible:
- Foods that are chewy or sticky, like taffy and gum. These foods could damage or displace your dental crown. Make sure to select snacks that won’t damage your dental crown.
- Foods that are hard, like chips and nuts
- It is crucial that you stop chewing on ice if you have the habit, as it can damage your dental crown and cause cracks.
- Rather than eating raw vegetables, you should consume cooked vegetables. Since cooked vegetables are softer than raw ones, they will not damage your quality dental restoration.
Flossing
Because of their small margins on the edges, crowns are prone to plaque accumulation. If you don’t floss around your crown regularly, gingivitis, tartar buildup, and gum disease will be more likely to occur. Flossing might help you avoid these problems.
The procedure of flossing your crown is similar to that of flossing your teeth, but it takes some practice. To remove any buildup, you must hug the side of your crown and carefully sweep it down and up on each side.
Brushing
While brushing your teeth, keep an eye on the gum lines. Clean along the edge of your crown by gently angling the brush toward your gum tissues. Alternatively, an electric toothbrush is also beneficial to use.
Use a gentle-bristled toothbrush rather than an abrasive cleanser to protect your dental crown’s finish. Baking soda, for example, might scratch the surface of your dental crown because it is gritty. Over time, these scratches will create stains on the cap as dirt gets trapped in the tiny cracks that develop over time. Instead, use mild toothpaste with fluoride to gently clean your crowns.
Use a mouth guard
If you clench and grind while sleeping, you may be endangering your dental work. Even if the crown is ceramic or porcelain, chronic bruxism might result in a fractured dental crown. To prevent upper and lower teeth from chafing together, a mouthguard should be worn at night. You may avoid the need for costly dental treatment in the future by making this minor investment.
A dental cleaning every six months
The earlier you start, the better. Early intervention might help you avoid more intensive and costly treatment later on. It’s a good idea to have your crown professionally cleaned since the margins of these teeth accumulate more plaque than in other areas. There’s a chance that this may lead to gum disease or decay, which can be highly detrimental to dental health.
The Benefits of Dental Crowns
A crown is a cap that covers the whole or part of a damaged tooth. It can strengthen and give the teeth improvement in appearance and shape, in addition to restoring the gaps left by missing ones.
Dental crowns act as protective barriers against everyday wear and tear. It is a perfect way to provide an extra layer of protection for your pearly whites. With the help of this dental prosthesis, you can enjoy food again without worrying about pain or sensitivity. They are an effective solution for teeth that have chipped, cracked or decayed to the extent that they require restoration.
Decades of advancements in dental materials and techniques have led to many restorations that are not only very strong but also aesthetically pleasing. Crowns can be veneered with porcelain or resin, giving them better strength and resistance against staining and allowing for greater design flexibility than natural teeth. They are generally an excellent choice for people who have lost one or more teeth due to decay, cracks or want a stronger smile.
Learn More: Amazing Benefits of Dental Crowns
Final Thoughts
Dental crowns are one of the most popular treatments for Australians when it comes to restoring damaged or missing teeth. Your teeth are one of the essential parts of your body. They help you chew your food, they make it easier for you to speak, and they can even affect your self-confidence. For this reason, when something goes wrong with your teeth, the best thing to do is get in touch with a dentist right away.
If you are looking for a dentist to help restore your beautiful smile, get in touch with us today. One of the services we offer is dental crowns, which can cover teeth that have been damaged or lost due to decay. We can take care of all aspects of your dentistry, including exams and cleanings, root canal treatment if necessary, implants, tooth extractions and more! Call Byford Smiles Dental Care at 08 9532 0247 now for an appointment so we can discuss how our team of friendly dentists might help you achieve better oral health than ever before.
