What is a Dental Crown? A Complete guide to understanding Crown
Learn all about dental crowns, including types, procedures, and how to care for your Crown.
Dental Crown
17 December 2024
A dental crown might sound complicated, but it’s a simple and standard procedure to restore damaged or weakened teeth. Crowns offer a long-lasting solution, Whether for strength, protection, or aesthetics. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need about dental crowns, from types and procedures to maintenance tips.
What exactly is a Dental Crown?
Simply put, a dental crown is a cap that fits over a damaged tooth. It’s designed to restore the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. Think of it like a helmet for your tooth—it completely covers it, protecting the underlying tooth structure from further damage and making it look as good as new.
Crowns are made from various materials, including porcelain, metal, or both. They can be used on both front and back teeth. Whether you need one depends on how much of your tooth is damaged and what function you need it to serve.
Why might you need a Crown?
There are a few reasons why your Dentist might recommend getting a crown. Here’s a rundown of the most common ones:
- To Protect a Weak Tooth: If your tooth is cracked, decayed, or weakened by a large filling, a crown can help protect it from breaking apart. Think of it as a way to “shield” your tooth from further damage.
- After a Root Canal: If you’ve had a root canal to treat a decayed or infected tooth, a crown is often placed over it to strengthen the tooth and protect it from future damage.
- To Restore a Broken Tooth: If you’ve chipped or broken a tooth, a crown can help restore it to its original size and shape, keeping it functional and looking natural.
- To Improve Aesthetics: If you have a discoloured or poorly shaped tooth, a crown can improve its appearance and blend it with the rest of your smile.
- To Hold a Bridge in Place: Crowns sometimes anchor a dental bridge, which replaces one or more missing teeth.
Types of Crowns
Not all crowns are the same! Depending on your needs and preferences, there are several types to choose from:
- Porcelain Crowns are perfect for front teeth because they blend seamlessly with your natural tooth colour. Metal crowns are more durable than porcelain crowns, but they are an excellent option for a natural look.
- Metal Crowns: Made from gold, silver, or other alloys, metal crowns are strong and long-lasting. They’re ideal for the back teeth, where strength is more important than appearance.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns: These crowns combine the strength of metal with the natural look of porcelain. They’re a good middle-ground option if you want a durable crown that looks great.
- Zirconia Crowns: Zirconia is a rigid, durable material used for crowns. It’s strong like metal but can match the colour of your natural teeth, making it an excellent option for both front and back teeth.
The Crown Procedure: What to Expect
If your Dentist has recommended a crown, you might wonder what the procedure involves. Here’s a step-by-step look at what typically happens when you get a crown:
1. Initial Consultation
Your Dentist will examine the tooth and take some X-rays to assess the extent of the damage. They’ll discuss the different crown options with you and decide which material suits your needs.
2. Preparing the Tooth
Next, your Dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decayed or damaged parts. They’ll reshape the tooth so it’s the right size and shape for the Crown to fit. If a significant amount of the tooth is missing, they may add filling material to fill it in.
3. Taking Impressions
Once the tooth is ready, your Dentist will take an impression (mould) of your tooth, which will be used to create your custom crown. This ensures that the Crown fits perfectly and feels natural in your mouth.
4. Temporary Crown
While your permanent Crown is being made, your Dentist will place a temporary crown over the tooth to protect it. This is usually made from acrylic or resin and will be stronger than the final Crown, but it’ll do the job once the permanent one is ready.
5. Fitting the Permanent Crown
Once your permanent Crown is ready (usually in about two weeks), you’ll return it to the Dentist for the fitting. Your Dentist will check the Crown’s fit, shape, and colour to ensure it’s just right. They’ll then cement it, and voilà —your tooth is restored!
How long does a Crown Last?
A well-maintained crown can last 10 to 15 years, sometimes even longer! The lifespan of your Crown depends on factors like the material it’s made from, how well you care for your teeth, and where it’s placed in your mouth. Back teeth experience more wear and tear, so they might need a replacement sooner than front teeth.
Caring for Your Crown
Once you’ve got your Crown, taking care of it just like your natural teeth is essential. Here are some tips to keep your Crown in tip-top shape:
- Brush and Floss Regularly: Keep your Crown clean by brushing and flossing daily. Remember to floss around the gum line to prevent plaque buildup.
- Avoid Hard Foods: While crowns are thorny, biting down on hard foods (like ice or nuts) can damage or crack them. Be careful!
- Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools: Avoid using your teeth to open bottles or tear packaging – your Crown is there to protect your tooth, but it’s not indestructible.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: See your Dentist regularly for check-ups to ensure your Crown is still in good shape and to catch any potential problems early.
When you see your Dentist
If you experience any pain, sensitivity, or discomfort around your Crown, seeing your Dentist is a good idea. Similarly, suppose you notice the Crown becoming loose or chipped. In that case, it’s best to check it before it becomes a more significant issue.
Wrapping it Up
A dental crown might sound like a big deal, but it’s a routine procedure that can do wonders for your smile and dental health. Whether you’re restoring a damaged tooth, improving the appearance of your smile, or preventing further tooth damage, a crown can be a lifesaver. So, if your Dentist recommends one, don’t sweat it – you’ll be back to smiling like a champ in no time!
Remember, a crown is like a good mate – it supports you when needed. With a bit of care and regular check-ups, you’ll be able to enjoy your new, healthy smile for years to come.
Wrapping It Up
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, visiting your dentist as soon as possible is essential. Early treatment can save you from more significant problems down the track and help you maintain a healthy, confident smile. At Innovative Dental, we’re here to help you determine the best treatment for your situation and ensure you receive top-notch care.
Remember, looking after your teeth isn’t just about avoiding pain; it’s about keeping your overall health in check.
The most critical factors for saving money, pain, and time are practising good oral hygiene, eating a healthy diet with less sugar, and finally, seeing your dentist regularly.
