Visiting Your Dentist: About Dental Crowns

Over time, our teeth begin to weaken and become more susceptible to problems such as tooth decay, cracks, and discoloration. Dental crowns or “caps” are commonly used in dentistry to fix an array of dental issues, for both cosmetic reasons and to improve the health of your teeth. A dental crown is a customized prosthetic tooth that is cemented onto an existing tooth and acts as a “cap” to cover the entire tooth.

Dental crowns are most commonly used after a root canal procedure because oftentimes the tooth is left with a very large filling that exceeds the natural area of the tooth. Following the root canal procedure, a crown will be placed to help fully restore a tooth’s shape and size, to cover and strengthen the damaged tooth, and to improve its appearance. Once a dental crown is permanently fixed to an existing tooth it can only be removed by a dentist.

What Are Dental Crowns Made Of?

Dental crowns are made of porcelain, ceramic, acrylic and composite resins, and gold and metal alloys. All porcelain and all ceramic crowns are considered to be the best cosmetic choice to restore front teeth since they closely resemble the color of natural teeth. These types of crowns are not well suited for the back teeth, as both ceramic and porcelain material can become brittle when exposed to heavy biting forces. For molars and premolars, a crown may be made from materials such as gold, stainless steel, and other metal alloys because they can endure the wear and tear of long-term biting and chewing.

A dental crown may be recommended for a wide range of reasons. They not only protect and restore teeth but they can also result in a beautiful smile. The most common reasons a dental crown may be used are:

• To protect a weak tooth from fracturing: When a tooth is at risk of fracturing a dental crown can cover the tooth to make it much stronger.
• Restoring a cracked tooth: A cracked tooth can be very sensitive and painful. A crown offers relief, all while making the tooth much stronger.
• Cover a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment: A root canal is performed to save a tooth from having to be pulled when a tooth has become irreparably decayed or infected. Once the root canal is completed, a crown will be placed to restore strength to the weakened tooth, as well as improving its appearance.
• Cover a discolored tooth: If a tooth is severely discolored, its appearance can be amended with a porcelain or ceramic crown.
• To cover a poorly shaped tooth: Because crowns enclose over the entirety of the visible tooth, they are an excellent way to cover a badly shaped tooth.
• To cover a dental implant: Once the dental implant is placed into the jawbone, the crown covers the top of the implant, looking and functioning as natural teeth would.
• To hold a dental bridge firmly in place: A dental bridge bonds the gap created by one or more missing teeth. They are held in place by the teeth on either side of the gap. A dental crown may be placed on these teeth to give extra strength and stability to securely hold the dental bridge in place.

The Dental Crown Procedure

Once you and your dentist decide that a dental crown is the best option, the tooth will be prepared so that your dental crown will fit properly. The dentist will numb the area and remove very small and precise amounts of the tooth’s surface area. This ensures that the finished crown will fit the entire tooth securely and effectively protect the tooth underneath from bacteria and further damage or decay.

After the tooth is prepared, a mold will be taken of the tooth, as well as the adjacent teeth. If you are opting for an all porcelain or all ceramic crown, the dentist will also choose an appropriate shade for the crown that will match the surrounding teeth. Next, the mold will be sent to a dental lab where your dental crown will be fabricated. 

Advances In Dentistry

The field of dentistry is always introducing new and improved ways to provide care. Modern dental offices may use advanced imaging equipment to take digital scans and impressions of your teeth that are sent to the lab to then be milled. This results in your dental crown being created faster. Dental technology has also given dental offices the capability to create crowns and other dental restorations right in the office, cutting out the time needed to wait for the new crown to come back from the lab. Since the crown can be fitted the same day, it cuts out the need for a second appointment as well. This is referred to as same-day crowns.

While you are waiting for your new crown to be made, a temporary crown will be placed to protect the tooth until the permanent crown is back from the lab. Normally it takes about 1-3 weeks for your new crown to come back from the lab. When you come in for your “crown placement” appointment, your temporary crown is removed. The dentist will place the tailor-made crown over the tooth, adjusting the size and fit until the desired result is achieved. The final step is cementing it onto your tooth, completing the restoration.

The recovery period after a dental crown procedure typically last a couple of days. Patients may initially experience some mild pain or discomfort and sensitivity after the numbing effect of the anesthetic has worn off. This discomfort should subside after the first few days. Over the counter medications, such as ibuprofen can be taken to help manage the pain.

The Longevity Of Dental Crowns

While dental crowns can last a lifetime, they can sometimes become damaged, loose or even fall out. To ensure the longevity of your dental crown, avoid eating chewy or hard foods and be sure to practice good dental hygiene. Dental crowns are a modern solution for protecting and restoring teeth for patients of all ages. It is an affordable, effective, and minimally invasive way to bring back your smile and your confidence!