Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are a common restorative dental procedure that can bring back the strength, function, and appearance of a damaged tooth. Essentially, a crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire visible part of your tooth, fitting over it like a natural-looking cap.

Benefits of dental crowns

1. Restores Damaged Teeth

• Strength and Protection: Crowns provide a strong, protective covering for weakened or damaged teeth, preventing further decay, cracks, or fractures.
• Functionality: They restore the tooth's ability to chew and bite effectively, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods without pain or limitations.

2. Improves Appearance

• Aesthetic Enhancement: Crowns can significantly improve the appearance of your smile by correcting misshapen, discolored, or worn-down teeth.
• Natural Look: Modern materials like porcelain and zirconia mimic the natural color and translucency of your teeth, creating a seamless and beautiful smile.

3. Long-lasting Solution

• Durability: With proper care, dental crowns can last for many years, often 5-15 years or even longer, making them a worthwhile investment in your oral health.
• Stability: They provide a stable and long-lasting solution for various dental issues, improving your overall oral health and quality of life.

Why might you need a dental crown?

There are several reasons why your dentist might recommend a dental crown:

• To protect a weak tooth: If your tooth is weakened by decay or cracks, a crown can provide the necessary support to prevent it from breaking.
• To restore a broken or worn-down tooth: Accidents, grinding, or general wear and tear can leave your tooth damaged. A crown can restore its original shape and size.
• To cover a large filling: When a filling is too large to adequately support the remaining tooth structure, a crown can provide the necessary reinforcement.
• To hold a dental bridge in place: Crowns can serve as anchors for a dental bridge, which replaces missing teeth.
• To cover a dental implant: Crowns are used to top dental implants, providing a natural-looking and functional replacement for a missing tooth.
• To improve the appearance of a tooth: Crowns can correct misshapen, discolored, or otherwise unsightly teeth, giving you a more confident smile.

What are crowns made of?

Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials:

• Porcelain: Porcelain crowns are popular for their natural look, closely mimicking the color and translucency of real teeth. They are a good choice for front teeth.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal: These crowns combine the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain. They have a metal core covered by porcelain, making them durable and natural-looking.
• Metal: Metal crowns, typically made of gold, silver or other alloys, are the strongest and most durable option. They are a good choice for back teeth that endure a lot of chewing force.
• Zirconia: Zirconia is a strong ceramic material that offers a good balance of strength and aesthetics. It is becoming increasingly popular for both front and back teeth.
• Resin: Resin crowns are less expensive but also less durable than other options. They are often used as temporary crowns while a permanent crown is being made.

What is the process for getting a dental crown?

The process for getting a dental crown usually involves two visits to your dentist:

1. First visit

• Your dentist will examine your tooth and take X-rays to assess the extent of the damage and the health of the surrounding bone.
• They will numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue with local anesthesia.
• The tooth will be reshaped to make room for the crown.
• A digital impression of your tooth will be taken to create a custom crown.
• A temporary crown will be placed to protect your tooth while the permanent crown is being made.

2. Second visit

• Your dentist will remove the temporary crown and check the fit of the permanent crown.
• If the fit is satisfactory, the crown will be cemented or bonded into place.

How to care for your dental crown

• Practice good oral hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth regularly, paying special attention to the area around the crown.
• Schedule regular dental checkups: Visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings to ensure your crown is in good condition and to address any potential problems early on.

Dental crowns are a reliable and effective way to restore damaged teeth and improve your smile. If you think you might need a dental crown, consult with your dentist to discuss your options.