When a tooth is weakened, damaged, or decayed, a dental crown helps restore its strength, function, and natural appearance. Whether you have a broken tooth, a severely decayed tooth, or have undergone a root canal treatment, a crown may be the best solution to protect your natural tooth structure. But what is a dental crown exactly, and how does the process work? Let’s explore everything you need to know.
Dental Crowns: What Are They and When Do You Need One?
A dental crown, sometimes called a dental cap, is a customised restoration that fully covers a tooth, aiming to restore its shape, size, and strength. It is an essential part of restorative dentistry, especially when a tooth is too compromised for a simple filling.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown?
- A broken or decayed tooth that cannot be restored with a filling
- A weak tooth that is at risk of fracturing
- A root canal-treated tooth, which is more fragile and needs extra protection
- A dental implant that requires a crown as its final restoration
- A missing tooth that needs support for a dental bridge
- Aesthetic concerns like severely discoloured or misshapen teeth
- A large filling with minimal natural tooth remaining for support
Types of Dental Crowns: Which One is Best for You?
The dental crown depends on various factors such as function, aesthetics, durability, and material preference. Here’s a breakdown of the different types:
1. Porcelain Crowns
- Crafted from porcelain material for a natural tooth colour.
- Best suited for front teeth or visible teeth due to their aesthetic appeal.
- Resistant to stains but not as strong as metal crowns.
2. Ceramic Crowns
- Similar to porcelain crowns, they offer enhanced durability.
- Ideal for patients with metal allergies.
- Biocompatible, reducing irritation to the gums and surrounding tissue.
3. Zirconia Crowns
- Extremely durable, capable of withstanding biting and chewing forces from opposing teeth.
- Commonly used for out-of-sight molars and high-stress areas.
- Available in all-zirconia or zirconia with a porcelain coating for improved aesthetics.
4. Metal Crowns
- Made from gold, platinum, or metal alloys.
- Highly durable and ideal for molars, where strength is more important than appearance.
- They are less commonly used due to their metallic appearance.
5. Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crowns
- Combines the strength of metal with the aesthetic appeal of porcelain.
- Offers durability while maintaining a tooth-coloured appearance.
- It may reveal a dark metal line near the gum over time.
6. Resin Crowns
- More affordable but less durable compared to other options.
- Typically used as temporary dental crowns rather than permanent dental crowns.
- Prone to wear and fractures over time.
The Dental Crown Procedure: What to Expect
The dental crown procedure typically involves two visits to your dentist.
Step 1: Tooth Preparation
- The dentist removes any decayed tooth structure and shapes the prepared tooth.
- If the tooth is too damaged, a filling may be placed first.
- Root canal-treated teeth may require additional reinforcement for support.
Step 2: Taking Impressions
- A detailed impression of the patient’s tooth and adjacent teeth is taken to ensure an accurate and secure fit.
- The mould is delivered to a dental laboratory, where dental technicians create crowns to match your natural tooth colour.
Step 3: Placing a Temporary Crown
- A temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth to safeguard it, while the permanent crown is custom-made.
- Temporary crowns are usually crafted from resin or acrylic and are affixed with temporary dental cement to allow for easy removal.
Step 4: Crown Fabrication
- In the dental laboratory, advanced techniques are used to craft a custom crown.
- The process usually takes 1-2 weeks, depending on the material chosen.
Step 5: Crown Placement
- The dentist carefully takes off the temporary crown and securely places the permanent one, ensuring a precise and comfortable fit.
- The permanent dental crown is cemented using strong dental cement.
- Modifications are performed to achieve an optimal and comfortable bite alignment.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
On average:
- Porcelain and ceramic crowns: 10-15 years
- Metal and PFM crowns: 15-20 years or longer
- Resin crowns: Only a few years (mainly used for temporary purposes)
- Zirconia crowns: Over 15 years with proper care
Factors That Affect Crown Longevity
- Oral hygiene: Proper brushing and flossing prevent decay under the crown.
- Chewing habits: Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or other hard substances.
- Teeth grinding (Bruxism): May shorten the lifespan of your crown.
- Placement location: Out-of-sight molars experience more wear and tear than front teeth.
Potential Risks and Issues with Dental Crowns
While dental crowns are highly effective, some potential issues can arise:
- Tooth Sensitivity: Newly placed crowns may cause temporary sensitivity to hot and cold foods.
- Loose Crown: With time, dental cement may deteriorate, potentially leading to the crown becoming loose or dislodged.
- Chipped Crown: Porcelain crowns can sometimes chip, though minor damage can be repaired.
- Decay Under the Crown: Poor hygiene can lead to decay at the crown’s base.
- Bite Issues: If the new crown is not properly fitted, it can affect biting and chewing forces.
Caring for Your Dental Crown: Essential Tips
To maximise the lifespan of your crown and maintain good oral health, follow these care tips:
- Maintain daily brushing and flossing to protect the crown’s base from decay.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent wear on the crown.
- Avoid chewing hard foods like ice cubes, popcorn kernels, and hard candy.
- Schedule routine dental visits for professional cleanings and routine check-ups to maintain optimal oral health.
- If your crown feels loose or uncomfortable, seek dental care immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
If you’re considering a dental crown, you may have several questions about the procedure, types, and aftercare. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common queries to help you better understand dental crowns and their role in restorative dentistry.
1. How does a dental crown compare to a veneer?
A dental crown fully covers the entire tooth, whereas a veneer only overlays the front surface. Crowns are ideal for restoring severely damaged or decayed teeth, while veneers are primarily used for cosmetic enhancements.
2. Can I get a dental crown if I have gum disease?
If you have active gum disease, it must be treated before placing a crown. Healthy gums provide the necessary support for a crown to fit properly and remain stable over time.
3. Can a dental crown be whitened?
No, porcelain, ceramic, and zirconia crowns do not respond to teeth whitening treatments. If you want a whiter smile, consider whitening your natural teeth before getting a crown.
4. Can I eat normally with a dental crown?
Yes, once the permanent crown is placed, you can eat as normal. However, avoid hard or sticky foods with a temporary crown.
5. What happens if my crown falls off?
If your dental crown comes loose or falls off, contact your dentist immediately. Avoid chewing on that side, and try to keep the area clean until it can be reattached.
6. How do I clean around my dental crown?
Maintain proper oral health by brushing twice daily, flossing carefully around the crown, and using an antibacterial mouthwash.
7. Can a crowned tooth get a cavity?
Yes, the natural tooth beneath the crown can still develop decay if oral hygiene is neglected, especially around the gum line.
8. Is a crown better than a filling?
A crown is recommended when a tooth is too weak to support a filling. Fillings are best for minor cavities, while crowns provide protection for severely decayed or fractured teeth.
9. Will a crown feel different from my natural teeth?
Initially, you may feel slight differences in texture or bite pressure, but after a few days, it should feel like a natural tooth.
10. Can I replace an old crown?
Yes, crowns wear out over time and may need replacement due to fractures, decay beneath the crown, or changes in bite alignment.
Final Thoughts: Is a Dental Crown Right for You?
If you suspect you need a crown or have questions about the crown procedure, schedule a consultation with Balmoral Dental Centre today at (07) 3113 9789. A well-placed custom crown can provide long-lasting strength, function, and beauty.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
- Medical News Today. (n.d.). What you need to know about root canal treatment. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/142780
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Dental crowns: Purpose, procedure & risks. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10923-dental-crowns
- Colgate. (n.d.). What is good oral hygiene? Retrieved from https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-oral-care/what-is-good-oral-hygiene
- Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Dental implant surgery. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622