Dental crowns are hollow caps created in the shape of your natural teeth out of various materials. They are shaped to fit over your teeth in order to restore your tooth’s shape, size, appearance or strength. Sometimes a crown is used to cap a tooth’s entire surface in order to provide a strong chewing surface. Sometimes it is used to restore a discoloured or misshapen tooth’s natural appearance. Dental crowns are especially useful when it comes to protecting teeth that have undergone extensive root canal procedures. In this article, we will answer the eight most common questions that people have about dental crowns.
1. What Are The Materials From Which Dental Crowns Are Made?
Dental crowns can be constructed out of nickel, chromium, gold alloys and other. They’re also made out of porcelain, which matches the colour of the natural tooth most closely. Porcelain also provides an alternative to pure metal. Sometimes porcelain is fused with different metals for a stronger crown.
2. What Are the Differences between Temporary and Permanent Dental Crowns?
A temporary dental crown is a cap made of acrylic or stainless steel that’s fitted on top of your tooth temporarily, while your permanent crown is getting constructed at a dental lab. It can take several days for a permanent crown to be ready, and it is necessary to cap the void of the root canal with a crown in the meanwhile. Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth that has the temporary crown, till your permanent crown is in place.
3. Does Using A Dental Crown Mean The Underlying Tooth Is Safe From Disease?
The dental crown does not protect the underlying tooth and the surrounding gum from gum disease or infection. You need to brush and floss your dental crown and the gum line to maintain oral hygiene and keep infection away.
4. What Is The Cost Of Dental Crowns?
The price of dental crowns vary based on the material. Porcelain crowns are the most expensive, while a fusion made of porcelain and gold (or any other metal) will be cheaper. Check with your dental insurer if at least a part of the dental crown charge is covered within your insurance.
5. How Are Dental Crowns Placed?
You might need to appear for one or two sittings to get your dental crown placed. First, your dentist will take tooth impressions to confirm the proper bite and fit. Then your tooth colour is matched carefully, and a mould is made. Once the laboratory has constructed your new crown, your dentist will first numb the surrounding your tooth. Then your dentist will shape your tooth’s surface to provide placement for the crown. If your tooth or teeth are severely damaged, your dentist may need to deploy special techniques to create a suitable crown placement. The last step is to cement the dental crown on to your natural tooth.
6. Why Do I Need A Crown?
You might need a dental crown for any number of reasons, such as the following:
- Large cavity or fracture: If your tooth has been fractured, or if you’ve suffered a large cavity that’s wider than half your tooth, you’ll need a dental crown to cover it. This is to protect the remaining tooth around your filling from fracturing any further.
- Root canal: A tooth that has undergone the root canal treatment is hallow, which means the tooth is in danger of cracking if left on its own. A crown restoration keeps the pressure off the remaining tooth, and protects it from fracturing. This is especially important when a back tooth has undergone root canal.
- Broken cusps: If the pointy parts of a tooth (the cusp) are broken due to chewing stress, a simple filling will not do to replace the cusp in the long term. A dental crown becomes necessary.
- Unacceptable appearance: Dental crowns are recommended to cover up teeth that have an unacceptable appearance due to stains, cracks or unsightly gaps. Crowns can be used to cover up all unsightly issues and create a beautiful smile.
7. Do I Need A Root Canal?
Most teeth that have undergone a root canal treatment are usually crowned by dentists. However, not all teeth that need dental crowns need root canal. Crowns are used for cosmetic reasons as well.
8. For how long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns last for 10 to 15 years on average. However, if you’re someone at risk for cavities, or if you’re someone who grinds their teeth or does not practice proper oral hygiene, dental crowns will not last that long. Hard chewing exerts repetitive stresses from the jaw muscles on the dental crown, which further reduces its lifespan. Proper oral hygiene, avoiding hard foods and opting for a superior dental crown to begin with can maximize the lifespan of your dental crown.
Author
Sandy is the dental hygienist at Platinum Dental Care Livonia, one of the most trusted dental care providers in Livonia, Michigan.