Dental crowns can dramatically improve the appearance of your teeth by disguising damage or discolouration, but they are not just about aesthetics. They are also about protection, strength, and restoration. A dental crown is essentially a prosthetic device that snugly fits over your tooth, replacing damaged enamel and dentin to shield your tooth from further wear and tear.
Whether it is fortifying a weakened tooth or resurrecting one that is severely worn down, dental crowns play an integral role in restorative dentistry. Curious to learn more?
What Is a Dental Crown?
Definition and Purpose
A dental crown, sometimes referred to as a “cap”, is a protective cover that is placed over a damaged or decayed tooth. It is an effective way to restore the strength, shape, size, and appearance of your tooth. Think of it as a solid helmet for your tooth, offering protection while also enhancing aesthetics.
One primary purpose of dental crowns is to protect a weak tooth from further damage. For instance, if you have a tooth that is severely worn down or has undergone root canal treatment, a crown can preserve what is left of your natural tooth. Dental crowns serve cosmetic purposes too. They can cover discoloured or misshapen teeth effectively.
Why You Might Need a Dental Crown
Structural Repairs
Dental crowns are critical in structural repairs. If you have had root canal therapy, have a large filling, or have a broken tooth, it might be necessary to have a dental crown fitted. The cap protects the remaining tooth from further damage and reinforces its strength.
Cosmetics
Dental crowns are not solely about repairing damage; they are also an essential player in cosmetic dentistry. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, perhaps due to discolouration or unevenness, a crown might be a good solution for you. It is like slipping on an elegant glove over your natural tooth, concealing any imperfections and presenting a polished and uniform smile to the world.
Materials Used in Dental Crowns
Now that you understand what dental crowns are and their purpose, let’s explore the materials used in their construction. Dental crowns can be made of a variety of materials; each type comes with its own set of advantages. The choice of crown typically depends on the specific needs and preferences of the patient.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns include alloys with high content of gold, platinum, or base-metal alloys. These crowns are known for their durability and longevity. They can withstand biting and chewing forces well, rarely chip or break, and can last the longest, but their metallic colour might not appeal to everyone. Despite this drawback, they are an excellent choice for out-of-sight molars.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
These crowns offer a good balance between durability and aesthetics. Their colour can be matched to your adjacent teeth, unlike pure metallic crowns, but the porcelain part can chip or break over time. Also note that sometimes the metal underlying the crown’s porcelain can show through as a dark line at your gum line if your gums recede. These are versatile crowns – good for front or back teeth as well as long bridges where strength is needed.
Ceramic Crowns
All-ceramic and all-porcelain dental crowns offer the best natural colour match of any type of crown and may be more suitable for people with metal allergies. They are not as robust as metal crowns or porcelain-fused-to-metal versions.
Zirconia Ceramic
With recent advancements in dentistry technology, Zirconia ceramic crowns combine durability with aesthetics exceptionally well.
Temporary vs. Permanent Crowns
Temporary dental crowns are usually made in your dentist’s office whereas permanent ones are made in a dental lab. A temporary crown is used while the permanent one is crafted and is replaced when the permanent one is ready. Both types serve a specific purpose and are crucial in the process.
Each type of dental crown has its pros and cons. Your dentist will guide you towards the one that best suits your needs.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Initial Consultation and Examination
At your first visit, your dentist will conduct an in-depth examination of the tooth (or teeth) that require a crown. This includes taking a few x-rays to inspect the roots of the tooth and the surrounding bone structure. If there is extensive decay or risk of infection to the tooth’s pulp, a root canal treatment may be performed first. This initial consultation allows your dentist to assess the condition of your teeth and devise an effective treatment plan.
Tooth Preparation
The crown is prepared in two steps and over two appointments. At the first appointment the dentist will reshape the entire tooth to create space for the dental crown. If too much of the tooth is missing due decay or damage, a filling material can be added to create sufficient tooth structure for the crown to cover. Sometimes this may require an additional appointment. An impression of the tooth is taken and sent to the dental laboratory where a dental crown is made. A temporary (or provisional) dental crown is placed on the tooth until the second appointment.
Fitting the Temporary Crown
While waiting for your permanent crown, a temporary one is often placed to protect your reshaped tooth. It also helps maintain the reshaped tooth’s position relative to the surrounding teeth and aids in chewing.
A temporary dental crown is used for only a few weeks while the laboratory makes the permanent dental crown. Temporary dental crowns require special care.
Creating and Placing the Permanent Crown
The second appointment takes place one to two weeks after the first. The dentist will remove the temporary dental crown and confirm the fit and colour of the permanent dental crown. The dental crown is then fixed to the existing tooth with dental cement. Rarely the permanent crown might have to be sent to the laboratory for adjustments in which case an additional appointment might be necessary.
Aftercare for Dental Crowns
Your dental crown journey does not end when the procedure does. Proper care ensures the longevity of your crowns while promoting good oral health. This section delves into the daily care and maintenance of dental crowns, plus managing sensitivity and discomfort.
Daily Care and Maintenance
Proper care of your dental crowns is not difficult. It is as straightforward as practising good oral hygiene habits. Brush twice a day and do not forget to floss regularly. Remember, even though the crown itself cannot decay, bacteria can still reach the underlying tooth and cause havoc.
Avoid hard foods that might chip or dislodge your crown. Foods such as ice cubes, hard candies, or nuts could damage your newly crowned tooth.
Regular check-ups are also crucial. Your dentist can spot any potential issues early on before they escalate into bigger problems.
Managing Sensitivity and Discomfort
Mild post-procedure discomfort is normal; your mouth has just undergone a significant change! Sensitivity to hot or cold might be noticeable immediately after the procedure due to inflammation in the treated area. But rest easy, this discomfort typically subsides within a few days.
Continuing pain when biting might hint at an issue with the underlying tooth structure or nerve. Do not hesitate to reach out to your dentist if this occurs.
Concourse Dental offers dental crowns to restore and enhance your smile. Contact the Concourse team for reliable, durable, and aesthetically pleasing dental solutions.
Samira Jaffer, DDS, a venerated Dentist and Instructor at the University of Toronto, has over four decades of pioneering work in dentistry, complemented by her role in educating the next generation. Her academic journey from a Bachelor of Science to a Doctor of Dental Surgery, both from the University of Toronto, set the stage for an illustrious career. Dr. Jaffer’s contributions have been recognized extensively, including multiple Ontario Dental Association Governance Leadership Awards (2010, 2012, 2018, 2020), the Toronto Central Dental Society Award for her presidency (2010-2011), Fellowships in both the American and International Colleges of Dentists (2013, 2014), and several other honors that highlight her dedication to dental health policy, membership engagement, and society contributions. Her active participation in various dental associations illustrates a commitment that transcends her practice, underscoring a legacy of excellence, leadership, and a patient-first approach that distinguishes her in the field.