A dental crown, commonly known as a dental cap, improves the appearance by completely encasing the treated tooth. In addition, it also helps to restore its shape, size, and the way it looks.
Placing a crown may be necessary in 2 situations:
• functional area is involved
• size of your cavity is large
A dental crown helps to cover the entire tooth, restoring it to its original size and shape.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a cap placed on top of a tooth to restore the damaged portion or above dental implants to restore function.
A dental crown can be made up of metal, porcelain, ceramic, resin, or a combination of materials.
When Do I Need a Dental Crown?
A dental crown helps to restore/enhance the appearance of your tooth. It may be needed for the following situations:
- Strengthen a weak tooth
- Hold a dental bridge in place
- Hold parts of a cracked tooth together
- Cover a tooth after root canal treatment
- Cover abnormal teeth, such as under-developed teeth or discoloured teeth
- Cover a dental implant
- Restore a broken, chipped or severely worn-down tooth
What are the types of dental crowns available?
Dental crowns come in various shapes, sizes and colours. The materials used to make dental crowns range from metals, porcelain, ceramic or resin. However, they vary in terms of strength, appearance, method of preparation and cost. At Garden Dental, our dentist will work with you to decide on the choice of material for your new crown.
Metal crowns
Metal crowns are typically formed of metal alloys. Gold crowns, for example, are frequently combined with nickel, chromium, and palladium to increase their longevity. Because metal crowns are so resistant to cracks and fractures, they are robust and long-lasting. For molars in particular, which bear a greater load during chewing, metal crowns are a durable and dependable option.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) crowns consist of a porcelain exterior and a metal inner. The metal strengthens the crown’s basis, while the porcelain creates a more tooth-like appearance. This material combination makes PFMs a reliable alternative for applications demanding both beauty and robustness.
All Porcelain or All Ceramic Crowns
Those who are sensitive or allergic to metal alloys may prefer a metal-free dental crown. Although ceramic and composite crowns are not as strong as metal crowns, they have the best aesthetic properties, resulting in the most natural toothlike appearance. As a result, they may be better suited for front teeth such as incisors.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are durable and natural-looking. They are more resistant to breakage and wear than traditional ceramic crowns and appear more natural than metal crowns.
Zirconia crowns, which combine these qualities in a single material, have grown in favour during the last decade with the development of CAD-Cam technology.
Provisional (temporary) crown
During the crown operation, a temporary crown can be placed at the dentist’s office for a brief amount of time while the new permanent crown is being created in the dental laboratory. Temporary crowns are comprised of metal or resin and are less durable than permanent crowns. They are frequently used to protect the underlying tooth structure while waiting for the final crown to be placed.
What is the procedure for getting dental crowns?
During the initial consultation, our dentist will do a complete evaluation. If a tooth is severely damaged, therapies such as replacing poor fillings, performing root canal therapy, or placing a dental implant may be required before delivering a crown.
Our dentist will then go over your options for crown materials, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
Once the type of crown is decided upon, our dentist will reduce the size and surface of the tooth to make room for the crown. After that, impressions of your teeth will be taken and sent to a dental laboratory so that your crown may be created.
Meanwhile, a temporary crown composed of soft plastic will be glued to the underlying tooth to protect it from additional damage and allow you to eat while your permanent crown is being manufactured.
The dentist replaces the temporary crown and inspects the final crown for fit, bite, and aesthetics before cementing it. You will then be able to go home with your newly crowned tooth.
Conclusion
Dental crowns can restore worn, damaged or decayed teeth. There are several types of crowns made from a variety of materials. The type of crown that’s best for you depends on several factors, including your budget, personal preferences and oral health goals. Crowns are durable, but they’re not indestructible. They’ll need replacing at some point. Regular dental visits and proper oral hygiene can keep your crown in good condition for years to come. Learn more about dental crown treatments or book an appointment with us at Garden Dental clinic today.
