Imagine you have a beautiful, old vase. Over time, it gets a small crack. You could try to glue it, but you worry it might break completely. What if you could place a strong, protective shell over the entire top of the vase? This shell would hold all the pieces together, making it strong and usable again.
What is a dental crown? It is often called a “cap” and is a special cover that a dentist places over a damaged or weakened tooth. It’s custom-made to fit your tooth perfectly, restoring its shape, size, and strength. Think of it as a new, protective layer for your tooth, helping it function like a healthy tooth once more
What is a Dental Crown and Why Is It Used?
A dental crown is a dental prosthetic, which is a fancy way of saying it’s a replacement part for your body. The crown is cemented onto your existing tooth, completely covering the visible part of the tooth above the gum line. It’s used for several important reasons:
- To protect a weak tooth: If a tooth has a large filling that leaves it vulnerable to breaking, a crown can hold it together.
- To hold parts of a cracked tooth together: A crown can act like a binder, preventing the crack from getting worse.
- To restore a broken or severely worn-down tooth: A crown can bring the tooth back to its original shape and function.
- To cover and support a tooth with a large filling: Sometimes, a filling is so big there’s not much tooth left. A crown provides the necessary support.
- To cover a dental implant: A crown is the final, visible part of a dental implant, which replaces a missing tooth.
- To cover a severely discoloured or poorly shaped tooth: A crown can improve the appearance of your smile.
- To hold a dental bridge in place: A bridge uses crowns on the teeth on either side of a gap to hold a replacement tooth.
Essentially, if a tooth is in trouble, a crown is a reliable way to save it and get it working properly again.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
Getting a dental crown offers a lot more than just saving a tooth. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Improved Strength and Durability: A crown makes a weakened tooth much stronger, so you can chew and bite with confidence.
- Enhanced Appearance: Crowns are custom-made to match the colour, size, and shape of your natural teeth. They can fix cosmetic issues like discolouration or a misshapen tooth, giving you a beautiful, natural-looking smile.
- Protection from Further Damage: By covering the entire tooth, a crown protects it from future cracks, decay, and wear. This can prevent the need for more complex and expensive treatments down the track.
- Long-lasting Solution: With proper care, a dental crown can last for many years, sometimes even a lifetime. It’s a very durable and lasting solution for a damaged tooth.
- Improved Oral Function: A crown restores the tooth’s ability to chew food properly, which is important for good digestion and overall health.
- Relief from Pain: If a tooth is sensitive or painful due to a crack or decay, a crown can often relieve this discomfort by protecting the sensitive areas.
For anyone needing a dentist, reach out to our dentist Launceston, as we can assess your situation and explain how a crown could benefit you.
Types of Dental Crowns
There are several types of dental crowns, and the best choice for you depends on a few things: the tooth’s location, the appearance you want, and your budget. Here are the most common types:
- Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns: These are the most popular choice for front teeth because they look very natural. They are made to match the colour of your surrounding teeth, so they blend in perfectly. The downside is that they can be a bit more fragile than metal crowns.
- Metal Crowns: These are made from materials like gold, silver, or other alloys. They are incredibly strong and durable, making them a great choice for molars (the back teeth) where chewing pressure is high and they aren’t easily visible. They rarely chip or break, and they require less of the tooth to be removed during the procedure.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: This type combines the best of both worlds. It has a metal inner shell for strength and a porcelain outer layer for a natural look. They are a good option for both front and back teeth. However, sometimes the metal can show as a dark line at the gum line over time.
- Zirconia Crowns: Zirconia is a very strong, tooth-coloured material. It’s a newer option that is gaining popularity because it combines the strength of a metal crown with the aesthetic appeal of a porcelain crown. They are a great choice for back teeth where strength is key.
The dentist at Launceston Dentistry will discuss the different options with you and help you choose the one that’s right for your specific needs.
The Procedure for Getting a Dental Crown
Getting a dental crown usually takes two visits to the dentist, although some dentists have technology that allows them to do it in one visit. Here’s a general overview of the two-visit process:
Visit 1: Preparing the Tooth and Taking Impressions
- Preparation: The dentist will first numb the tooth and the surrounding gum with a local anaesthetic. This ensures you won’t feel any pain.
- Shaping the Tooth: The dentist will carefully shape the tooth to make room for the crown. They will file down the sides and the chewing surface. The amount of tooth removed depends on the type of crown being made.
- Taking Impressions: An impression (a mold) of your prepared tooth is taken. This mold is sent to a dental laboratory where a skilled technician will create your custom crown. Impressions of the teeth above and below are also taken to ensure the new crown fits comfortably with your bite.
- Temporary Crown: While your permanent crown is being made (which can take a couple of weeks), the dentist will place a temporary crown over your tooth. This protects the prepared tooth and helps you chew and smile normally.
Visit 2: Placing the Permanent Crown
- Removal of Temporary Crown: The dentist will remove the temporary crown and clean the tooth.
- Fitting the New Crown: They will carefully check the new permanent crown for a good fit and make sure the colour and shape are perfect. They’ll also check your bite to ensure it feels comfortable.
- Cementing: Once everyone is happy with the fit, the dentist will permanently cement the crown onto your tooth.
And that’s it! The tooth is now stronger, protected, and looks just like a natural tooth again.
What to Expect After the Crown Placement
After the first visit, while you have the temporary crown, you might experience some mild sensitivity. It’s best to avoid chewing hard or sticky foods on that side of your mouth to avoid dislodging the temporary crown.
Once the permanent crown is in place, it may feel different at first. This is normal. It will feel just like your other teeth within a few days. If your bite feels “off” or you have any persistent pain, it’s important to let the dentist know. They can make small adjustments to the crown to make it comfortable.
How to Care for a Dental Crown
Caring for a dental crown is very easy—you treat it just like your other teeth! Good oral hygiene is key to making your crown last a long time.
- Brush Twice a Day: Brush your teeth for two minutes, two times a day.
- Floss Daily: Flossing is especially important to clean around the crown and prevent decay at the gum line.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit our dentist in Launceston for regular check-ups and cleans. We can check the health of your crown and the tooth underneath.
- Avoid Chewing Hard Things: While crowns are strong, avoid chewing on things like ice, hard lollies, or popcorn kernels, as this can damage the crown or your natural teeth.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, a dental crown can last for many years. The typical lifespan is anywhere from 5 to 15 years, and often much longer. The longevity of your crown depends on several things, including:
- The material of the crown: Metal and zirconia crowns tend to be more durable than porcelain ones.
- Your oral hygiene habits: Brushing and flossing regularly are essential.
- Your habits: Habits like grinding your teeth or chewing on hard objects can shorten the life of a crown.
- The location of the crown: Crowns on molars take more pressure from chewing and may not last as long as crowns on front teeth.
Alternatives to Dental Crowns
While a dental crown is a great solution for many problems, it’s not the only option. Depending on the issue with your tooth, the dentist might suggest one of these alternatives:
- Onlays or Inlays: These are sometimes called “partial crowns.” An inlay fits within the cusps (the bumps on the chewing surface) of the tooth, while an onlay covers one or more of the cusps. They are used when there is not enough damage to need a full crown but too much to be fixed with a simple filling.
- Fillings: For smaller areas of decay or damage, a simple filling might be all that’s needed.
- Veneers: Veneers are very thin, custom-made shells that cover only the front surface of a tooth. They are used mainly for cosmetic purposes, like improving the appearance of discoloured or slightly misshapen front teeth.
The dentist will help you understand all your options and recommend the best treatment for your specific situation.
Conclusion
A dental crown is a fantastic way to restore a damaged tooth, giving it new life, strength, and a beautiful appearance. Whether your tooth is cracked, worn down, or weakened by a large filling, a crown can provide a durable and long-lasting solution.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, have a broken tooth, or are just curious about how a dental crown could improve your smile, don’t hesitate to speak with our experts in Launceston Dentistry. With our trusted dentist in Launceston, discuss your options and get the best possible care for your teeth.
Your smile is worth it!
