What You Need to Know Before Getting Dental Crown

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap for damaged teeth. It can be made from materials such as porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, and composite resin.

A patient may need a dental crown for several reasons including protecting a weak tooth, restoring an already broken tooth, holding a dental bridge in place or covering a dental implant.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Dental Crown Material

The following factors are put into playwhen selecting materials for a dental crown:

• Tooth’s location
• Color of the surrounding teeth
• Gum tissue position
• The function of the tooth that needs the crown
• Natural tooth remaining

A natural appearance that doesn’t detract from the patient’s smile is a priority when getting a dental crown.

Other factorsconsideredduring the selection include:

• Durability
• Strength
• Cost

Types of Dental Crowns

Here are the types of dental crowns that can be fitted over your teeth:

• Temporary Crown

This crown remains in the patient’s mouth for a brief period.It’s placed over your tooth using an easily removable crown. For this reason, its strength can’t be compared to that of the permanent crown. The dentist will fit you with this crown as you wait for your permanent crown to be made.

• One-day Crown

It is designed by taking a 3D image of the patient’s tooth, and a crown with precise measurements using the help of a computeris then milled from a block of ceramic. This is fixed within just one visit to the dentist. You do not have to wear a temporary crown as you wait for the permanent one to be completed.

• On-lay

This is a crown coveringpart of your tooth. It’s recommended when a full crown isn’t necessary.

Who Needs a Crown?

A patient may require a crown if their toothis severely worn, weakened, cracked, or has a large cavity that is too big for a filling.Crowns are also recommended following a root canal on a tooth because the tooth is more fragile and needs protection.

Dental Crown Procedure

There are two procedures, namely, multi-day and same-day procedures.

The Multi-day Procedure

Forthis process, a patient requires two visits to the dentist’s office. The dentist carries out an oral examination, and the tooth needing a crown is prepared. X-rays of your tooth may be taken.

• The dentist files down the tooth and eliminates a part of its outer layer.
• An impression of the now trimmed tooth and the others surrounding it is made.
• A temporary crown is fitted over the tooth for protection.
• The impression is sent to the lab to manufacture the crown.
• When your crown has been completed, it will be fitted on your second visit.

The Same-day Procedure

For thisprocedure, there is no need for temporary crowns.

• Digital pictures of your mouth are taken
• The crown is created at the dentist’s office on the same day with the aid of digital scans
• The dentist then fits the crown over your tooth when it is ready.

Dental Crown Care

Paying close attention to yourcrown is crucial as it prolongs its life. It’s done through the following:

• Practicing careful brushing
• Flossing once every day
• Stay away from hard foods as they may cause cracks to the crown, especially porcelain models.
• Use of night guards to prevent clenching and grinding of teeth.

Associated Risks

A crown can be a handy solution to a significant problem with one of your teeth, but there are risks and possible complications that you may experience after getting a crown:

• Less sensitivity to heat and cold
• Crown chipping
• Loose crown
• Allergic reaction to the metal used in the crown
• Gum disease

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Their lifespan falls within a range of 5 to 15 years. Due to their strength, some crowns are more durable than others hence long-lasting.With proper care, all crowns last for a long time.

Alternative to Dental Crowns

Potential treatment options typically include:

• Filling(tooth build-up)
• Temporizing tooth and postponing crown placement
• Tooth extraction

If you are in Harbord and need dental crowns fixed, visit us at Dental Art on Harbord in Harbord St, Toronto. Meet our Harbord dentist for this and many other cosmetic and general dental services.