Dental Crowns
Think of Dental Crowns as a Hat
A dental crown is a cap that goes over the top of your current tooth, fitting like a hat or…a crown. This is a sound solution to restoring weak, broken, or decayed teeth. Dental crowns are made from several materials, such as ceramic, metal, or porcelain.
In order for there to be enough room to place a crown, your dentist must remove a small amount of tooth before your new crown can bond.
5 Most Common Materials Used to Build Crowns
As mentioned, your dental crown can be made from several materials. The six most common are:
- Porcelain: Used mostly for front teeth, they can provide the most natural look. They are biocompatible and the perfect choice if you have a metal allergy.
- Ceramic: Like porcelain, ceramic crowns are the very natural looking – they can be durable and very strong.
- Zirconia: This option is incredibly durable with the bonus of having a very natural appearance.
- Metal: This option is made from several different metals. It is the most durable and lasts the longest. It also requires the least amount of tooth removal, but it is the most noticeable, visually speaking.
- Porcelain fused to metal (PFM): A porcelain crown can sometimes be fused with a metal base.
The materials used will be determined by several factors, such as the tooth’s location, how much it shows in your smile, gum tissue position, the function of the tooth, and more.
Steps to a Dental Crown Procedure
A dental crown procedure usually doesn’t take long and can generally be completed in two visits.
Step 1: The dentist will prepare your tooth for the procedure on your first visit. Some of your natural tooth will need to be removed, making space for your new crown and ensuring it stays in place once installed.
Step 2: Your dentist will then take impressions of your teeth, either physically with a putty like substance or digitally. These will then be sent to a lab to help create your custom crown.
Step 3: Your temporary crown will then be placed, as it can take two to three weeks or even longer for your new crown to be created.
Step 4: Once the lab has built your new crown, it will be sent back to your dentist. The temporary crown will be removed on your second appointment, while the dentist ensures your new crown will fit. They will then bond the new crown to your tooth with dental cement.
Dental Crowns Can Last up to 30 Years!
That’s right! If you take the proper steps in caring for your crown, it can last up to 30 years. However, the average expectancy is closer to 5-15 years, as there is always the chance, you’ll have to replace it sooner if it ends up chipped or cracked.
Once you notice wear, tear, or any damage to your crown, it is time for a replacement. Your dentists will also check around the crown margins for any signs of leakage or decay.
Dental Crowns Typically Come with Very Little Discomfort
The only thing you may feel is mild discomfort or sensitivity after you’ve had the crown put in. You may notice it with hot or cold foods or drinks, or crunchy or chewy foods initially, but that should all go away after a week or so.
Top Foods you Should Avoid:
You’ll want to maintain the health of your newly installed crown for as long as you can. To do this, here is a list of types of foods you should avoid:
- Anything hard or crunchy: ice cubes, nuts, popcorn with kernels.
- Food that Is very sticky in texture, such as taffy or caramel and other candy, anything that can dislodge or pull off your crown.
Dental Crowns Can Serve Many Different Purposes
You may need a dental crown if:
- You have a weak tooth that needs strengthening.
- You have a cracked tooth that needs support or protection from further damage.
- You have a worn down or broken tooth that needs to be restored.
- You want to change the appearance of a tooth.
Get the Most out of Your Crown With the Proper Care
Help keep your crown in top condition, ensuring it lasts as long as possible by caring for it by:
- Using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Flossing once daily.
- Staying away from tough, crunchy, or chewy foods.
- You may want to ask about a custom-made mouthguard if you grind or clench your teeth often.
The more care you give your crown, the more likely you are to never have to replace it.
Top 5 Reasons a Dental Crown Is Right for You
Dental crowns come with plenty of advantages, the top five being:
- They treat worn down, broken, or decaying teeth.
- They’ll protect your teeth from wear and tear.
- Crowns improve your tooth’s ability to chew.
- Your smile will be restored.
- They last a long time with the proper care.
A Few Things to Think About
With any dental procedure, there are always a few things to think about before deciding to have it done, and dental crowns are no different. Consider:
- Dental crowns do require some of your natural tooth to be removed.
- You may experience more sensitivity in your tooth right after the crown is placed.
- Crown are an investment that may need to be replaced throughout your lifetime.
- You still must take care of your teeth to ensure the tooth doesn’t get decay around or under the crown.
Dental crowns can be a strong and reliable way to fix a broken or decaying tooth. However, it’s natural to have questions. The team at ThirtyTwo Dental are experts in dental crown procedures and can help you discover the best option.
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Dr. Jaimee Buchkowsky, DDS
This content was written by Dr. Jaimee Buchkowsky, who brings over 15 years of experience to her practice. Dr. Buchkowsky holds both a Bachelor of Medical Science and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Alberta.