DENTAL CROWN

A crown is a cosmetic restoration that completely covers the tooth. It covers the tooth with the purpose of restoring the tooth’s shape, size and strength, improving its appearance as well as preserving the functionality of the damaged tooth.

A dental crown has the ability to hold a weak tooth together so it will be able to endure the constant work of chewing.

There are a number of reasons why your dentist may suggest a dental crown:

• To protect a weak tooth from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth
• To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down
• To cover a tooth that has a large filling
• To restore a misshaped or severely discolored tooth
• To cover a dental implant
• To strengthen a tooth after a root canal treatment

The procedure requires two visits with your dentist.

During the first visit the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing most of the outer surface and leaving the strong inner core on which the crown will be later placed. Following this the dentist will take the impression of prepared teeth and send a molded impression of the prepared tooth to the dental laboratory along with an appropriate shade and other information needed for the dental crown. Lastly, during the same visit, the dentist may place a temporary dental crown in order to temporarily protect the tooth.

After the final restoration is made in the dental laboratory the dental crown will be bonded in the second visit once it is checked in mouth. Once the dental crown is cemented into place it will encase the entire visible portion of the tooth at and above the gum line.

Dental crowns can be made from metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-ceramic (all-porcelain), and all-resin. The material selected is made in accord to clinical demands, aesthetic demands, strength requirements, material durability and restorative space available.

Type of All Porcelain crown:

METAL

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ADVANTAGES

• Less tooth structure needs to be removed
• Wear to opposing teeth is minimal
• Endure biting and chewing forces well – take the longest to wear down
• Rarely chip or break

DISADVANTAGES

• Metallic colour (good choice for out of sight molars)

PORCELAIN FUSED TO METAL

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These crowns have a metal core inside and porcelain bonded to their outside. The core inside can be made from precious, semi-precious or non-precious metals and it provides the strength behind these crowns. However the porcelain bonded to the metal cores is not very strong and from time to time can fracture. Metal Ceramic crowns are usually used on back teeth although some dentists use them for front teeth as well. The aesthetics of Metal Ceramic crowns is not as good as all ceramic crowns, however their strength is higher

 ADVANTAGES

• Can be colour matched to adjacent teeth

DISADVANTAGES

• More wear and tear occurs to adjacent teeth compared to metal
• Porcelain can chip

ALL-CERAMIC (ALL-PORCELAIN)

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This new all-ceramic material that imparts exceptional strength, beauty and biocompatibility

• 50% stronger than traditional all-ceramic materials
• Good for posterior bridge
• No dark metal margin
• Biocompatible – long history application in human artificial joints
• Clinically tested satisfaction from patients

ADVANTAGES

• Provides the best natural colour
• Suitable for people with metal allergies

DISADVANTAGES

• More wear and tear occurs to adjacent teeth compared to metal
• Not as strong as porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns

ALL-RESIN

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ADVANTAGES

• Less expensive

DISADVANTAGES

• Wear down and are most prone to fractures

Gold Crown

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These crowns are the strongest crowns available but are poor from an aesthetic point of view. They are usually used for back teeth especially in people who suffer from grinding and clenching habits. Gold crowns can be made very thin and as such need minimal tooth reduction and are less destructive of tooth tissue compared to metal ceramic and all ceramic crowns

It is important to remember that dental crowns may not be as strong as your natural teeth; therefore does not bite down on hard objects and do not use your teeth to open or cut things. If possible try to avoid doing such things with your natural teeth as well.

It should be noted that because the shape of the dental crown may vary slightly from that of your original tooth this may initially feel different. Over the next few days it should begin to feel normal and a difference should no longer be apparent. However if the bite still feels uncomfortable it may be necessary to have some adjustments and the dentist should be asked to check the dental crown.

Patients should typically expect to replace their dental crowns after approximately 7 to 15 years for a number of reasons including concerns about the appearance of the dental crown, problems like wear, decay or poor fit of the older dental crowns.

If you would like to schedule a consultation to find out if a Dental Cap is necessary, call our offices 080-26540009/7676719103 or click here to schedule an appointment online

When a root-canal treatment is carried out, the tooth is devitalized (dead) and it becomes brittle and much more prone to fracture. A crown definitely helps prevents a tooth from fracturing.

Caring for a crown doesn’t require any extra work other than a usual routine involving brushing and flossing. Don’t forget to include regular cleanings and checkups to promote an overall healthy mouth. The better you care for your teeth, the longer your crown will last.

Because temporary dental crowns are just that — a temporary fix until a permanent crown is ready — most dentists suggest that a few precautions. These include:

• Avoid sticky, chewy foods (for example, chewing gum, caramel), which have the potential of grabbing and pulling off the crown.
• Minimize use of the side of your mouth with the temporary crown. Shift the bulk of your chewing to the other side of the mouth.
• Avoid chewing hard foods (such as raw vegetables), which could dislodge or break the crown.
• Slide flossing material out-rather than lifting out-when cleaning your teeth. Lifting the floss out, as you normally would, might pull off the temporary crown.