What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that completely encases a damaged or decayed tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are often used when a tooth has a large cavity that threatens the health of the tooth, has been cracked, or after a root canal treatment. Here's a more detailed look at dental crowns:

Types of Dental Crowns

Permanent Crowns:

Metal: Made from gold, palladium, nickel, or chromium. These are durable and withstand biting and chewing forces well, but are less aesthetically pleasing.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal: These crowns can be color-matched to your adjacent teeth, offering a more natural appearance. However, they can show the metal underneath as a dark line, especially if gums recede.

All-ceramic or all-porcelain: These provide the best natural color match and are suitable for people with metal allergies. They are often used for front teeth.

Resin: These are less expensive than other crown types but wear down over time and are more prone to fractures.

Zirconia or milled crowns: These crowns are known for their strength and aesthetic appeal. They are often created using computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology.

Temporary Crowns: Often made of acrylic or stainless steel and used as a temporary restoration until a permanent crown is made.

When Are Dental Crowns Needed?

To protect a weak tooth from breaking or to hold parts of a cracked tooth together.

To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down.

To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t much tooth left.

To hold a dental bridge in place.

To cover misshaped or severely discolored teeth.

To cover a dental implant.

To make a cosmetic modification.

Procedure for Getting a Dental Crown

Initial Visit:

Examination and Preparation: The dentist examines the tooth, may take X-rays, and prepares the tooth by removing any decay and shaping it to fit the crown.

Impressions: Impressions of the tooth and surrounding teeth are taken to ensure the crown will fit properly.

Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is being made.

Second Visit:

Permanent Crown Placement: The temporary crown is removed, and the new permanent crown is checked for fit and color. If everything is satisfactory, the crown is permanently cemented in place.

Benefits and Care

Durability: Crowns can last 5 to 15 years or longer with proper care.

Protection: They protect and strengthen the remaining tooth structure.

Aesthetics: Improve the appearance of teeth by matching the color and shape of natural teeth.

Care for Dental Crowns:

Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily.

Avoid biting hard objects, such as ice or hard candies, which can damage the crown.

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential to monitor the crown and surrounding teeth.

Dental crowns are a common and effective solution for restoring the function and appearance of damaged teeth.