A Comprehensive Guide to the Dental Crowns Procedure
Dental crowns are custom-made caps that fit over a damaged tooth to restore its original appearance. They are often used when other dental procedures, such as fillings, cannot address the problem. Dental crowns can be made from different available materials.
For a smooth dental crown procedure, it’s essential to consult with a dental professional. They will assist with your dental needs from initial consultation to maintenance. Let’s see how it works.
Indications for Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are recommended in various situations, including:
Indications for Dental Crowns | Description |
Tooth Decay | When a tooth is severely decayed and cannot be restored with a filling. |
Cracked or Broken Teeth | For teeth that are cracked, fractured, or broken. |
Cosmetic Enhancements | To enhance the discoloured, misshapen, or poorly aligned teeth’s appearance. |
Protection After a Root Canal | To protect and strengthen a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy. |
Support for Dental Bridges | As an anchor for dental bridges, which replace missing teeth. |
Reinforcement for Large Fillings | To provide additional support for a tooth with a large filling. |
Types of Dental Crowns
There are various types of dental crowns, each with its advantages and considerations. The most common types include:
Type of Crown | Material | Advantages | Considerations |
Porcelain | Ceramic | Highly aesthetic, natural appearance | Brittle and can chip or crack |
Metal | Gold, silver, alloys | Exceptional durability and strength | Less aesthetically pleasing |
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) | Metal substructure with porcelain overlay | A balance between strength and aesthetics | The metal margin can be visible |
Zirconia | Ceramic | Exceptional strength and aesthetics | Can cause wear on opposing teeth |
Resin | Composite resin | Affordable and aesthetically customizable | Prone to staining and wear |
The Dental Crown Procedure: Step-by-Step
The dental crown process often spans multiple appointments. To install your crown, your dentist will initially ready your tooth by cleaning and shaping it. Subsequently, they will obtain an impression, which a dental lab uses to craft your custom crown.
Completing your new crown at the lab can require several days or weeks. You’ll receive a temporary crown to safeguard your tooth during this interim period. Upon the arrival of your permanent crown, your dentist will replace the temporary one and securely attach the permanent crown.
The sequence of your crown procedure is as follows:
1. Initial Assessment
At the outset, your dentist will perform an oral examination and take X-ray images to assess whether any of your teeth necessitate the placement of crowns.
Your dentist will also ensure that the colour of the ceramic crown aligns with the shade of your neighbouring teeth, which is particularly crucial for front teeth. They could even offer you the option to view samples of the expected final appearance. Custom shading can sometimes be employed to achieve a more precise match.
2. Taking Impressions and Crafting the Crown
After preparing your tooth, your dentist can gently move your gum away from the tooth using a tiny cord or a similar tool. This process, called “gingival retraction,” helps the dentist see the tooth.
A professional will then create an impression of your tooth. They could use a special putty made of silicone for this. This is how it works:
- Initially, your dentist will place the putty onto a tray made of plastic or metal.
- They will position this tray over your teeth and ask you to bite down on it. You’ll need to bite down firmly for a few minutes.
- Once the putty sets, your dentist will carefully take the tray out of your mouth.
- Next, they’ll inspect the impression to ensure accuracy, with no air pockets or imperfections.
- If there are any issues, they’ll redo the process to get a precise impression.
Some dental practices provide digital dental impressions, which don’t require impression putty. The process could look like this in such cases: the mould is then sent to a lab. Your crown’s physical or digital working model will be created at the lab based on the impression.
3. Temporary Crown
While waiting for the final crown to be made at the dental lab, your dentist will create a temporary crown. This safeguards your tooth and ensures it doesn’t shift, which could cause problems when fitting the permanent crown.
Once the temporary crown is prepared, your dentist will securely attach special dental cement to your tooth.
4. Permanent Crown
While waiting for the final crown to be made at the dental lab, your dentist will create a temporary crown. This safeguards your tooth and ensures it doesn’t shift, which could cause problems when fitting the permanent crown.
Once the temporary crown is prepared, your dentist will securely attach special dental cement to your tooth.
A professional will then create an impression of your tooth. They could use a special putty made of silicone for this. This is how it works:
- Initially, your dentist will place the putty onto a tray made of plastic or metal.
- They will position this tray over your teeth and ask you to bite down on it. You’ll need to bite down firmly for a few minutes.
- Once the putty sets, your dentist will carefully take the tray out of your mouth.
- Next, they’ll inspect the impression to ensure accuracy, with no air pockets or imperfections.
- If there are any issues, they’ll redo the process to get a precise impression.
Some dental practices provide digital dental impressions, which don’t require impression putty. The process could look like this in such cases: the mould is then sent to a lab. Your crown’s physical or digital working model will be created at the lab based on the impression.
5. Post-Treatment Care
Following the procedure, essential aftercare tips should be taken:
- Be gentle when brushing your teeth.
- Floss regularly, but do so gently to avoid damaging the crown.
- Steer clear of hard and sticky foods, such as nuts or popcorn.
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth to protect the crown.
- If necessary, you can use an over-the-counter topical gel or pain reliever.
- Make sure to keep up with regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months.
Cost of Dental Crown
The expense of obtaining crowns can fluctuate significantly, contingent on the choice of materials and the coverage your insurance provides. The overall cost of a dental crown can range from $500 to well over $2,500.
Type of Crowns | Costs |
Ceramic or porcelain crowns | Costs between $800 and $3,000 per tooth. |
Metal crowns | It can range from $600 to $2,500 per tooth. |
Metal-ceramic or PFM crowns | Costs are within the range of $500 to $1,500 per tooth. |
Composite resin crowns | Usually have a price range of $400 to $600 per tooth. |
Certain all-ceramic crowns, such as CEREC crowns, can be priced higher due to their increased technical complexity. Insurance policies can cover up to half of the total dental crown cost. However, if the procedure is cosmetic, insurance coverage can be limited or non-existent.
Achieve a Beautiful Smile with Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are an effective remedy for restoring damaged teeth, improving their appearance, and enhancing oral health. The step-by-step guide should help you understand the entire process, from diagnosis and tooth preparation to crown placement and aftercare.
If you’re considering a dental crowns procedure, consult us at Westgate Dental Centre and ask our professionals to determine the most suitable option for your needs. By following proper aftercare and maintenance, you can ensure its lasting effect and maintain a beautiful and healthy smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Benefits of Dental Crowns?
Benefits of dental crowns | Description |
Restoring Normal Tooth Shape and Function | When a tooth is significantly decayed, cracked, or weakened, it can impact your ability to chew and speak properly. Dental crowns act as a shield, encapsulating the tooth and reinforcing it. |
Improved Aesthetics (A Better-Looking Smile) | This process is designed to look like natural teeth, and their appearance can be customized. |
Protecting the Underlying Tooth | This crown procedure acts as a protective barrier, shielding the underlying tooth from harmful bacteria, acid, and external forces. |
Preserving Natural Tooth Structure (vs. Extracting and Placing Implants) | Tooth extraction can lead to issues like bone loss and gaps in your smile. Crowns keep your natural tooth and avoid these complications. |
What Are the Risks of Dental Crowns?
Benefits of dental crowns | Description |
Chipping or Breaking | Crowns can be susceptible to chipping or breaking, especially if exposed to excessive force or impact. |
Heightened Sensitivity | It can lead to discomfort when eating hot or cold foods and beverages. |
Wear or Damage to Opposing Teeth | Over time, poorly fitted crowns can result in uneven wear patterns and potential dental issues. |
Loosening or Falling Out | Crowns can sometimes become loose or even fall out if they are not properly bonded or if there are underlying issues with the supporting tooth. |
Allergic Reactions | Some can experience allergic reactions to materials used in dental crowns, such as nickel in metal crowns. This can require crown replacement with a different material. |
Tooth Decay Surrounding the Crown | Poorly fitted or maintained crowns can allow bacteria to accumulate at the margins, potentially leading to tooth decay or gum disease around the crown. |
How Long Will Dental Crowns Stay Good?
Most dental crowns can serve you for 15 years or even longer. However, some can only last a few years. The durability of your crown depends on a few things, like the material used, your diet, how well you take care of your oral health, and where the crown is in your mouth.
Metal-ceramic crowns, sometimes called PFM crowns, tend to last longer, often exceeding 8 years. Zirconia crowns, a type of ceramic crown, are known to be quite durable and can outlast other ceramic crowns.
On the flip side, composite resin crowns could not hold up as well in the long run. That’s why dentists often use them for temporary crowns rather than permanent ones.
