Dental Crowns Explained: Everything You Need To Know

Having a full set of teeth is essential, not only for a full smile but also for our mental health, self-esteem, oral health, and overall well-being. Teeth can naturally get damaged and worn down over time, and in severe cases, they need to be removed.

In the case of severe damage or removal, losing or breaking your tooth doesn’t have to be the end. Restoration treatments exist to restore the functionality of damaged teeth or even replace natural teeth with artificial options.

Dental crowns are becoming a popular option for people who want to restore the look of their teeth. They can be used in a wide range of situations, whether teeth have been damaged from bad oral health practices, disease, decay, or an accident.

What Is A Dental Crown?

A dental crown is best described as a “cap or cover” that goes over an existing tooth. They are typically made from porcelain, zirconia, gold, alloy, or a combination of porcelain and metal. Dental crowns look similar to a realistic tooth and are usually specially made to fit the individual’s mouth. 

Typically, the dentist or prosthodontist will make a copy of your tooth’s shape, using a mould or digital scanner to make the crown look near-identical. Dental crowns are fitted using dental cement or adhesive.

Dental Implant Crowns

There is also a form of dental crown called “dental implant crown”. This is used in cases where an individual has missing teeth due to disease, decay, or damage.

A dental implant is inserted into the jawbone, providing structure and support to a dental crown cap. This is only used in situations where there is no natural tooth or root structure to support a cap.

Reason For Getting A Dental Crown

Along with being for cosmetic purposes, one of the main reasons for getting a crown is to restore the strength, functionality, and shape of a tooth. Below, we’ve listed common reasons and situations where an individual may consider a dental crown.

• A dental crown can protect a tooth that has become weakened or lost functionality, such as due to decay or being cracked. It can hold the tooth together and prevent further damage.
• Dental crowns can be used to restore length on worn-down teeth, such as those that have lost length from grinding. 
• Dental crowns can be used to make cosmetic modifications to the teeth and mouth. They can reshape teeth or close the space between teeth.
• The dental crown procedure is recommended to restore strength to any tooth that has undergone root canal therapy. Not only does it restore strength, but it also adds a layer of protection.
• A dental crown can cover and support the natural tooth if a tooth has a large filling due to a cavity. This is especially important in cases with little natural tooth structure left.
• Dental crowns can be used to hold dental bridges in place.

If a tooth or teeth are missing, a dentist may recommend dental implants and crowns to restore functionality. This is because gaps left in the mouth eventually cause the rest of the teeth to shift or rotate into the space left behind.

This can lead to malocclusion, also known as “bad bite”, which can impact diet and overall well-being. Missing teeth can also lead to other oral health conditions, like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder and bone deterioration in the jaw. 

The Dental Crown Procedure

Dental crown placement typically requires two appointments. However, the specifics will depend on the clinic and the individual’s oral health history. 

The first visit will consist of reviewing medical history, preparing the teeth, dental impressions, and a temporary crown.

1. To prepare a tooth for a crown, the dentist will need to remove some of the tooth’s natural enamel. This makes space for the new crown and ensures it’ll stay in place once bonded.
2. The dentist will make impressions of your teeth. These impressions can be made using a mould or digital impressions using a scanner. These impressions will be used to create a custom dental crown.
3. In most cases, creating a custom dental crown takes two to three weeks. During this time, the dentist will place a temporary crown, usually made of resin or acrylic, to protect the tooth in the meantime.

When the dentist or technician finishes creating a custom dental crown, it will be fitted during the second visit. During this second visit, the dentist will remove your temporary crown and bond the new crown to the tooth using dental cement or adhesive.

Do dental crowns hurt?

The dental crown procedure generally shouldn’t hurt, as dentists use local anaesthesia during the process. However, it’s normal to feel discomfort. If the discomfort or pain is ever too much, pain medication (as directed by the professional) can be taken.

How long do dental crowns last?

The longevity of a dental crown depends on several factors. These include lifestyle habits, oral hygiene, aftercare procedures, and the material the crown is made of.

Crowns made from metal alloys can last for up to 20 years or more with proper care and maintenance. Porcelain and porcelain bonded to metal crowns are typically designed to last 10 to 20 years.

The best way to keep dental crowns in top condition is to practice proper oral hygiene daily. This includes regular flossing, brushing, and dental check-ups.  In most cases, dental crowns can also be replaced if needed.

Dental Crown Aftercare Tips

Just like natural teeth, dental crowns still require upkeep and maintenance. After the dental crown procedure, it’s also essential to take the necessary steps for aftercare.

It’s important to always follow the aftercare routine the dentist provides, as aftercare may change depending on the crown placement and material. Below, we’ve listed some general tips to follow, too.

• Avoid hot foods and drinks for the first few hours after the dental crown procedure. This is because dentists may apply local anaesthetic, which causes numbness. So, it’s always best to wait until sensations have returned, as accidental burns may happen.
• If you experience pain or discomfort after the dental crown procedure, ask the dentist if you can take pain medication. Pain relievers like ibuprofen may help alleviate any pain or swelling.
• For the first 24 hours after getting a dental crown (or temporary crown), it is recommended that you avoid hard and/or sticky foods. These could damage the crown or bonding cement.
• Maintain good dental hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing. Use non-abrasive toothpaste to prevent scratching or damage to the dental crown.
• After a dental crown procedure, it’s critical to avoid crunchy foods. Nuts, popcorn, and hard candy can chip the crown.

If you’ve recently undergone a dental crown procedure and have concerns, it’s always best to contact your dentist. They can provide information on what you can and can’t do.

Get The Right Dental Crown At Admire Dentistry

If you’re interested in dental restoration, the team at Admire Dentistry is experienced in a range of restoration methods, including dental crowns. Our crowns can be used for aesthetic purposes or to reinforce the strength of teeth with cracks or large fillings.

Dental crowns can also be used after procedures like root canal therapy for protection and cosmetic purposes. Studies have shown that teeth that have undergone root canal therapy have a higher chance of success when they have good coronal seals, like with a crown.

Admire Dentistry also offers a range of different material options for crowns, including gold, porcelain, porcelain-fused gold, zirconia, and more. The type of material used will depend on personal preference and what meets the individual’s needs.

If you have any questions about our dental crowns and restorative dental treatments, contact us today. Our team would love to hear from you. In addition to restorative dental procedures, we offer a range of other oral health-related services.