Dental Crowns Arana Hills & Samford

Crowns

A crown, sometimes referred to as a “cap”, is a dental restoration individually crafted to completely cover or “cap” over your natural tooth. It can be used for aesthetics and to reinforce the strength of a tooth with cracks, large fillings or after procedures such as Root Canal Therapy (RCT).

Teeth that have completed root canal therapy no longer have their own nerve and blood supply, and are therefore very brittle. Without a crown, a root canalled tooth is highly susceptible to breaking. If the tooth breaks below the gum and bone level, unfortunately there is nothing that can be done to restore or save this tooth, the tooth must be removed. This is very devastating for patients as they have spent a lot of time and money trying to save the tooth, which now has to be removed. The other reason a crown is important over a root canalled tooth is; studies have shown that teeth that have completed root canal therapy have a high chance of success when they have good coronal seals. This means the seal over the access cavity in the tooth’s biting surface is optimally sealed with a crown.

Crowns are also extremely useful for broken, cracked or teeth with large fillings. In these teeth a crown could actually help to avoid a tooth needing root canal therapy. A crown will help to reinforce the strength of the tooth and protect it from breaking down further, idealing avoiding the need for root canal therapy or extraction. Once the crown is placed the aim is to enable you to chew normally again.

The material of a crown can be Gold, Porcelain, Porcelain fused Gold, Zirconia, Porcelain fused Zirconia, or Emax to name a few. The type of material used for your crown will depend on your individual treatment needs. The clinicians at Admire Dentistry are extremely knowledgeable, and work closely with their dental technicians to ensure you have the right crown for your needs.

Once a crown has been permanently cemented it requires optimal and regular at home oral hygiene care, as well as a comprehensive check-up and clean every 6 months with your dentist. At the time of placement your dentist will show you how to effectively clean around your crown. Each patient will also receive a goodie bag containing floss, piksters, a tooth brush and information. If a crown is not taken care of, decay can creep under the crown compromising the integrity of the crown and tooth. This could lead to you needing a new crown, or losing the tooth altogether. It is very important to take care of a crowned tooth just as you would a natural tooth.

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Our Frequently Asked Questions

How long do dental crowns last?

Literature says crowns typically last 7-10 years. However, poor oral health habits can cause failure much earlier. Alternatively, excellent oral health habits have seen these procedures outlast the recommended times by years – some crowned teeth have lasted people 30+ years.

Can you get a crown without a root canal?

Absolutely. While crowns are often recommended after a root canal to protect a weakened tooth, there are many other reasons one might need a crown without undergoing root canal therapy. A crown is essentially a protective cap that provides strength and improves appearance. The internal health of your tooth determines whether a root canal is needed.
If a tooth is heavily broken down and the amount of filling material is greater than the remaining tooth structure, a crown is recommended. In this case, it is a preventative treatment to avoid further breakage of the tooth and, in many cases, avoid a root canal.

What is the dental crown procedure?

Typically, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing a small portion of its outer layer. The crown’s thickness will match the removed layer. To create the crown at Admire Dentistry, a digital scan is taken of the prepared tooth and sent to our technician, who then creates the crown by hand. The colour would be matched with the surrounding teeth to ensure seamless integration and ideal aesthetics. A temporary crown is to be provided until the final one is crafted. Once the permanent crown is prepared, the dentist fixes it securely in position using dental cement or adhesive.

What type of crown material should I choose?

At Admire Dentistry, we have a variety of options to choose from. The options are Gold, Porcelain, Porcelain fused Gold, Zirconia, Porcelain fused Zirconia, and Emax. Your dental professional will choose the best material for your type of crown preparation and your oral habits.

What can I expect after crowns?

After getting a crown, you might experience slight sensitivity to hot and cold. The gum around the crown may be tender for a few days. Your bite might feel different, but it should soon go back to normal. Maintain good oral hygiene and routine dental exams to ensure the longevity of the crown.

How to repair a dental crown?

A damaged or loose dental crown cannot be repaired at home; it requires a dentist’s expertise. If a crown becomes dislodged, keep it safe and contact our dentist promptly. They’ll assess whether it can be re-cemented or a new crown is needed. Avoid chewing on the affected side and maintain oral hygiene to prevent further issues.

How should I clean & care for my dental crown?

We encourage you to do a comprehensive check-up and clean every six months to assess the crown’s hygiene. Each patient will also receive a goodie bag containing floss, Piksters, a toothbrush and information to maintain the hygiene around the crown. Before the crown is inserted, your dentist at Admire Dentistry will also demonstrate how to clean and care for your crown on the model. This is to ensure you can clearly see tooth/crown margins and understand why cleaning is so important.

What are the alternatives for crowns?

There are several alternatives for crowns that you can choose from, including veneers, dental fillings and more. Schedule your consultation with our dental practitioners at Admire Dentistry to find out the alternatives and if they are the best treatment for you

Can a dental crown fall out?

While rare, crowns can occasionally become loose. Modern bonding techniques ensure they stay secure for years. If one does dislodge, keep it safe and contact your dentist. Proper oral care and regular check-ups enhance the crown’s stability.

Will my dental crown be noticeable?

Dental crowns are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. With precise colour-matching and craftsmanship, it’s typically challenging for anyone to distinguish a crown from a natural tooth. Properly fitted and in a shade to match adjacent teeth, your crown should look and feel like a natural part of your smile. Alternatively, some patients might be better candidates for gold crowns. Gold is an excellent material and typically outlasts other crown materials. Gold is a warm colour, and while it would stand out more than a natural tooth colour, it blends in much better than the old silver fillings.