Everything About Dental Crowns A Comprehensive Guide

1. Everything You Need to Know About Dental Crowns

2. What Is a Dental Crown? Definition & Purpose A dental crown is a custom-made prosthetic cap that completely encases a damaged tooth or dental implant. It's precisely crafted to match your natural teeth and is permanently cemented in place. Crowns restore the tooth's original size, shape, strength, and function whilst providing protection against further damage. • Porcelain - aesthetic, natural appearance • Zirconia - extremely strong, metal-free • Metal alloys - gold, palladium, nickel • Composite resin - affordable option

3. When Might You Need a Dental Crown? Structural Damage Post-Treatment Protection Teeth that are broken, cracked, or severely worn down often require crowns to prevent further damage and restore function. Following root canal therapy, a crown protects the treated tooth from fracturing and restores full chewing ability. Supporting Other Dental Work Cosmetic Improvement Crowns anchor dental bridges in place and cover dental implants to create a natural-looking replacement tooth. Severely discoloured, misshapen, or aesthetically compromised teeth can be transformed with crowns for a more attractive smile.

4. Types of Dental Crowns Metal Crowns Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal All-Ceramic/Porcelain Highly durable and require minimal tooth reduction. Primarily used for molars due to their visible metallic appearance. Gold alloys and base metal alloys (nickel, chromium) are common choices. Combines strength of metal with aesthetics of porcelain. Natural appearance but may show metal edge at gumline. Risk of porcelain chipping over time. Exceptional aesthetics with best colour-matching capabilities. Ideal for front teeth. Modern ceramics like zirconia offer improved strength comparable to metal options.

5. The Dental Crown Procedure Initial Consultation 1 Your dentist examines your tooth, takes X-rays, and discusses material options. They may need to perform root canal treatment if the tooth pulp is infected. Tooth Preparation 2 The damaged tooth is reshaped to make room for the crown. This involves removing a portion of the outer tooth structure under local anaesthetic. Impressions 3 Traditional putty impressions or digital scans capture the exact dimensions of your prepared tooth and surrounding teeth to create a perfectly fitted crown. Temporary Crown 4 If your permanent crown is being made in a laboratory (taking 2-3 weeks), a temporary acrylic crown is placed to protect your tooth in the interim. Final Fitting 5 The permanent crown is checked for fit, appearance, and bite alignment before being permanently cemented in place.

6. Caring for Your Dental Crown Daily Oral Hygiene Dietary Considerations Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, focusing on the crown-tooth junction. Floss daily around the crown to prevent decay at margins. Consider interdental brushes for thorough cleaning. Avoid excessively hard foods (ice, boiled sweets) and sticky items (toffee, chewing gum) that could damage or dislodge crowns. Limit consumption of staining agents like tea, coffee, and red wine. Regular Check-ups Protection Measures Visit your dentist every 6 months for professional cleaning and to check crown integrity. Early detection of issues prevents more serious complications and extends crown lifespan. Use a custom night guard if you grind or clench your teeth. Wear a mouthguard during contact sports to protect both natural teeth and dental restorations.

7. Benefits and Risks of Dental Crowns Benefits Risks and Considerations Protection and Reinforcement Tooth Sensitivity Crowns shield weakened teeth from further damage and provide structural support to compromised tooth structure. Newly crowned teeth may experience sensitivity to temperature extremes, typically resolving within a few weeks. Functional Restoration Potential Complications Properly fitted crowns restore normal chewing ability and speech patterns that may have been affected by damaged teeth. Crowns may chip, loosen, or fall off, requiring repair or replacement. The cement may wash out, allowing decay under the crown. Aesthetic Improvement Allergic Reactions Modern crowns create a natural, attractive appearance, enhancing smile aesthetics and boosting confidence. Rare but possible allergic reactions to metal components in some crowns may occur in sensitive individuals. Longevity Cost Considerations With proper care, crowns typically last 10-15 years, with some lasting 25-30 years, making them a cost-effective long-term solution. Crowns represent a significant investment, with costs varying by material, location, and complexity (£500-£1,500 per crown in the UK).

8. 678 Guelph Line Unit 1, Burlington, ON L7R 3M8 (905) 632-3822 info@lighthousedentalcare.ca Reach Us At Lighthouse Dental Care LighthouseDentalcare.ca