Everything You Must Know Before Getting A Dental Crown

Maybe you’ve chipped a tooth by accident, or you’re realizing your teeth have gotten damaged over time. For some, the shape or size of their teeth has changed. In any case, not only is this causing pain and discomfort, but it may also deter one’s confidence. 

In such instances, dentists usually suggest considering dental crowns. So what is a dental crown and how can it help? We list all the factors you need to know in this article. 

What Exactly Are Dental Crowns?

The surface of a tooth, which is covered with enamel, is what is known as a crown. A dental crown is an artificial tooth-shaped cap or covering that is placed over damaged or treated teeth. When a tooth’s surface breaks, it can be used to prevent additional damage as well. These coverings are usually placed after a root canal surgery or a dental implant. 

Dental technicians make custom crowns to ensure the perfect fit. A dentist will consider a few important factors to suggest the best option for you, which are: 

• The location or the function of the tooth 
• Positioning of the gum line and tissue
• Visibility of affected tooth 
• Color of the teeth around the affected tooth
• Clenching and grinding can help determine the best material. 

When Do You Need A Dental Crown? 

Dental coverings are usually placed after a root canal surgery or a dental implant. There are other circumstances your dentists might prescribe dental crowns, which include: 

• If a tooth is broken or cracked while remaining vital, the covering can help prevent further damage while maintaining function. 
• Stained or oddly shaped teeth that cannot be treated with cleaning, bleaching, or veneers can be restored with crowns. 
• If a dental bridge is required to hold your teeth in place, dental crowns are recommended. 
• If there’s a large filling with lowered structural integrity, a crown would prevent the tooth from chipping or fracturing. 
• For children, a decayed tooth that is no longer vital is aided with a crown that prevents the tooth from early shedding and developmental issues like malocclusions.

Materials Used To Make Dental Crowns

Now that you know why they’re used, you must be wondering what dental crowns are made of and why the material matters. Permanent crowns can be made of various materials like: 

Metal: 

There are a few metals that are opted for when making dental crowns, like gold, nickel, chromium, and palladium. These crowns are very hard to break or chip and hence the longest of all types. They also only require a small portion of your tooth to be removed. Metal crowns also come in handy for patients who deal with teeth grinding. The only downside? The color is obvious and many may not prefer how it stands out. It is an ideal choice for those out-of-sight molars and an affordable one too! 

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal:

This type of crown is made with porcelain to give the benefits of the metal crowns while matching the natural color of the teeth around. There is a chance, however, that the metal under the crown’s cap shows up as a dark line, or the porcelain itself chipping off. The crown could also wear down the teeth opposite it and the bottom of your mouth when closed. These are good options for the front or back teeth. 

All-resin: 

Dental crowns made out of resin are quite affordable when compared to other types. The downside is that they are more likely to break or wear down faster than the porcelain fused type. 

All-Porcelain/ Ceramic: 

Dental crowns can also be made completely out of ceramic or porcelain to provide the most natural color match for your tooth. They’re also a clear choice for those with metal allergies. However, they are not as strong or durable as the metal and fused types. They could also cause more wear-down than the rest of the types. This type of crown is the best fit for front teeth. 

Pressed ceramic: 

This kind of crown has a hard inner core, and they replace the metal liners used in the all-ceramic crown-making process. Pressed ceramic crowns are capped with porcelain to match the natural color and are more durable when compared to the all-porcelain crowns. 

Your dentist will recommend the best match based on the criteria we mentioned above. 

What Is The Procedure For Dental Crowns? 

The procedure to get a dental crown is fairly simple and can be completed with just 2-3 visits to your dentist. In most cases, the tooth preparation and fitting are seen at the first sitting, the crown is made in the second. However, the number of sittings may increase if a decayed tooth is present. 

If there is a diseased portion of your teeth, the enamel is cut down to remove the damaged portion and make space to attach the crown. Most times, teeth that need a crown also need to undergo root canal treatment. 

The preparation of the crown depends on the material being used to make the crown. Metal requires minimum preparation as they’re very thin. Porcelain, however, is much thicker, and so needs more preparation time. 

Once preparation is complete, the dentist takes the tooth and oral cavity impressions and the lab fabricates the crown. A temporary crown can be placed to protect your teeth from any damage until the next sitting. In the final visit, the dentist will plant the crown on your tooth and fit it right. If the fit is comfortable, the crown is cemented and leveled with the rest of the teeth. If the fit is not perfect, adjustments are done before the dental crown is cemented. 

Once you get your dental crown, you will be asked to follow steps to care for it, including brushing twice a day, flossing, regular visits to clean your teeth, regular x-rays or exams, and mouth guards for patients who have a grinding problem. Now that you know what a dental crown is, you can set up an appointment and get proactive in your dental care!