Dental Crowns: Purpose, Types, Procedure, Care, and Complications
Missing, crooked, and decayed teeth are a problem for your dental health. But, you can easily fix these dental imperfections using dental crowns. These are versatile dental restorations that can solve a variety of dental imperfections all at once.
What are Teeth Crowns?
Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are used to cover the teeth. Unlike the veneers, the crowns encase the entire tooth. The crowns are cemented into place to restore the size, shape, color, and appearance of the teeth.
When Are They Used?
Teeth crowns are used to correct a variety of dental problems. Our ESP dental dentist will recommend dental crowns to fix the following problems:
- Weak teeth. The crowns hold the teeth and protect them from breaking.
- Broken and worn down teeth. Cementing the crowns will restore the broken teeth and prevent an extraction. It restores already broken or severely worn down teeth.
- Crowns cover and support the teeth after a root canal procedure.
- It holds the bridge together.
- Misshapen teeth. The crowns fix the teeth into the same size.
- Discolored teeth. Severely decayed teeth cannot be fixed using teeth whitening, that’s why the crowns are used.
- It covers dental implants.
- It saves teeth that are damaged from decay.
- It protects the primary teeth that are at risk of decay.
What are the Different Types of Crowns?
Dental crowns are available in different types, and they differ in the material used.
- Stainless steel. These are prefabricated crowns that are usually used as a temporary measure because of their material. These crowns protect the teeth as the dentist prepares the permanent teeth. Stainless steel crowns are fixed in one dental visit, and that’s why they are ideal for primary teeth. They fall off with the primary teeth.
- Metal crowns. These are made of alloys of gold or platinum. Metal crowns are more durable because they can withstand biting and chewing pressure. Because of that, the metal crowns are ideal for the back teeth.
- Porcelain crowns. They are the most common dental crowns. These crowns have a tooth-colored appearance and therefore give a naturally-looking appearance. They are suitable for people who are allergic to metals.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. These crowns used tooth-colored caps and metal support that is fixed on the adjacent teeth. The crowns look like your normal teeth, but the metal part can make the gums discolor.
- All-ceramic. They are similar to the porcelain crowns, but are less durable and are ideal for the front teeth.
- All-resin. These are less expensive than the other types. But, they wear down faster and are prone to fractures.
How Are the Crowns Fixed?
Crown restoration needs at least two dental visits, and the process is done in a few steps.
1. Dental examination and planning
The dentist will perform a comprehensive dental assessment to determine the type of crown that is most suitable for you. Next, he will take you through the procedure of getting the crowns and what to expect.
2. Teeth preparation
Before the crowns are fixed, the dentist first trims your enamel to make room for the crown. This procedure is done under local anesthesia, but, at times, the dentist uses sedation for patients with dental phobia.
After reshaping the tooth, the dentist will take an impression of the tooth to make the permanent crowns. It can take a few weeks—usually around three to four weeks to get the crowns. As you wait, the dentist will give you temporary crowns.
It is important to care for your temporary crowns to prevent them from chipping or coming off.
3. Fixing of the permanent crowns
The dentist will remove the crowns and do a back and front teeth cleaning to remove any debris. Next, he will cement the permanent crowns in place and examine the fit.
A follow-up visit may be scheduled to examine the crown and gums.
Do The Crown Require Special Care?
No, they do not. However, it is crucial to maintain a healthy dental practice to maintain your teeth and protect them from decay. Also, avoid drinking or taking staining foods like wine, cocoa, especially if you have porcelain crowns. They can discolor and require a replacement.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit ESP Dental for more information on dental crowns, how they are fixed and what to expect after.