Why Are Dental Crowns Necessary?
A dental crown may be required when a tooth is badly broken down and a large portion of the tooth has been lost. This may have been the result of an injury, Â the result of tooth decay, or often a previously filled tooth that has broken and needs treatment to prevent further loss of tooth structure. Crowns are often recommended for teeth that have had root canal treatment, as a crown will help to protect the part of the tooth that is still remaining and reduce the risk of a fracture that renders the tooth untreatable.
There are additional reasons why a crown might be needed:
- To improve appearance or speech.
- To construct a bridge replacing missing adjacent teeth.
- To restore the correct shape of the tooth, particularly in the important area between teeth where it is difficult to shape and polish normal fillings. This will prevent food trapping problems and reduce the chances of further breakdown, or gum problems.
- To rebuild the bite relationship for treatment of a jaw joint disorder.
Based on your dental and medical history, an oral examination, and x-rays of your teeth and jaws, your dentist at Your Healthy Smile will recommend the treatment which is appropriate for you.
What Is A Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a “cap” that is placed over a carefully prepared tooth. A crown will completely cover the tooth above the gum line.
Crowns can be made entirely of porcelain, or metal, usually a gold alloy. More often they consist of a porcelain coating that is bonded to a metal alloy. The metal alloy provides the extra strength that is often necessary for your molar teeth, or for bridgework. The porcelain is matched with the colour of your neighbouring teeth, so if you are having a crown made on your front teeth, it will be made from porcelain fused to metal, or all porcelain(no metal). The newer, metal free crowns are very strong, and have the advantage that they look better, as the porcelain doesn’t have to be opaque to hide the metal underneath.
What Is The Procedure For Having A Crown Made?
Usually two appointments are required for the preparation and fitting of your crown BUT with the intra-oral scanner it avoids the need for impressions & longer waiting times for your crown
The first dentist appointment requires careful preparation of the tooth and an accurate impression or digital scan will be taken. A shade match will be taken, and sometimes a photograph to help the technician with colour matching. The impressions/ scans are sent to the dental technician who will make the crown according to instructions from your dentist.
A temporary crown will be placed on your tooth until the permanent crown is ready. The temporary crown is not as strong as your permanent crown, so chew carefully and avoid sticky or hard crunchy foods.
At your second appointment, the temporary crown is removed, and your permanent crown is checked for fit and shade match. It is then permanently cemented to your tooth, and your dentist will check your bite. The crown should feel natural and comfortable in your mouth. Any discomfort should be mentioned to your dentist as minor adjustments could be necessary.
How Do I Care For My Crown?
Taking care of your new crown is exactly the same as looking after your natural teeth: daily brushing and flossing.
The professionals at Your Healthy Smile will show you how to look after your crown properly, to ensure that it lasts for many years.