What is a dental crown?

Dental crowns are natural-looking, tooth-shaped caps that cover a damaged or missing tooth, restoring a full and beautiful smile. These caps are cemented into place to provide both strong and visibly appealing replacements for natural teeth. Crowns are usually necessary when the tooth is broken down to the point where a filling will not be effective.

What are the benefits of a dental crown?

A dental crown can be used for various reasons including covering discolored or misshapen teeth, and in conjunction with bridges and dental implants. Other benefits of dental crowns may include:

• Holding a cracked tooth together to prevent further damage
• Covering and supporting a tooth with a large filling
• Restoring a broken tooth

What is the dental crown procedure?

The dental crown process takes place in two phases or appointments. At the first appointment, the tooth is prepared by filing or reshaping, so the crown can fit in securely and comfortably. The area around the tooth is numbed at the beginning of the procedure with a local anesthetic. After the tooth is prepared, a scan is taken of the teeth and bite. The scan is then is sent to a laboratory to make a custom crown, which usually takes two to three weeks. Patients are given a temporary dental crown until the permanent crown is ready.

At the second appointment, the new crown is inspected for proper fit and tooth color. The temporary crown is then removed and the new one is cemented onto the tooth.

What are the capabilities of dental crowns?

Crowns are a very reliable solution for major dental problems that have resulted in a severely damaged or missing tooth. There are several different materials used for crown restorations, each with their own benefits. Crowns provide a strong, sturdy, aesthetically pleasing replacement that can tolerate the same pressures as a regular tooth, letting patients enjoy the convenience of eating, speaking and smiling without any difficulties.

What are some of the reasons to choose a dental crown?

Rear teeth that hold large fillings are often prone to developing hairline cracks on their surface. Placing crowns on these teeth can relieve pain and restore full dental function. In front teeth, stains or chipping may cause embarrassment or older fillings may weaken the structure of the tooth. Porcelain crowns can provide more support than porcelain veneers. In teeth with root canal fillings, crowns can protect against breakage.

What types of dental crowns are there?

There are several different methods of crown restoration, each using a different crown material. Different types of crown material include:

• Metal
• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal or PFM crowns
• Resin
• Ceramic
• Porcelain

What are the Possible Complications of Dental Crowns?

Some patients experience increased sensitivity immediately after the procedure, particularly if the crowned tooth still has a nerve in it. For sensitivity to heat and cold, some patients are advised to use toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Other complications that may occur with dental crowns are:

Pain or Sensitivity When Biting – This usually means that the crown is too high on the tooth. If this is the case, the dentist will be able fix the problem by adjusting the crown.

Chip in a Porcelain Crown – Resin can be used to repair the remaining crown. If the chipping is extensive, the entire crown may need to be replaced.

Loose Dental Crown – If the cement washes out from underneath the crown, bacteria can then leak in and cause decay.

Crown Comes Off – In some cases, a dental crown may fall off entirely. If this happens, contact the dentist immediately. The dentist may be able to replace the existing crown or create a new crown if necessary.