At Addisville Dental, we believe in providing our patients with comprehensive dental care that not only addresses their immediate needs but also promotes long-term oral health. One of the most common restorative procedures we perform is the placement of dental crowns. This blog post aims to educate our patients about the importance, process, and benefits of dental crowns.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. When cemented into place, crowns fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.
Why Are Dental Crowns Needed?
Dental crowns are used for various reasons, including:
- Protecting a Weak Tooth: Crowns can protect a tooth that has been weakened by decay or trauma from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth.
- Restoring a Broken Tooth: Crowns can restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down.
- Covering and Supporting a Tooth with a Large Filling: When there isn’t much tooth left, a crown can help cover and support the remaining structure.
- Holding a Dental Bridge in Place: Crowns are used to anchor a dental bridge that replaces one or more missing teeth.
- Covering Misshaped or Severely Discolored Teeth: For cosmetic reasons, crowns can cover teeth that are misshaped or discolored.
- Covering a Dental Implant: Crowns are placed on top of dental implants to provide a functional and aesthetic replacement for missing teeth.
Types of Dental Crowns
There are several types of dental crowns, each made from different materials. The most common types include:
- Metal Crowns: Made from alloys that have a high content of gold, platinum, or base-metal alloys. They are durable and withstand biting and chewing forces well.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns: These crowns are color-matched to your natural teeth and provide a natural look. However, they can cause wear on the opposing teeth and the metal underlying the porcelain can show through as a dark line.
- All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns: Provide the best natural color match and are suitable for people with metal allergies. They are not as strong as metal crowns but can be used for front and back teeth.
- All-Resin Crowns: These are less expensive and provide a good interim solution, but they wear down over time and are more prone to fractures.
- Pressed Ceramic Crowns: These have a hard inner core and are capped with porcelain, providing better durability than an all-porcelain crown.
The Dental Crown Procedure
The process of getting a dental crown typically requires two visits to our office:
- First Visit: Examination and Preparation
- We will take X-rays to check the roots of the tooth receiving the crown and surrounding bone.
- If the tooth has extensive decay or if there is a risk of infection or injury to the tooth’s pulp, a root canal treatment may be performed first.
- The tooth receiving the crown is filed down across the top and sides to make space for the crown. The amount removed depends on the type of crown used.
- After reshaping the tooth, an impression of the tooth is made. These impressions are sent to a dental lab where the crown will be manufactured.
- A temporary crown is placed to cover and protect the prepared tooth while the crown is being made.
- Second Visit: Receiving the Permanent Crown
- The temporary crown is removed, and the fit and color of the permanent crown are checked.
- If everything is acceptable, the new crown is permanently cemented in place.
Comprehensive Q&A Section
Q: How long do dental crowns last?
A: Dental crowns typically last between 5 and 15 years, depending on the amount of wear and tear they are exposed to, your oral hygiene practices, and personal habits such as teeth grinding.
Q: Do dental crowns require special care?
A: While a crowned tooth does not require any special care, it’s important to remember that simply because a tooth is crowned does not mean it is protected from decay or gum disease. Continue to follow good oral hygiene practices, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash.
Q: Will the crown look different from my other teeth?
A: No, at Addisville Dental, we ensure that your crown matches the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, providing a seamless and natural look.
Q: Can I be allergic to the materials used in dental crowns?
A: It is possible to have an allergic reaction to the metals used in crowns, but this is extremely rare. All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns are a good option for patients with metal allergies.
Q: What should I do if my crown comes off or gets damaged?
A: If your crown comes off or gets damaged, contact us immediately. Do not attempt to fix it yourself. We will provide you with guidance and schedule an appointment to repair or replace the crown as necessary.
Q: Are dental crowns covered by insurance?
A: Many dental insurance plans cover the cost of crowns, especially if they are deemed medically necessary. However, the extent of the coverage can vary. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to understand your specific benefits.
Q: Can a dental crown help with my tooth sensitivity?
A: Yes, a dental crown can help reduce sensitivity if the underlying tooth is damaged or worn down. The crown provides a protective barrier, reducing exposure to hot or cold substances.
Q: How should I care for my temporary crown?
A: While wearing a temporary crown, avoid sticky, chewy foods that could dislodge the crown and try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth. Continue to brush gently around the temporary crown and floss carefully to prevent it from becoming loose.
Conclusion
Dental crowns are an excellent solution for restoring the function and appearance of damaged teeth. At Addisville Dental, we are committed to providing high-quality, personalized dental care to ensure your smile remains healthy and beautiful. If you think you might need a dental crown or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to help you achieve optimal dental health.
