When a tooth is damaged or damaged, it cannot recreate the tooth structure it has lost and remains susceptible unless the dentist places a dental crown. The dentists at Emergency Dental Center will put a dental crown that can protect the weakened tooth from the forces of biting. Crowns are an excellent solution in a wide range of cases, including:
- Structural damage: A broken, cracked, or chipped tooth can often be repaired by putting a dental crown over it. The dentist will place a dental crown to support the tooth while it absorbs the pressure of the bite and thus preventing further damage.
- Extensive tooth decay: The treatment of tooth decay requires the removal of infected tooth tissue. In root canal therapy, in which a significant amount of tooth structure is excavated and replaced with a filling, a dental crown is placed as the final step in the process of protecting the tooth.
- Stubborn cosmetic blemishes: Heavily stained teeth don’t respond to traditional teeth whitening. A dental crown will cover the stain and make your teeth look like new. Crowns are also used to restore naturally misshaped teeth. In this case, your dentist will place a dental crown to achieve symmetry in your smile.
- Tooth loss: Dental crown offers the most natural tooth replacement when placed over a dental implant. Dental implants are designed to replicate the tooth root and are placed in the jaw. After 4-6 months, the dentist will place a dental crown. This combination completes the tooth replacement process.
What Are the Types of Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns can be made out of many materials:
- Zirconia dental crowns are the strongest dental crown available. A pure zirconia crown is often the type selected when heavy teeth grinding is experienced.
- The crown that best resembles a natural tooth is made of porcelain. These are the best options for persons with a metal allergy.
- Acrylic or resin type crowns can be the most inexpensive, but are also more susceptible to fracture. Acrylic crowns are subject to breaking and dislodging.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns have an outer cover made of porcelain that hides the inner metal colored layer. This crown typically selected for it resistance to fracture and lower cost. The disadvantage is the exposure of the unaesthetic inner metal layer if the outer porcelain cover cracks.
- Dental crown metal can also include gold and other base-metal alloys. Metal crowns have the advantage of being the strongest crowns, but also have the disadvantage of it’s metal color.
What is the Dental Crown Procedure?
Advances in dental crown technology allow dentists to fabricate a dental crown in a single visit. Most often, a dental crown treatment will take two appointments. On the first visit, the dentist will take an xray to verify there is no evidence of nerve damage. If nerve damaged is suspected, the dentist will recommend a root canal treatment. Once the tooth is deemed ready for crown treatment, the dentist will gentle prepare the tooth for a crown by reducing the top and sides of the tooth. This reduction allows for the dental crown to slip over the tooth.
After the preparation is complete, the dentist will take a mold of the prepared tooth and send it to the dental lab for fabrication. This procedure usually takes 10-14 days. A temporary crown made of acrylic is placed on the prepared tooth while waiting for return of the crown. On the second visit, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is cemented into place.
Dental crown are placed over a tooth to restore its natural appearance and function. Crowns can protect broken teeth from further damage and allow the return of esthetics and chewing function. Dental crowns are an excellent option for covering heavily stained or misshaped teeth. They are also used to secure dental bridges in place and act as an interim step in a dental implant process.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last
Dental crowns last from 10 to fifteen years, depending on the amount of wear and tear and your chewing habits. Avoid putting stress on your teeth by eliminating the chewing of hard objects, or opening packages with your teeth. If you have been diagnosed with bruxism or teeth grinding, the use of a night guard to reduce clenching or grinding will extend the life of the crown. Teeth that are crowned are susceptible to decay. Maintaining proper oral hygiene is important for crown longevity. Call Emergency Dental Center to learn more about dental crowns.
