Dental crowns are used for the basic purpose of covering a damaged tooth. A crown not only provides strength to the damaged tooth, but it can also improve its look, alignment, and shape. By placing a dental crown on top of the dental implant, it gives it a tooth-like shape and a structure to perform the function. Different materials are used to manufacture a dental crown and the most common materials are porcelain, ceramic, acrylic, metal and gold alloys.
Here’s a detailed overview of dental crowns:
What are the different types of crowns for teeth?
Dental crowns are divided into 4 types according to the material they are made of and these include:
- Ceramic: These types of dental crowns are made of porcelain-based material. Mostly, these crowns are used for front teeth restoration. They have the ability to blend with the tooth’s natural color.
- Porcelain-fused to metal: These types of crowns provide a strong bond than the regular porcelain because these are connected to the metal structure. Due to this, these crowns are also very durable.
- Gold alloys: These crowns are made of a mixture of gold, copper along with other metals. Not only they provide a strong bond but also they don’t fracture and also doesn’t damage the tooth itself.
- Base metal alloys: These crowns are prepared with non-noble metals that are known for having a high resistance to corrosion and thus they give much durability to the crowns. Due to these crowns, a very less amount of healthy tooth is removed before the fitting.
For what reasons, dental crowns are needed?
Following are the situations in which a dental crown is needed:
- Protecting a tooth that is weak from breaking or to keep the parts of a broken tooth together
- Restoring a broken tooth or a tooth that is extremely damaged
- Covering and supporting a tooth when the filling is large and there aren’t lots of teeth left
- Holding a dental bridge in its place
- Covering a dental implant, misshapen or extremely discolored teeth
- Making any cosmetic modification
When we talk about children, a dental crown can be used on primary teeth of a baby/child in these situations:
- To save a tooth that is severely damaged by decay that it cannot support a filling
- To protect the child’s teeth who has a high risk of having tooth decay especially when a child does not keep up daily oral hygiene
How are dental crowns made?
When the dental lab obtains your case, they will create your dental crown. The lab technician will create a mold of your ready tooth using the additional impression your dentist took at your first appointment. The impression is not only of your tooth but of neighboring teeth following to it and overhead it. The mold made will not only demonstrate them how your tooth looks now, but how your teeth should apt together and how your upper teeth originate together with your bottommost ones, counting your arranged tooth. By this mold, they blend up another type of impression that they pour onto it, filling in the spaces and making what your crown will appear like. Manufacturing your dental crown can now be initiated.
On metals, this is completed at tremendously high temperatures, as the metal can only be formed when it is in liquefied form. On porcelain, the material is originally liquid-like but still affirms for high temperatures to cure and strengthen once it is in the faultless shape of your tooth. Frequently these temperatures can range up to 2,372 °F (1,300 °C), and occasionally dental crowns must be heated for up to eight hours to guarantee they have been wholly set and cured. Once wholly cooled and set, the mold can be fragmented apart to take away the crown. Final coats are smeared, and then the crown is ready for implantation.
How is the dental crown procedure performed?
The dentist requires two separate appointments for making and then placing a dental crown.
In the first appointment, a tooth is prepared (shaped) then its impression is taken and then a temporary crown is placed. This whole procedure takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour.
After the first appointment, the dental laboratory manufactures a crown. Usually, two weeks are needed to make a crown.
In the second appointment, the dentist cements the manufactured crown into its place. This procedure usually takes 20 minutes or more.
How long does the dental crown last?
Dental crowns can last from 5 to 15 years on an average. The lifespan of a dental crown depends on different factors that include how much a crown is exposed to wear and tear, how well a patient is following good oral hygienic practices and the mouth-related habits of a patient (grinding teeth, biting fingernails, chewing ice, and using teeth to open packaging should be avoided).
What are the benefits of dental crowns?
These are some particular benefits for getting a crown:
- firming teeth
- returning teeth to their expected figure and dimension
- covering a dental implant
- defending a weak tooth from breaking or returning a cracked tooth
- layer discolored teeth
- attaching bridges
- holding a filling
- augmenting appearance
Is any problem developing with dental crowns?
Yes, the following are some problems with dental crowns:
- Infection: If the crowned tooth is not carefully cleaned out and wrapped, an infection can progress.
- Allergic reaction: A lesser number of patients may experience an allergic response to the supplies used during the dental crown action process.
- Tooth decay: If the crown is improperly sealed, microorganisms can hoard and harm the tooth.
- Poor bite: If the crown’s external is not accurately shaved down, it can affect in an uncomfortable bite.
- Unstable crown: Over time, the crown can turn out to be loose or dislocated. Patients should assume to have their crown substituted.
How much do dental crowns cost?
The cost of dental crown varies depending on different factors such as the geographical location where a patient lives and the type of crown that is selected. For example, porcelain crowns are usually more expensive than the gold crowns which in turn are expensive than the porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. Usually, the dental crown cost ranges from $800 to $1700 or more for one crown. Some of the portions of the dental crown cost are usually covered by insurance.
Does any special care need for a crowned tooth?
There is no special care needed for a crowned tooth but at the same time, it is very important to remember that if a tooth is crowned then it doesn’t mean this tooth is protected from any gum disease or decay. So, in order to protect a crowned tooth, you should continue to follow the regular oral hygiene practices along with brushing twice daily, flossing daily (especially the area of the crown where the gum and the tooth meets), and washing mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash once a day.
Consult the experienced dentists at Aliso Niguel Dental Group for dental crowns:
The team of experienced, skilled, and compassionate dentists, including the hygienists and dental staff at “Aliso Niguel Dental Group” offers the best dental crowns treatment to people of all ages. They perform the procedure using the effective dental tools that enhance the appearance of the teeth, mouth, and smile. To book an initial consultation, visit the website and fill out the contact form or you can also call for an immediate response 949-643-7047