A Dental Crown is a cap placed on top of a damaged or decayed tooth. It is shaped like a tooth and restores its appearance. Metals, porcelain, resin, and ceramics are all used to create dental crowns. They usually only require regular, good oral hygiene and no special maintenance over time.
Application Of Dental Crown & Removal Processes
Take Impression Of The Tooth
The tooth needs to be prepared for the dental crown to fit. An x-ray of the tooth and the jawbone is taken to detect any signs of decay, infection, and injury to the soft tissue inside your teeth where blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue are located.
To create room for the crown, the tooth needs to be shaped. The dentist files down and removes the outer layer of the tooth. Depending on the type of crown you have, different amounts of the tooth must be filed away.
An impression of the tooth is made using paste or putty. An impression is made of the tooth on the opposing jaw that will make contact with the crown when the patient bites. This is done to ensure the crown will fit comfortably on the side of the mouth. Several pictures of the other teeth are also taken to help with color-matching. These supplies are all delivered to a lab, where a plaster mold is created and used to shape the new crown.
Temporary Crown
The process of making a permanent dental crown takes a few weeks. To counter this problem, a temporary crown is placed on the damaged tooth. Temporary cement is generally used to secure acrylic crowns in place. While the temporary dental crown is in place, patients may experience increased sensitivity to heat and cold. Dentists may also frequently advise patients to refrain from eating foods that are particularly chewy, hard, and stick to the tooth.
Permanent Crown Placement
Your dentist will take off the temporary crown and examine the permanent one’s fit and color. Before the crown is cemented in, it is critical to ensure that the fit and color of the crown match that of the natural and surrounding teeth. If everything is in order, the tooth will be numbed with a local anesthetic before the new crown is securely attached.
Same-Day Dental Crown Placement
Dental crowns can also be made in a dentist’s office if your dentist has the necessary equipment. A scanning device (also known as a “wand”) is used to take digital images of the tooth inside your mouth. From these images, the computer’s software generates a 3D model of the tooth. The digital design is then sent to a dental lab, which carves the shape of the crown out of a block of ceramic. This procedure takes around 2 to 4 hours to be completed.
Removal
The removal of temporary crowns is very simple. Devices have been developed to remove crowns from their supporting teeth. The dentist will first numb the gums. An adhesive is used to weaken the cement. If the old crown is not severely damaged, the dentist may occasionally use it. However, if the crowns are discolored, a new set is created.
Types Of Crowns
Metal
Metals like stainless steel are widely used for dental crowns. They can endure pressure, and last long. Stainless steel crowns are commonly used for children’s teeth because they do not require multiple dental visits to be placed and are therefore less expensive than custom-made crowns.
Gold
Gold has been used for nearly 4000 years in dentistry. Gold is frequently combined with other metals by dentists today, such as palladium, nickel, or chromium. This increases the crown’s strength while decreasing its cost. These crowns are rarely chipped or broken. They are not easily worn down and require only minor tooth removal to be applied. Gold dental crowns are incredibly long-lasting and can last for decades.
There is, however, one major disadvantage of gold dental crowns. They do not look nearly identical to natural teeth. Some people prefer to have gold alloy crowns placed on hidden molars.
Ceramic/ Porcelain
All-porcelain dental crowns, also known as all-ceramic crowns, are made from porcelain and ceramics. They are completely metal-free and an excellent choice for those allergic to metal. Porcelain crowns can be color-matched to teeth and are sometimes used in cosmetic dental treatments to improve tooth size, shape, or color. They are not as long-lasting as other materials used for dental crowns. A well-planned oral hygiene routine is required to be maintained for porcelain dental crowns.
Resin
Resin dental crowns are usually less expensive than other types of crowns. They do, however, deteriorate over time and are more prone to breaking than other materials used for crowns.
Zirconia
Zirconia crowns are becoming more popular, and they do have some advantages. One of the most significant benefits of zirconia is its strength and durability. However, the opaque appearance of a zirconia crown can make it appear less than natural. Some dentists have been hesitant to use zirconia crowns in certain situations because they are concerned that the hardness of the zirconia will cause wear and tear on opposing teeth. A crown made of zirconia with a layer of porcelain will appear more natural and can be easily color-matched to your surrounding teeth.
Combination
Sometimes dentists recommend a combination of two or more materials to create long-lasting dental crowns. Porcelain fused to metal crowns (PFM) is made with a metal base and porcelain fused over the top. The result is a porcelain-looking dental crown with the strength of a metal crown. PFM crowns are popular choices for people who want to avoid the metallic appearance of a metal crown but still need strength. However, the porcelain can cause opposing teeth to wear faster, and the metal ring may be visible if the gums recede. A porcelain dental crown covered with gold is also a popular, but expensive, choice.
When Is The Best Time For Dental Crown Fitting?
Dental Crowns are an excellent way to improve the appearance and functionality of your tooth.
These are the signs that you need dental crowns:
Extensive Fillings
You may have had cavities in your childhood that required large fillings. Perhaps you had a tooth with significant decay, and most of the tooth was filled. The original tooth can become weak, fractured, and cracked over time. A tooth with a large filling, especially an old filling, may require a dental crown to protect and strengthen the remaining tooth.
Broken/ Fractured/ Cracked Tooth:
A fracture can result from a large filling that has weakened the tooth or from biting on something hard without realizing the tooth is weak. A dental crown will help to support and strengthen the broken or fractured tooth. It will also help to keep the damaged tooth together.
Misshapen/Stained Teeth
If you have one or more misshapen or severely stained teeth, you understand how it can affect your self-esteem. Stains are typically caused by substances such as cigarettes, coffee, tea, or poor oral hygiene. A misshapen tooth can be caused by a chip, or teeth grinding. When your bite has changed due to teeth grinding or loss of tooth structure, a crown can be used to increase the vertical dimension(s). Crowns can help if your teeth are too short due to such conditions and need to be lengthened. A dental crown not only improves the appearance of a tooth but also strengthens the structure.
Weak Root Canal Or Cavity
A root canal requires your dentist to drill into the center of your tooth to remove all decay. This procedure has the potential to weaken the tooth’s structure. It is more likely to fracture, especially molars (back teeth), which do the majority of the chewing. When it comes to front teeth, the dentist may use a filling; however, a dental crown is usually the best way to protect the tooth. A crown provides better long-term protection than a simple filling.
Are You Considering To Get Dental Crowns in Phoenix?
Dental crowns not only make our teeth appear healthy and straight but increase their functionality too. It is essential to consider getting them by an experienced orthodontist if need be.
Our team at BCR Dentistry in Phoenix, AZ, is experienced in dental crown application and several other procedures. Contact us today to book your appointment.