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If you have a tooth that is severely damaged by decay or trauma, a dental crown can be a savior, allowing you to retain that tooth and avoid extraction while restoring its strength and function. It can also mask any imperfections and help you achieve a beautiful, healthy, and natural smile that you can flaunt with confidence. Depending on why and where you need it, your dentist may suggest various types of crowns that can cater to your specific requirements.
If you’re interested in giving your damaged tooth a new life, our team of expertly skilled dentists is here to make that a reality. This article aims to provide insight into dental crowns, their uses, advantages, types, costs, and potential risks and help you make an informed decision about your oral health.
A crown or ‘cap’ is an artificial restoration designed to cover a damaged tooth completely. It gives the tooth strength and allows it to function normally while also restoring its aesthetics. Unlike veneers, which cover only the tooth’s front surface, dental crowns cover the tooth completely.
You might require the fitting of a dental crown in case of any of the following consequences:
A dental crown bolsters and prolongs the life of a natural tooth by giving it the support and protection it needs to keep functioning normally. Some conditions, such as extensive tooth decay or fractures, may cause teeth to become structurally weak and even lead to tooth loss. Dental crowns serve as saviors for these teeth by offering them protection and support, preventing further damage and preserving your natural teeth. This, in turn, restores tooth function and aesthetics by allowing you to ‘prolong’ the life of your natural teeth and keep future dental problems at bay.
They can do this by:
For more information about how a dental crown can benefit you, we encourage you to get in touch with our dentists and let them provide you with a personalized approach to caring for your pearly whites. Make your oral health a priority, and don’t wait any longer.
Generally, dental crowns have been shown to have an average lifespan of around 10-15 years but can last much longer if taken well care of. Some crowns are inherently sturdier than others and may outlive them, depending on the material they’re made from.
Metal crowns, especially gold and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, have stood the test of time and have shown to exhibit exceptional durability and last the longest compared to other types of crowns available.
Monolithic zirconia crowns, made from a single block of zirconia, have demonstrated the highest strength to withstand heavy biting forces and have proven to be the least likely to chip or fracture under stress.
All-resin, all-ceramic, and all-porcelain crowns, despite offering the best aesthetic results as compared to other types, are more susceptible to breakage and can wear down relatively quickly.
Dental crowns can be prepared in either multiple visits or a single visit, depending on your personal preferences.
First Visit
Your dentist will begin by discussing with you the various types of crowns available and selecting one that best caters to your dental needs, budget, and aesthetic desires. They will then examine the tooth that needs a crown, and take some x-rays or intra-oral scans to get a better look. They may also take an impression of your mouth at this stage.
The next step is to create a strong foundation to support your new crown. To do this, your dentist will trim down some of your tooth enamel to create enough space to firmly hold the crown in place. If your tooth is severely damaged, they may also add some filling material to certain areas of the tooth and build it up to construct a solid base for the dental crown.
An impression of your teeth is then taken and sent to the lab for the fabrication of a custom crown. At Blanc Dentaire, we use an intra-oral scanner to take impressions, a digital device that eliminates the need for the traditional and often messy and inconvenient rubber paste impressions. These digital impressions are then sent to the dental laboratory almost immediately where the crown is made.
It will take almost two weeks for your permanent crown to arrive from the lab. Until then, you will be provided with a temporary one made out of resin or acrylic to protect your ground-down tooth and to allow you to eat and speak comfortably. If it’s an anterior tooth, your dentist will shade-match the temporary crown to the adjacent teeth to make sure that it looks as natural as possible and that the aesthetics of your smile are preserved.
Second Visit
When your permanent crown is here, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and clean any remaining residue off the prepared tooth.
After inspecting the crown to check if the shade and shape are right, they will fit the crown on your tooth to see if it sits properly. They will have you bite down and ask you if it feels comfortable.
If all is well, your dentist will use a strong dental cement to carefully bond the crown to your tooth, making sure that it sits comfortably alongside the rest of your teeth.
A same-day procedure sidesteps the need for a temporary crown and allows you to walk out of our clinic with a permanent one the same day. The entire process is completed within 2 to 4 hours.
The steps for a single-day procedure are outlined below:
Your dentist begins by taking photos of your teeth and gums using a digital scanner.
The crown is fabricated inside the dentist’s office with advanced CAD/CAM technology. Using digital scans, your dentist will create a custom crown with specialized computer software and transfer the design to an on-site milling machine. The machine will then mill the crown out of a block of material, usually resin or ceramic. During this time, you will be asked to wait. The machine takes about 2 hours to mill a crown.
When the crown is ready, your dentist will cement it into place.
Crowns are made of a variety of different materials, including:
Porcelain and ceramic crowns possess superior aesthetic qualities as compared to other types of crowns and closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth. For this reason, they’re mostly used in the anterior region of the mouth. These types of crowns are also beneficial for those who have metal allergies.
IPS e.max crowns are made of lithium disilicate, a glass ceramic known for delivering outstanding aesthetics and fit. However, they lack toughness and are therefore reserved for the back teeth.
Zirconia crowns are made from ceramic and are known for their excellent durability, strength, and ability to withstand heavier forces than other types of ceramic crowns. They also have the added advantage of being gentler on the opposing teeth and requiring minimal enamel reduction for placement. As they’re exceptionally strong and quite opaque in color, they’re usually preferred to cap the teeth in the back of the mouth (the molars).
Gold crowns, in addition to being corrosion and fracture-resistant, are highly biocompatible, making them a popular option among patients. They are also gentle on the opposing teeth. The only downside to gold crowns is that they look far from natural.
Dental crowns can be made from a combination of different metals, such as nickel, chromium, and palladium. Metal alloy crowns are extremely resistant to wear, can withstand significant forces, and only require minimal reduction of tooth enamel to be fitted. As they’re silver in color and not very aesthetically pleasing, these crowns are usually reserved for use in the back of the mouth, where they’re least visible.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns employ a metal base with layers of porcelain coated over it. This combination of metal and porcelain amalgamates their greatest qualities—strength from the metal and aesthetics from the porcelain- to create a crown that’s both strong and pleasant-looking. These crowns have been used for decades and can last as long as metal crowns.
However, these crowns do have some problems. In some instances, the porcelain wears off, exposing the metal underneath and making the crown appear unappealing. These crowns can also damage the opposing teeth when they come into contact, causing the enamel of your natural teeth to wear off.
All-resin crowns are constructed from composite resin, a synthetic plastic material. Albeit cheaper than other options, they are fragile and more susceptible to breaking or chipping easily. They’re usually used to make temporary crowns.
With so many different types of dental crowns available, you have quite a wide variety to choose from. Your dentist will discuss each type in detail, and then allow you to make an informed decision. There are a few factors that warrant consideration when choosing a crown that’s right for you. Your dentist will take them into account before deciding which is best suited to meet your needs and expectations.
These include:
Your dentist will discuss the costs and whether you need to undergo any additional procedures before getting a crown. They may include a root canal treatment, gum contouring, or filling, and can impact the final cost of your treatment. To find out more, we encourage you to get in touch with our specialists. Visit our website to schedule an appointment, and let us take care of your dental needs.
Despite the plethora of benefits that dental crowns provide, there are a few potential side effects that you can expect with the procedure. Listed below are some common complaints:
Tooth sensitivity
Mild sensitivity to hot and cold after getting a dental crown is not unusual but may cause discomfort to many. This is part of the natural healing process as the tooth adjusts to the new crown. In most cases, this usually settles down in a few weeks as the tooth and the soft tissues gradually get accustomed to the cap.
To make the adjustment period more comfortable, we recommend that you take care of the following:
If the symptoms don’t improve with time, talk to your dentist about it so they can take a look at the tooth. They may recommend desensitizing agents or professional treatments to address the concern based on your specific condition.
Chipped or fractured crown
If you don’t take care to avoid hard foods and tooth-damaging habits, you may end up with a chipped or fractured crown. Once your crown is damaged, it will most likely have to be made again.
Loose or dislodged crown
Sometimes, your crown may become loose but you might not notice it until it actually falls off. This can happen due to various reasons, including:
Gum disease (if the crown is not cleaned properly)
An ill-fitting crown may irritate the gums and cause inflammation, leading to pain and sensitivity in that tooth. If that is the case, talk to your dentist so they can make the necessary adjustments to your crown to ensure a proper fit.
You may also experience gum issues if you don’t maintain good oral hygiene, especially around the crown. To prevent these problems, practice an excellent oral hygiene regimen and clean the crown thoroughly. A water flosser can aid your cleaning as it can clean hard-to-reach areas.
Allergic reaction
Some people can be allergic to the materials crowns are made of, and have an allergic reaction once the crown is fitted. Metal allergies are more common than allergies to porcelain, ceramic, or resin.
To minimize and prevent issues with your new dental crown, focus on maintaining impeccable oral hygiene and steer clear of damaging foods and habits. When you receive your crown, pay close attention to how it feels inside your mouth and if you can bite normally with it. Mild sensitivity is normal, but if you experience pain or discomfort for more than a few days, schedule a post-op visit with your dentist so they can fix the underlying cause and resolve the issue.
Practice good oral hygiene
The importance of maintaining a meticulous oral hygiene regimen cannot be overstated.
Avoid hard and sticky foods
Although dental crowns exhibit good strength, they’re not indestructible. It is always better to be careful and avoid overly hard and chewy foods as they carry the risk of damaging or dislodging your crowns. A few examples of these foods may include:
Steer clear of tooth-damaging habits
Some habits can increase the risk of damaging your crown by exerting stress or pressure on it, causing it to chip, fracture, or even dislodge. If you break your crown, it will have to be done again. Avoid these habits to keep your dental crown looking and functioning well for years to come.
If you have a habit of teeth grinding, talk to your dentist about it. They might make you a night guard to help prevent damage to your crown.
Schedule regular dental appointments
Regular visits to the dentist can help pay dividends by allowing any potential problems to be caught early on. Your dentist will perform a routine examination and may recommend professional cleanings to remove any plaque or tartar around your teeth and gums, helping to keep future dental problems at bay.
Find a reliable dentist
Getting dental crowns is very technique-sensitive and must only be performed by skilled dentists with the utmost expertise in performing this procedure. An ill-fitted crown can lead to many problems down the road and expose your teeth to dire consequences.
If you are in Montreal, and looking for top-quality dental services in the area, be sure to visit Blanc Dentaire to experience the difference. From advanced technologies and techniques to highly skilled dental professionals who practice minimally invasive dentistry, we have it all.
If you have any questions regarding the after-care for dental crowns, contact our office today or call now at (514)-933-3368 or (514)-564-4554 . We are committed to helping you in any way we can.
Dental crowns serve to protect, cover, and support your natural teeth that are in a debilitating condition, and to keep them in your mouth for as long as possible. They leverage the remaining natural tooth to build a strong base for the crown, providing a practical solution to extensive tooth damage, and evading the need for tooth extraction.
There are various types of crowns made from a variety of materials. Talk to your dentist to determine one that’s right for you. This can depend on your personal preferences, budget, and what you want to achieve with the treatment.
Despite being extremely durable, dental crowns are not indestructible. You will eventually need to get them replaced. However, with proper care and maintenance, a crown can last you for many, many years to come.
Immediately after getting a crown, you may experience sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks as your tooth takes some time to adjust to the new restoration. This is usually temporary and goes away in a few weeks.
Over-the-counter medications, like Tylenol or ibuprofen, can help relieve the pain and discomfort. You can also try doing warm saline rinses as they’re beneficial for reducing inflammation and soothing pain.
Scheduling a follow-up visit a month after getting a dental crown is the ideal course of action to have the crown and the underlying tooth examined. By this time, all pain and sensitivity should have subsided and the crown should be feeling comfortable. You should be able to resume eating and drinking normally and must stick to the doctor’s instructions regarding oral hygiene.
The procedure for fitting dental crowns is carried out under local anesthesia, so you’re unlikely to feel any pain. If you do, however, let your dentist know, and they will administer some more anesthesia to make the experience comfortable and painless.
Once you get your crowns fitted, you might experience slight sensitivity to hot and cold foods for a while. The duration of the sensitivity varies from patient to patient. Some patients experience sensitivity for a few days, while it may take a few weeks for others to settle down.
If taken good care of, dental crowns can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. With proper oral hygiene maintenance and regular visits to the dentist, you can rest assured that your crowns will easily continue to be of service to you for a good two decades. However, they’re not meant to last forever, and you will eventually need to have them replaced.