Dental Crowns

dental-crowns

What are dental crowns?

As one of the types of dental restoration, a dental crown covers or surrounds a dental implant or a tooth. If there is a big cavity that is a threat to the tooth, a dental crown is needed as the dentist bonds it to the tooth with dental cement to safeguard the health of the tooth that has a cavity. Dental crowns are made with indirect methods from a variety of materials that improve the appearance of the person’s teeth and have the benefit of adding to the strength of the teeth.

How long will a dental crown last?

A dental crown lasts for 50 years or more depending on the person’s oral hygiene habits and care of the teeth.

Why are dental crowns needed?

Dental crowns are needed for several reasons as they provide a covering for a dental implant and to support a dental bridge so that it can be kept in place. Dental crowns also provide protection for a tooth that is weak or cracked or has been decayed to prevent it from breaking up. Dental crowns are used as support for a tooth that needs quite a big filling and is also used to disguise or cover teeth that are discolored or badly shaped.

What are the available types of dental crowns?

There are different types of permanent dental crowns that are made with porcelain with metal, ceramic, resin, all porcelain and metal. Dental crowns can be made out of metals such as chromium or nickel which are base-metal alloys, palladium or gold alloy. As a less stronger material, resin dental crowns are not as expensive or durable as its counterparts while the dental crowns made from porcelain fused to metal look more natural and can be chosen for the back or the front teeth. Durable and long lasting, metal dental crowns are strong and are equipped to withstand wear and tear. Dental crowns that are made completely with porcelain or ceramic match the natural colour of the teeth and are suitable for people who have an allergy to metals. Ceramic dental crowns can be chosen for the upper and lower front teeth. While being fitted for a dental crown, a temporary crown made of stainless steel or acrylic would be created in a dentist’s office, while a permanent dental crown is made at a dental lab.

What is meant by ‘3/4 Crowns’ and ‘Onlays’?

As various techniques are used in the application of dental crowns, onlays and ¾ crowns serve as a covering for the underlying tooth to a much smaller length than the traditional crown that extends over the whole tooth.

Do temporary dental crowns need special care?

Dentists recommend that while your permanent dental crown is being created, the patient should take care of the temporary dental crown or crowns by avoiding food that is hard, chewy or sticky in nature. It is important to chew on the side of the mouth that does not have the temporary crown and the flossing material should be used in a sliding manner to avoid the temporary crown from being pulled out.

What is the procedure that is required for a dental crown?

The procedure to fit a dental crown takes two sittings with the dentist. The first visit would entire examination and preparation of the tooth and the second sitting would involve the placing of the permanent crown. To prepare the crown, the dentist would take X-rays of the tooth and surrounding bone areas. If there is an infection, a root canal treatment would be in order. As part of the procedure for the preparation of the tooth for a dental crown fitting would involve numbing or anesthetizing the gum tissue and the tooth. The tooth would be filled on the sides and the chewing surface according to the type of material chosen for the crown. If the tooth is decayed, then the dentist would use a suitably sized filling to hold the crown. After the tooth is reshaped, the dentist would make an impression with paste or putty of the upper and lower teeth so that the bite would be even. The impression would be sent to the dental lab to be manufactured. The second appointment would involve removal of the temporary dental crown and a permanent one would be put in place by the dentist who would check the fit, size and color. The dentist would inject a local anesthetic that would numb the tooth and the permanent dental crown would be cemented in.

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