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Dental Crowns: Everything You Need to Know
Dental crowns are the perfect dental restoration for badly broken teeth because they completely encircle the tooth. These restorations improve the appearance of your teeth and restore their function and strength.
At London Dental Specialists, we understand the impact that dental issues can have on your confidence and overall health, which is why we offer top-notch dental crown services to our patients. With over 50 years of combined experience in dentistry, our team has helped countless patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles with dental crowns.
We believe that everyone deserves to feel confident in their teeth, and we are passionate about providing exceptional care to make that a reality. In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about dental crowns – from what they are and when necessary to find the right dentist for placement and avoid potential complications.
Let’s get started on your journey towards a brighter smile!
- Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that can improve the appearance, function, and strength of damaged or decayed teeth.
- There are different types of dental crowns, including gold, porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, zirconia, and E-max, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
- Proper aftercare and regular checkups with a dentist are important for the longevity and health of dental crowns. Tooth decay is the single most important complication of dental crowns.
- Patients should be educated about potential complications and risks involved in getting a dental crown, and they should seek immediate attention from a dentist if they experience any symptoms such as sensitivity, discomfort, pain, or colour changes in gums after receiving a dental crown.
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap made from porcelain, zirconia, or metal alloy. It may be the perfect solution to support and strengthen your teeth, keep bridges in place, and cover severely discoloured or misshapen teeth. However, before committing to this treatment option, it’s important to consider the cost of crowns as well as crown material comparison.
While dental crown alternatives like veneers and fillings exist, they may not provide the same level of protection for weakened teeth.
Once you’ve decided that dental crowns are the right choice for you, it’s important to know how to care for them. With proper maintenance and regular check-ups with your dentist, a crown can last anywhere from 5-15 years, depending on the material used. During this period, brushing and floss regularly is essential while avoiding hard foods that could damage your crown.
Types of Dental Crowns: A Comprehensive Overview (e.g., porcelain, ceramic, metal, zirconia)
When choosing a type of dental crown, you’ll want to consider both aesthetics and durability. Here is a comprehensive overview of the different types of dental crowns available:
| Material | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | Strong and durable | Poor aesthetics |
| All Porcelain | Most natural look | Not as strong as metal crowns |
| Porcelain Fused-to-Metal (PFM) | Provides both strength and aesthetics; may cause a grey line at the gumline. | May wear down over time; not biocompatible. |
| Zirconia | Combines strength with porcelain-like appearance; biocompatible. | Can be difficult to adjust; may appear opaque in certain lighting conditions. |
| E-max (Lithium Disilicate) | High aesthetic value; stronger than traditional porcelain options. | Generally more expensive than other options |
As you can see from the table above, each type of crown has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. When considering cost comparison, it is important to note that gold may be cheaper in the long run due to its durability, while all-porcelain provides great aesthetics but may require replacement sooner than other materials.
When used for posterior teeth, the survival rates at 5 years of densely sintered alumina crowns (94.9%) and reinforced glass-ceramic crowns (93.7%) were similar to those obtained for metal-ceramic crowns
Caring for crowns is an essential part of ensuring their longevity. Some common misconceptions about dental crowns include thinking they do not require regular care or will last forever without maintenance. It is important to practice good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and maintaining routine check-ups with your dentist in order to keep your crown healthy and functioning properly. With proper care, your crown can provide restoration of function, strength, and aesthetics for years to come.
Dental Crown Benefits: Restoring Function, Strength, and Aesthetics
The benefits of dental crowns include:
They can save natural teeth from extraction: If a tooth is severely damaged or decayed, a crown can be placed over it to protect it from further harm. This eliminates the need for extraction and preserves your natural tooth.
They provide long-lasting durability: Crowns are made from various materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, or zirconia, which have their unique strengths based on needs and budget. But regardless of the material type used, they last up to 30 years with great oral hygiene and regular exams.
They restore the appearance of teeth: Crowns can correct discolouration, misshapen teeth, chips, cracks, or fractures, giving you a perfect smile that will boost your confidence.
Dental crowns are necessary when dealing with common dental issues requiring crowns, such as extensive decay or damage due to injury or trauma. By choosing the right type of crown, you can restore the functionality, durability, and aesthetics of your damaged teeth for up to 30 years with proper care.
Dental crowns are necessary for various dental issues such as broken, chipped, or badly decayed teeth. They also support damaged teeth after root canal procedures and prevent the spread of bacteria to other areas of the mouth. Large fillings that are not secure may also require a dental crown.
Common causes for needing a dental crown include trauma or biting down on something too hard. While there are alternative solutions, such as fillings or veneers, these options do not offer the same long-term benefits that dental crowns provide. Pros of having a dental crown include restoring function, strength, and aesthetics, while cons may include cost analysis since they can be more expensive than other options. However, investing in a dental crown can save you money in the long run by preventing further damage to your tooth and avoiding more costly procedures in the future.
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Before the actual crown preparation begins, your dentist will conduct a thorough examination and consult with you about the best course of action. This may include taking X-rays or impressions of your teeth to ensure that everything is in order before proceeding.
Next comes crown preparation, where we will prepare your tooth for the permanent crown by removing any decay and shaping it to fit the new restoration. You’ll then receive a temporary crown while your permanent one is being made in a laboratory, which typically takes around 2-4 weeks. At the second appointment, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and the permanent crown is fitted. During the time with the temporary crown, it’s important to take care of your temporary crown by avoiding sticky or hard foods and practising good oral hygiene.
Now that you know what happens during each stage of the dental crown procedure, it’s time to focus on post-placement checkups and maintenance.
After getting a temporary crown, be sure to avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods that could cause them to become loose or fall off. Once you have a permanent crown in place, treat it like any other natural tooth after the first 24-48 hours.
Maintaining good oral hygiene habits is also important for preventing tooth decay and the health of your dental crown. This includes brushing (oral b electric toothbrush) twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and daily flossing. There are no diet restrictions with a permanent dental crown; however, try to limit sugary or acidic foods that can damage your teeth and gums. Regular checkups with your dentist will help identify any issues early on and ensure the longevity of your restoration.
When caring for your dental crown, cleaning techniques play an important role in keeping it healthy and strong. Use non-abrasive toothpaste when brushing around the area and focus on gently massaging the gum line where the crown meets your natural tooth. Consider investing in an electric toothbrush for more effective removal of plaque buildup around the crown. Remember to always handle temporary crowns with care as they are not designed for long-term use. Finding the right dentist for dental crown placement involves considering factors such as experience, qualifications, and patient reviews – all of which we’ll explore in our next section about choosing a dentist for this procedure.
When searching for the right dentist to place your dental crown, there are several factors you should consider.
Firstly, you’ll want to look into their qualifications and experience. A qualified dentist will have undergone extensive training in placing dental crowns and should be able to provide proof of their expertise (master’s degree in prosthodontics or restorative dentistry as well as a speciality in prosthodontics or restorative dentistry).
The cost comparison is also important when choosing a dentist for your crown placement. While it’s important not to prioritise cost over quality, you must still be able to afford the treatment. Don’t be afraid to ask about payment options or insurance coverage before making your decision.
Additionally, patient reviews can give you valuable insight into the quality of care a particular dentist provides. Look for reviews that mention successful crown placements and a positive overall experience with the practice.
Finally, consider the materials and technology used by the dentist as this can impact the longevity and appearance of your crown. When considering these factors, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision about which dentist is right for your needs. Complete this form if you would like some more information.
In our next section, we’ll discuss potential risks associated with dental crowns and how to avoid them without compromising on quality or comfort.
25% of patients experience some form of discomfort or sensitivity after dental crowns. Choosing an experienced and reputable dentist (like London Dental Specialists) who uses high-quality materials and techniques is important to prevent complications.
Additionally, patient education plays a crucial role in complication prevention. Your dentist should provide you with thorough instructions on how to care for your new crown, including proper oral hygiene practices and dietary restrictions.
Despite best efforts, complications can still arise after crown placement. If you experience any symptoms such as sensitivity, discomfort, pain, or colour changes in your gums after receiving a dental crown, it’s important to contact your dentist immediately. Regular maintenance appointments with your dentist can help prevent future complications in the long term by identifying and addressing any issues early on.
By taking these precautions and being proactive about your dental health, you can enjoy a beautiful smile that lasts for years to come. Fill in the form below and one of the team will contact you promptly.
Dental Crowns FAQ
Q: What are dental crowns?
A: Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are placed over damaged or decayed teeth to restore their shape, size and strength.
Q: Why do I need a crown?
A: You might need a crown if your tooth is heavily damaged or decayed or if it is cracked or weakened. Crowns can also be placed on teeth that are discoloured or misshapen.
Q: What type of crown should I get?
A: Your dentist may recommend a specific type of crown depending on your individual needs. Some common types of crowns include porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, all-ceramic crowns, and porcelain crowns.
Q: How much do dental crowns cost?
A: The cost of a dental crown can vary depending on factors such as the type of crown, the dentist’s experience, and your location. On average, dental crowns can range from $800 to $1500 or more.
Q: How long does it take to get a crown?
A: Getting a crown usually requires two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, your tooth is prepared and a temporary crown is placed. The second visit is when the permanent crown is placed after it is made in a dental laboratory.
Q: What is a porcelain crown?
A: A porcelain crown is a type of crown made entirely of porcelain material. These crowns are known for their natural-looking appearance and are often used for front teeth.
Q: How are crowns made?
A: Crowns are usually made in a dental laboratory. Your dentist will take an impression of your prepared tooth and send it to the lab. The crown is then made to fit your tooth and bite.
Q: How does a crown work?
A: A crown is cemented onto your tooth structure and is designed to hold the tooth together and prevent further damage or decay.
Q: What is involved in dental care for a crown?
A: After a crown is placed, it is important to practice good dental hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. Your dentist may recommend special care instructions for your crown depending on the type of crown and your individual needs.
Q: Can a damaged tooth be used for a crown?
A: Yes, in some cases a damaged tooth can still be used for a crown. Your dentist will evaluate your tooth to determine if it is strong enough to support a crown.
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