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Dental Crowns
Dental Crowns
Dental Crown Treatments
Crowns are used to cover and protect teeth that are broken, weakened, or have undergone treatments such as fillings or root canals. They provide an effective solution for restoring both the function and aesthetics of damaged teeth and help protect them against fractures.
If you have an injured tooth that is still intact, a crown can restore its shape and functionality. Often referred to as a cap, the crown is a hollow artificial cover that shields the tooth from further damage. Additionally, crowns are used to cover discolored or malformed teeth, enhancing their appearance and overall dental health.
What is A Dental Crown?
Crown treatment involves covering teeth with tooth-shaped materials to protect those that have lost significant substance due to various reasons. This process does not damage the underlying tooth; rather, it helps prolong the tooth’s life. While crowns can be used for aesthetic reasons, veneers may be a better option in such cases, as they require less modification of the tooth surface.
The amount of tooth preparation required for crowns depends on the type of crown and aesthetic goals. In some instances, crowns can be placed with minimal or no tooth abrasion. For implants, crowns can also be applied using screws in addition to bonding.
Crowns can be handcrafted in laboratories or created using CAD-CAM technology. While crowns do not last forever, they typically have a lifespan of over 20 years with proper care.
Who Needs Dental Crowns?
Here are some key reasons for opting for a dental crown:
- Cracked, Broken, or Chipped Tooth: Crowns are highly recommended for such cases as they help prevent infections from penetrating the tooth and guard against further breakage.
- Badly Decayed Tooth: Severe decay can spread to neighboring teeth and throughout the mouth. Crowns offer a quick and effective solution to restore the tooth and protect it from further decay.
- Large Fillings and Root Canal Treatment: Teeth with large fillings are at risk of losing their structural integrity. Crowns can provide additional strength and stability to such teeth, making them ideal for cases involving large fillings or root canal treatments.
- Misshapen or Severely Stained Teeth: Crowns can improve the appearance of teeth that are misaligned or heavily stained, offering an aesthetically pleasing solution.
- Covering a Dental Implant: Crowns can be used to cover dental implants, either by bonding or screwing them in place, to restore the function and appearance of the tooth.
Difference Between Veneers and Dental Crowns
Crowns and veneers are both essential dental procedures but serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics:
- Crowns: These cover the entire tooth and are designed to restore its strength and function. Due to their thicker structure, crowns typically require an average of 2 mm of tooth surface trimming to ensure proper attachment.
- Veneers: Veneers are much thinner and are primarily used for aesthetic improvements, such as addressing tooth stains, discoloration, or minor dental imperfections. Only about 0.3 mm of tooth surface trimming is needed for a porcelain veneer to bond effectively.
The choice between crowns and veneers depends on the specific dental issue and the desired outcome, with crowns offering comprehensive coverage and durability, while veneers focus more on enhancing appearance with minimal tooth alteration.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Crowns are primarily designed to protect teeth from external damage and to provide a stronger structure rather than for aesthetic purposes, which is the focus of veneers. Consequently, crowns generally have a long lifespan, averaging over 20 years, and with meticulous care, they can last up to 25-30 years.
To maximize the lifespan of crowns, patients should practice good dental hygiene and take precautions against teeth grinding. Additionally, it’s advisable to avoid biting hard candies or consuming hard foods, as these can potentially damage the crowns.
How Long Does It Take to Make A Dental Crown?
Getting a dental crown typically involves two visits:
- First Visit:
- Preparation: The tooth may undergo a root canal or cleaning and filling if it is decayed.
- Impression: A casting material is placed in a dental tray to create an impression of the tooth.
- Laboratory Work: The impression is sent to a laboratory to create the permanent crown.
- Second Visit:
- Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is being made.
- Permanent Crown Placement: Once the permanent crown is ready, the patient returns to have it fitted and cemented into place.
Advancements in computer-aided technology have streamlined this process, allowing for faster production of permanent crowns and reducing the wait time for patients.