Teeth are pearls which form an integral part of your appearance. They play a pivotal role in making you more attractive and, hence, need special attention and care.
“Crown, ” as the name indicates, is something that is placed on the top of another. What does a dental crown look like? A dental crown is a small cap-like prosthesis placed over your tooth to cover it and protect it from any damage that may occur due to exposure to food and enzymes present in the mouth. It also helps in retaining the contour of your teeth in cases of treatments like a root canal treatment, where a hollow cavity is created in your tooth to clear the infection. Besides providing strength and shape to your tooth, dental crowns also help in the better functioning of your tooth. They cover the whole or a partial visible portion of the tooth above the gums.
Different types of dental crowns can be made of various kinds of materials. The most commonly used are porcelain-bonded crowns and metal crowns. Stainless steel crowns are temporary crowns and are primarily used in children because they fall off automatically with the milk tooth. Metal dental crowns are made of alloys and fused with precious metals such as gold and platinum. Gold dental crowns and Zirconia dental crowns are commonly used. These are rigid and highly durable. The only disadvantage is that they are cosmetically unappealing, and the metallic glint is visible when you talk. This drawback can be corrected with more advanced dental crown materials such as ceramic crowns, porcelain crowns, or composite resin crowns.
Dental crowns can be used in both children and adults, but there are different indications for each age group.
A dental crown procedure will require two visits to your dentist.
Tooth preparation: Your dentist will first do a comprehensive evaluation of your oral cavity and perform an X-ray to identify the extent. Then, the tooth’s outer cover is removed, and any infection present in the tooth is also cleared.
Taking the impression: A digital scan impression of your teeth is taken to prepare the customised crown for you.
Temporary crown: As your tooth has been treated, a temporary dental crown is placed till your permanent crown is prepared. This takes approximately two weeks. It would be best if you took extra precautions until you have a permanent crown.
Permanent crown: After 2-3 weeks, when your crown is ready, your dentist will finally place it over your tooth with a dental crown cement/glue and do any necessary adjustments.
You may experience mild pain after the dental crown is installed.
Onlays are the 3/4th crowns that do not cover the entire visible portion of your tooth. It covers your tooth only partially, i.e., 3/4th part of your tooth. If your tooth is otherwise healthy and structurally well oriented, your dentist will recommend an onlay and not a full dental crown.
A dental crown does not explicitly require any special care. You have to keep in mind that a crown is just a covering and not an impenetrable shield that can protect your teeth from decay, even if you don’t take your oral hygiene seriously. You have to clean your teeth, especially the area around the crown, to ensure that your tooth doesn’t catch any infection. In the process, you are first given temporary crowns till the time your permanent custom-made crown is prepared. While you have these temporary crowns on, you should additionally take a few precautions, such as avoiding any sticky food items which may get stuck in the crown, avoiding eating any hard food items, and brushing and flossing your teeth cautiously, as it may otherwise cause a loose dental crown.
The longevity of any material depends on the way you care for it. The average duration is anywhere from 5 to 25 years, after which you will need a dental crown replacement. The durability is inversely proportional to the wear and tear of the crown. If you are negligent towards your oral hygiene and careless while eating, your crown may last for shorter periods. People with a habit of grinding teeth (Bruxism), chewing fingernails, or using their teeth to tear off wrappers will also have to get their crown changed more frequently. A broken dental crown needs immediate care, and you should visit your dentist at the earliest possible.
If you are worried about your teeth and want an expert opinion, visit Conway House Dental Practice in High Wycombe. You can avail yourself of the most suitable dental crown materials here, as well as the alternatives to dental crowns. We are a team of professional dentists who can tackle every dental issue with expertise. Call us today and book an appointment with us.
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