A dental crown is a common method that helps to repair the function and appearance of your decayed or broken teeth. They fully enclose the damaged tooth and serve as a barrier to further damage because they are customized to fit the existing tooth. They are made to match the existing tooth, completely encasing it and acting as a barrier to prevent further harm.
What are Dental Crowns?
When a tooth has been harmed, a dental crown can be used to cover and safeguard it. This small structure resembles a cap that is put on top of a tooth to enhance its size, shape, strength, and appearance. Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy receive crowns to help preserve the remedied structure and keep it strong.
Types of Crowns Available
Metal Crowns
Metal alloys, including gold, platinum, and base metal alloys, are used to make metal caps. Because of their extreme toughness, these crowns can resist the forces of biting and chewing. They are an excellent option for back teeth because they are also very resistant to wear and tear.
Resin Crowns
Resin caps are created using composite resin. Because other types of crowns are more likely to require more frequent replacement and are less durable, they are a great choice for temporary crowns.
All-Ceramic Crowns
All-ceramic crowns are those that are constructed completely of ceramic. They are a great option for front teeth because they can be color-matched to adjacent teeth to produce a natural-looking appearance. Consider all-ceramic crowns if you are allergic to metal.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
A metal structure is present underneath porcelain-bonded metal crowns. These crowns can be coloured to blend in with the adjacent teeth for a more natural appearance, making them an excellent choice for front or back teeth.
The Process of Getting Dental Crowns
Getting a dental crown near you typically involves several steps, including:
Consultation and Examination
The first step in getting dental crowns is to schedule a consultation with a dentist. During this appointment, the dentist will examine the tooth or teeth that need crowns and evaluate the patient’s oral health to determine if crowns are the best treatment option.
Tooth Preparation
The tooth or teeth that will receive the crowns are prepared once the choice has been made to move forward with dental crowns. To prepare the molar or other teeth for the crowns, any decay or damage must first be removed.
Impression Taking
After the tooth or teeth have been prepared, the dentist will take an impression of the area using a putty-like material. This impression is used to create a mold of the teeth that will be sent to a dental laboratory.
Temporary Crown Placement
While the permanent crowns are being fabricated, the dentist will place temporary crowns over the prepared teeth to protect them and provide a temporary restoration.
Crown Fabrication
At the dental laboratory, a skilled technician will use the mold created from the impression to fabricate the custom-made crowns. Depending on the type of crown selected, the fabrication process may involve computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology, milling machines, or hand-crafting techniques.
Crown Placement
Once the permanent crowns have been fabricated, the patient returns to the dentist’s office for crown placement. The temporary crowns are removed, and the permanent crowns are placed over the prepared teeth. The dentist will check the fit, color, and appearance of the crowns before permanently cementing them into place.
Follow-up Appointment
After the crowns have been placed, the patient may need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist near you to ensure that the crowns are functioning properly and to address any issues or concerns.
Cost of Getting a Dental Crown
The type of crown, where the tooth is located, and the dentist’s expertise are some of the variables that can affect the price of a dental crown. A normal dental crown can cost between $800 and $1700.
Following are some approximate prices for different types of dental crowns.
- Zirconia crown: $1,000 to $3,500 per tooth
- Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crown: $800 to $1,500 per tooth
- Gold alloy or full metal crown: $800 to $3,000 per tooth
- All-ceramic or all-porcelain crown: $800 to $3,000 per tooth
Care Required
After getting a dental crown, it is important to take proper care of the tooth to ensure that the crown lasts as long as possible. This includes practicing good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding hard or sticky foods, and scheduling regular dental check-ups. It is also important to avoid grinding or clenching the teeth, which can put excessive pressure on the crown and cause damage.
FAQs
- What problems could develop with a dental crown?
Here are some common problems you can experience following your dental crown procedure.
- Tooth decay
- Poor crown placement
- Implant failure
- Grey gums
- Hypersensitivity
- Cracks, breaks and fractures on crowns
- Allergic reactions
- How long do dental crowns last?
With appropriate care, dental crowns can last for about 15 years. The crown can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance. Porcelain crowns can last for five to fifteen years.
- Does a crowned tooth require special care?
The care of a crowned tooth is not distinctive. The underlying teeth must still be guarded against decay or gum disease. You should keep up your excellent oral hygiene habits to avoid any dental issues.
Contact Our Dentists in Thunder Bay
Dental restoration treatments are typically straightforward processes that may involve two visits to the dentist’s office. Taking proper care of the dental crown is important to ensure that it lasts as long as possible.
Visit Current River Dental to acquire a dental crown in Thunder Bay and achieve the smile you desire!