Everything You Need to Know About the Dental Crown Procedure

Dental crowns are considered the optimal solution for restoring damaged, decayed, or weakened teeth. Whether you’re considering getting a dental crown or curious about the process, understanding the procedure can help alleviate any concerns. This guide will walk you through the dental crown treatment process, types of crowns, aftercare, and how crowns improve your dental health.

What’s a Dental Crown, and Why Might You Need One?

A dental crown, or a tooth crown, is a protective cap fitted over a damaged tooth. It helps restore the tooth’s shape, size, and strength while enhancing its appearance. Crowns also safeguard weakened teeth and restore their functionality, preventing additional harm.

When Do You Need a Dental Crown?

There are various scenarios where you may require a dental crown, including:

• To restore decayed teeth or protect a weakened tooth from fracturing.
• Following a root canal treatment to safeguard the treated tooth.
• To cover and improve the appearance of discoloured teeth or extensive decay.
• It is used for teeth restoration after a broken tooth or to strengthen damaged teeth.
• As part of a dental implant procedure to replace a missing tooth.
• To stabilise a tooth with dental bonding or large fillings.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Dental Crown Procedure

The dental crown placement process is a straightforward yet intricate treatment designed to restore and protect damaged or weakened teeth. It typically spans two or more dental visits, depending on the complexity of the case. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the process:

Initial Consultation: Assessing the Need for a Dental Crown

During your first visit, your dentist will examine your oral health to decide if you need a dental crown. This assessment includes:

• Examination: Checking for issues like tooth decay, cracks, or fractures.
• X-rays: To inspect the root, surrounding bone, and other teeth for structural integrity.
• Treatment Planning: Discussing the type of crown (e.g., ceramic crowns, zirconia crowns) based on your needs and the tooth’s location.

Tooth Preparation: Getting Your Tooth Ready

The next step includes preparing the tooth for the crown. This process includes:

• Reshaping the Tooth: Your dentist will file down the tooth structure to make space for the crown.
• Core Build-Up: For teeth with extensive decay or significant damage, a filling material may be used to rebuild the tooth’s structure for crown support.
• Protecting the Surrounding Teeth: Ensuring adjacent teeth are not affected during the preparation.

Temporary Crown Placement

While your customised crown is being carefully crafted in a dental laboratory, your dentist will bond a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth. This temporary solution:

• Shields the tooth from sensitivity and infection.
• Restores basic chewing and speaking functions.
• Prevents shifting of surrounding teeth.

Dental Impression: Creating a Custom Fit

To ensure a perfect fit for your permanent crown, your dentist will take detailed impressions of the following:

• The prepared tooth.
• Adjacent and opposing teeth. These impressions may be taken using traditional moulds or digital scanning, depending on the dental clinic’s technology.

Crown Fabrication: Crafting Your Permanent Crown

Your crown is meticulously crafted in a dental laboratory. This process can take one to two weeks and involves:

• Selecting a material like porcelain crowns, ceramic crowns, or fused-to-metal crowns.
• Matching the crown’s shade to your natural tooth colour for a natural appearance.
• Designing the crown to fit seamlessly with your bite and align with gum tissue.

Fitting and Adjusting the Permanent Crown

When your final crown is ready, your dentist will:

• Remove the temporary crown.
• Test the fit and alignment of the new crown.
• Make adjustments to ensure comfort, functionality, and aesthetics.

Dental Crown Placement: Securing the Crown

Once the fit is confirmed, your dentist will secure the crown using dental cement. This step involves:

• Cleaning the prepared tooth and surrounding area.
• Applying the adhesive material to the crown and tooth.
• Ensuring proper alignment with the cement sets.

Post-Placement Care and Follow-Up

After the procedure, your dentist will give you detailed care instructions for your newly crowned tooth. A follow-up appointment may be set to check the crown’s fit and functionality. With good care and regular dental visits, your crown can last for many years, restoring the beauty and functionality of your smile.

 

 

Exploring the Different Types of Dental Crowns

Choosing the right crown depends on your needs, the location of the tooth, and your budget. Common types include:

• Porcelain Crowns: Ideal for front teeth, offering a natural tooth colour.
• Ceramic Crowns: Aesthetic and durable, also great for visible teeth.
• Zirconia Crowns: Strong and resistant to wear, often used for weakened teeth or teeth grinding.
• Metal Crowns: Long-lasting but noticeable, suitable for molars.
• Fused to Metal Crowns: Combine the strength of metal with the aesthetic appeal of porcelain.
• Stainless Steel Crowns: Typically used as a temporary crown, especially for children.

Why a Dental Crown Could Be the Perfect Solution for Your Smile

A dental crown goes beyond a cap for a damaged tooth; it is a versatile dental restoration that provides numerous advantages for your oral health, functionality, and aesthetics. Here’s a closer look at the key benefits:

Restores Tooth Functionality

Dental crowns help restore proper chewing and biting functionality, even for teeth that have suffered from extensive decay, fractures, or damage. By providing structural support, crowns ensure you can eat and speak without discomfort.

Protects Weakened Teeth

Teeth weakened by tooth decay, fractures, or large fillings are prone to further damage. Crowns act as a protective shield, reducing the risk of splitting or cracking under pressure.

Enhances Aesthetic Appeal

Modern crowns, such as ceramic and porcelain crowns, mimic the natural tooth colour, offering a natural appearance that seamlessly blends with your surrounding teeth. This makes them ideal for front teeth or highly visible areas of your smile.

Long-Lasting Durability

Dental crowns made from durable materials like zirconia crowns or fused to metal crowns can withstand years of wear and tear, making them a reliable option for restoring damaged teeth.

Complements Other Dental Treatments

Crowns are often used alongside other dental procedures, such as:

• Protecting teeth after root canal treatment.
• Completing dental implants to replace a missing tooth.
• Supporting and protecting teeth after dental bonding or extensive fillings.

Improves Oral Health

By covering and protecting a decayed tooth, Crowns help stop decay from spreading to neighbouring teeth and reduce the risk of infection in the surrounding gum tissue. This contributes to better overall oral health.

Stabilises Surrounding Teeth

Crowns help maintain proper alignment by stabilising surrounding teeth. This prevents neighbouring teeth from shifting into the space left by a damaged tooth, ensuring your bite remains balanced.

Provides Relief from Tooth Sensitivity

If you experience discomfort from tooth sensitivity due to enamel loss or cracks, a crown can act as a barrier, protecting the tooth underneath and alleviating sensitivity.

Restores Confidence

By repairing discoloured teeth, fixing damaged teeth, or restoring a broken tooth, crowns can dramatically enhance the look of your smile, boosting your self-esteem and confidence.

Prevents Further Damage

Crowns reinforce the tooth structure, preventing fractures, chips, or breakage in teeth that are already compromised. They’re especially beneficial for teeth affected by teeth grinding or extensive decay.

Long-Term Benefits with Proper Care

With proper dental crown care—such as brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and attending regular dental visits—crowns can last for decades. They safeguard your teeth while enhancing both your smile and dental health.

If you’re considering crowns, consult your dentist to explore how they can improve your smile and overall well-being.

What to Expect After Dental Crown Placement

Getting a dental crown is a restorative procedure that can transform both the functionality and appearance of your tooth. While the process is straightforward, it’s normal to experience some changes and sensations after your crown is placed. Here’s what you can expect and how to care for your newly crowned tooth.

Mild Sensitivity and Discomfort

• Tooth Sensitivity: Feeling mild sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures after the crown is placed is quite common. This happens because the tooth underneath adjusts to the crown and may last for a few days to a couple of weeks.
• Gum Tissue Irritation: The surrounding gum tissue might feel tender, especially if adjustments were made during the procedure. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease discomfort.

Getting Used to Your New Crown

A new crown may initially feel different, especially if it alters your bite slightly. You might notice:

• A different texture compared to your natural teeth.
• Slight pressure or tightness as the crown fits snugly. Your dentist will make the needed adjustments to ensure your bite feels natural during the placement.

Enhanced Tooth Functionality

Once your dental crown fits perfectly, you’ll enjoy restored chewing and speaking capabilities. Crowns on front teeth provide improved aesthetics, while crowns on molars restore bite strength.

Temporary Eating Adjustments

For the first 24-48 hours after placement:

• Avoid sticky or hard foods that could loosen or dislodge the crown.
• Chew on the opposite side to prevent putting undue pressure on the crown.
• Resume normal eating habits once the crown is securely set and discomfort subsides.

Proper Oral Hygiene is Crucial

While crowns protect your tooth structure, they still require regular care to maintain oral health:

• Brush with fluoride toothpaste to strengthen surrounding teeth and reduce sensitivity.
• Floss gently around the gum line to prevent plaque build-up and avoid tugging near the crown.
• Opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating your gum tissue.

Regular Dental Visits

Routine check-ups are essential to monitor the health of your crown and the tooth underneath. Your dentist will:

• Check for proper alignment and fit of the crown.
• Ensure no damage has occurred due to teeth grinding or wear.
• Assess the crown’s seal to prevent decay or infection.

Longevity of Your Crown

With proper care, most crowns—whether porcelain crowns, ceramic crowns, or zirconia crowns—can last 10-15 years or longer. Factors that affect longevity include:

• Avoiding harmful habits like biting nails or chewing ice.
• Addressing issues like loose crowns promptly.
• Maintaining healthy gums and preventing gum disease.

When to Contact Your Dentist

If you notice any of the following, it’s important to consult your dentist immediately:

• Persistent discomfort or pain in the treated tooth or surrounding area.
• A loose crown or one that feels unstable.
• Sensitivity that doesn’t improve after a few weeks.

By understanding what to expect after dental crown placement and following your dentist’s advice for proper dental crown care, you can enjoy the benefits of your newly crowned tooth for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does the Dental Crown Procedure Take?

The procedure usually requires two visits: one for preparation and impressions and another for crown placement. The timeline can vary based on the complexity of the case.

Are Dental Crowns Painful to Get?

The procedure is typically comfortable, as your dentist will use local anaesthesia to numb the area. Some patients might feel slight discomfort during the recovery period.

What Materials Are Dental Crowns Made Of?

Dental crowns can be crafted from different materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, zirconia, or a combination like porcelain-fused-to-metal, each offering different benefits.

Can a Crown Be Repaired if Damaged?

While minor chips may be repairable, significant damage usually requires crown replacement. Your dentist will evaluate the situation and recommend the best solution.

How Can I Tell If My Crown Needs Replacement?

Signs include persistent discomfort, visible wear or damage, or if the crown feels loose. Regular dental check-ups can help detect when a replacement is necessary.

Can Crowns Stain Like Natural Teeth?

Crowns made of porcelain or ceramic are stain-resistant, but habits like smoking or drinking coffee can cause slight discolouration overtime at the margins.

What Happens If I Don’t Get a Damaged Tooth Crowned?

Without a crown, a damaged tooth can weaken further, potentially leading to fractures, infection, or even tooth loss, compromising your oral health.

Can I Whiten a Dental Crown?

Crowns cannot be whitened with traditional teeth whitening methods. If you’re considering whitening, do so before getting the crown to match the shade.

Is It Safe to Get a Crown During Pregnancy?

Yes, getting a dental crown during pregnancy is generally safe. Inform your dentist if you’re pregnant so they can take appropriate precautions.

Final Thoughts: Is a Dental Crown Right for You?

If you’re considering a dental crown for teeth restoration or to address issues like a weak tooth or damaged teeth, consult your dentist to explore your options. Well-fitted dental crowns restore your smile and significantly enhance your oral health.

For professional advice and exceptional care, contact Northern Beaches Dental today at (07) 4803 0078 and take the first step toward a healthier, brighter smile.

References

WebMD. (n.d.). Dental crowns. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-crowns

American Association of Endodontists. (n.d.). What is a root canal?. Retrieved from https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/what-is-a-root-canal/

Colgate. (n.d.). What is good oral hygiene?. Retrieved from https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-oral-care/what-is-good-oral-hygiene

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Teeth sensitivity. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10954-teeth-sensitivity

Medical News Today. (n.d.). Temporary crown. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/temporary-crown