A dental crown procedure is one of the most common and effective ways to restore the functionality and appearance of damaged or decayed teeth. Whether you’re dealing with a weakened tooth, a missing tooth, or a tooth that has undergone a root canal, dental crowns can offer long-term protection and an aesthetically pleasing solution. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire dental crown placement process, from preparation to proper care, ensuring you feel confident and informed about the treatment.
What Is a Dental Crown and Why Might You Need One?
A dental crown, often called a tooth cap, is a custom-made covering designed to fit over a damaged, weakened, or decayed tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, size, and function while protecting it from further damage. Crowns are also used to cap dental implants, making them a versatile solution for a range of oral health issues.
Do You Need a Dental Crown? Common Reasons to Consider
Weak tooth: To reinforce a tooth weakened by decay or fractures.- Damaged tooth: To repair a broken or worn-down tooth.
- Tooth decay: To cover a tooth with extensive decay that cannot support a filling.
- Root canal treatment: To protect a tooth after a root canal.
- Misshapen tooth: To improve the appearance of a misshapen or discoloured tooth.
- Dental implant: To serve as the visible part of a dental implant.
- Missing tooth: To replace a missing tooth in combination with a dental implant or bridge.
Weak tooth: To reinforce a tooth weakened by decay or fractures.The Step-by-Step Dental Crown Procedure
Getting a dental crown is a straightforward and highly effective process designed to restore both the functionality and aesthetics of your tooth. While the procedure can vary slightly depending on your specific needs, it generally follows a consistent sequence. Each step is carefully performed by your dental professional to ensure the best possible outcome. Let’s break down the process into easy-to-understand stages, so you know exactly what to expect.
1. The Initial Consultation
The first step in your journey involves an evaluation at your dental clinic. During this consultation, your dental professional will assess the condition of your tooth and determine whether you need a crown.
What Happens During the Consultation?
- Examination of the Tooth: The dentist will inspect the affected tooth for signs of decay, damage, or structural weakness.
- Diagnostic Imaging: X-rays or other imaging may be used to assess the tooth’s internal structure, as well as the surrounding teeth and gums.
- Discussion of Treatment Options: If a dental crown is recommended, the dentist will explain why it’s the best option, especially for addressing issues such as a decayed tooth, broken tooth, or after a root canal treatment.
- Treatment Planning: The dentist will outline the next steps, including the type of crown that would suit your needs and any associated costs.
2. Tooth Preparation
Once the decision is made to proceed with a crown, the next step is preparing the affected tooth. This is a critical stage, as it ensures the crown will fit snugly and function correctly.
Steps Involved in Tooth Preparation
- Cleaning the Tooth: Any existing decay or damaged areas are carefully removed, leaving only healthy tooth structure behind.
- Shaping the Tooth: The dentist will reshape the tooth to create space for the crown. This may involve reducing the tooth’s size slightly so the crown can fit over it seamlessly.
- Core Build-Up (If Needed): If the tooth is severely damaged or has a large filling, a core build-up material may be used to provide a solid foundation for the crown.
For Root Canal Patients
If your tooth has undergone a root canal, it is likely already cleaned out and reshaped internally. However, the tooth may be more fragile, so the crown provides essential protection. This step ensures the tooth remains functional and safe from potential fractures.
3. Taking Impressions
With the tooth prepared, the next stage involves creating a precise model of your teeth to craft the custom crown.
How Are Impressions Taken?
- Digital or Physical Impressions: The dentist will take an impression of the prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth. This can be done using traditional moulds or advanced digital scanning technology, depending on the clinic.
- Recording Bite Alignment: Impressions also capture your bite alignment to ensure the crown fits perfectly with adjacent teeth.
- Sending to the Dental Laboratory: The impressions are sent to a dental lab, where expert technicians craft the crown, a process that typically takes one to two weeks.
4. Temporary Crown Placement
While waiting for your permanent dental crown, the dentist will fit a temporary crown over the prepared tooth. This temporary crown:
- Protects the tooth from sensitivity or damage.
- Maintains oral functionality during the interim period.
- Prevents movement of the surrounding teeth.
5. Permanent Crown Placement: Completing the Procedure
Once your custom crown is ready, you’ll return for crown placement. The dental professional will remove the temporary crown, check the fit of the permanent crown, and cement it in place using dental cement. This process ensures the crown is securely attached to the prepared tooth.
The Crown Fitting Process
- Ensure proper alignment with adjacent teeth.
- Check for a snug fit against surrounding teeth.
- Adjust for a comfortable bite.
What to Expect After Crown Placement: Post-Placement Care Instructions
Proper dental crown care is crucial to ensure longevity and maintain your oral health. Here are some essential tips:
- Avoid sticky or hard foods for the first 24 hours to allow the dental cement to set.
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily.
- Schedule regular dental visits to monitor the crown’s condition.
Adjustment Period: It may take a few days to a week to adjust to the feel of your new crown. Minor discomfort is normal but should fade quickly.
Signs of a Successful Crown Placement
- Comfortable fit with no pressure on surrounding teeth.
- Smooth alignment with your natural bite.
- No sensitivity or discomfort after the initial adjustment period.
Types of Dental Crowns: Choosing the Right Material
When it comes to dental crowns, one size certainly does not fit all. With advancements in dental technology, there are now several types of crown materials to choose from, each offering unique benefits depending on your oral health needs, aesthetic goals, and budget. The material you choose can impact the durability, appearance, and cost of your crown. In this section, we’ll explore the most common types of dental crowns to help you make an informed decision that best suits your requirements. Whether you’re prioritising strength, natural appearance, or affordability, there’s a crown material designed just for you.
- Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns provide a natural, tooth-like appearance, making them an excellent choice for visible teeth as they blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.
- Zirconia Crowns
These crowns are known for their durability and aesthetic appeal, making them a popular choice for both front and back teeth.
- Metal Crowns
Metal crowns, including stainless steel crowns, are extremely durable but are more noticeable, making them less common for front teeth.
- Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns offer the durability of metal while providing the natural, tooth-like appearance of porcelain, making them both strong and aesthetically pleasing.
- Resin Crowns
Resin crowns are a cost-effective option but may not be as durable as other materials.
Potential Challenges and How to Address Them
While dental crowns are a reliable solution for restoring damaged teeth, they are not entirely without potential issues. Patients may occasionally encounter minor challenges following the placement of a crown. The good news is that most of these problems are manageable with prompt attention and proper care. Understanding these challenges and how to address them can help you maintain the longevity and functionality of your crown while ensuring your overall oral health remains intact.
1. Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is a common issue for some patients after crown placement, especially when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages. This sensitivity is usually temporary and results from the tooth adjusting to the new crown or the reshaping process during preparation.
How to Address It:
- Desensitising Toothpaste: Use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth to help reduce discomfort.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Opt for lukewarm foods and drinks until the sensitivity subsides.
- Follow-Up with Your Dentist: If sensitivity persists beyond a few weeks, consult your dentist. They may recommend additional treatments or adjustments to the crown.
2. Loose Crown
A crown may occasionally feel loose, either due to issues with the dental cement or changes in the underlying tooth structure. A loose crown can leave the treated tooth vulnerable to bacteria and damage, so it’s important to address the issue promptly.
How to Address It:
- Avoid Chewing on the Affected Side: Reduce strain on the loose crown until you can see your dentist.
- Schedule a Dental Visit Immediately: A dentist can assess the situation and either re-cement the crown or replace it if necessary.
- Maintain Oral Hygiene: Keeping the area clean reduces the risk of further complications.
3. Further Decay
While a dental crown acts as a protective barrier for the tooth, decay can still develop at the base of the crowned tooth if oral hygiene is neglected. Plaque and bacteria can accumulate around the edges of the crown, leading to cavities or gum disease.
How to Address It:
- Regular Brushing and Flossing: Pay special attention to the base of the crown when cleaning your teeth to prevent plaque buildup.
- Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash: This can help eliminate bacteria that brushing and flossing might miss.
- Attend Routine Dental Check-Ups: Regular visits allow your dentist to detect and treat early signs of decay before they become serious.
Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
Dental crowns offer more than just a cosmetic upgrade; they provide essential protection and restoration for damaged or weakened teeth. From improving oral functionality to enhancing the appearance of your smile, crowns are a versatile solution with numerous benefits. Let’s explore why getting a dental crown could be the right choice for your oral health.
Long-term Protection for Weakened Teeth
One of the key advantages of dental crowns is their ability to provide robust, long-lasting protection for weakened or damaged teeth. Teeth that have been fractured, decayed, or worn down over time can benefit significantly from the additional support a crown provides. By encasing the tooth, the crown prevents further wear and tear, ensuring the tooth remains functional for years to come.
Restores the Natural Appearance of Your Smile
Dental crowns are custom-made to match the size, shape, and colour of your natural teeth. Whether you choose porcelain, zirconia, or ceramic, modern crowns are designed to seamlessly blend with your surrounding teeth, restoring your smile’s aesthetics and boosting your confidence.
Enhances Oral Functionality
Teeth affected by damage or decay can hinder your ability to chew and speak properly. A dental crown restores the tooth’s structure, enabling you to enjoy your favourite foods and speak clearly without discomfort or hesitation. For those with missing teeth, crowns on implants can restore full oral functionality.
Prevents Further Decay or Damage
When placed over a damaged or decayed tooth, a dental crown acts as a shield, preventing bacteria from entering the tooth and causing further decay. Crowns also protect teeth that have undergone root canal treatment, ensuring the tooth remains intact and free from reinfection.
When Alternative Treatments May Be Better
- Fillings: For minor cavities or small chips, a filling may suffice without the need for a crown.
- Veneers: If the primary concern is cosmetic, veneers might offer a less invasive option to improve your smile’s appearance.
- Inlays or Onlays: These partial restorations can repair moderately damaged teeth without covering the entire tooth structure.
Common Myths About Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are a widely used and highly effective solution for restoring damaged teeth, but they’re not without their share of misconceptions. These myths can cause unnecessary anxiety or hesitation for those considering this treatment. In this section, we’ll address the most common myths about dental crowns and separate fact from fiction, so you can approach your dental care with confidence.
Myth 1: Dental Crowns Damage Adjacent Teeth
The Truth: A dental crown is designed to protect and restore a damaged tooth, not harm neighbouring teeth. While it’s essential that the crown fits properly, a skilled dental professional ensures that it doesn’t interfere with surrounding teeth. If any discomfort or pressure is felt after crown placement, it’s usually due to minor misalignment, which can easily be adjusted during a follow-up visit.
Myth 2: Crowns Are Painful to Get
The Truth: The dental crown procedure is typically tolerable. Your dentist will use local anaesthesia to numb the area, ensuring you don’t feel discomfort during tooth preparation or crown placement. While some sensitivity may occur after the procedure, it’s usually mild and temporary. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help if needed.
Myth 3: Crowns Increase Tooth Sensitivity
The Truth: Some temporary sensitivity is normal immediately after crown placement, especially with hot or cold foods. However, this is often due to the tooth adjusting to the crown and typically resolves within a few days. A permanent crown, when properly fitted, can actually reduce tooth sensitivity by protecting the tooth structure.
Myth 4: Crowns Look Unnatural
The Truth: Modern dental crowns are crafted with aesthetics in mind. Materials like porcelain and zirconia can be colour-matched to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. With advances in technology, crowns now replicate the translucency and texture of real teeth, ensuring a natural appearance.
Myth 5: Crowns Don’t Last Long
The Truth: Dental crowns are incredibly durable and, with proper care, can last 10-15 years or more. Factors like maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding hard foods, and attending regular dental visits can significantly extend the life of your crown.
Myth 6: Dental Crowns Are Only for Cosmetic Purposes
The Truth: While crowns can improve the appearance of a tooth, they serve a primarily functional purpose. They restore strength to damaged teeth, protect treated teeth (such as after a root canal), and even replace missing teeth when combined with dental implants. Their versatility makes them an essential component of restorative dentistry.
Myth 7: Crowns Are Unnecessary for Root Canal Treatments
The Truth: Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment are often more fragile and prone to cracking. A crown is crucial in these cases, as it reinforces the treated tooth and provides long-term protection.
Myth 8: Crowns Are Too Expensive
The Truth: While crowns may seem costly upfront, they are a long-term investment in your oral health. Preventing further damage to a tooth can save you from needing more complex and expensive procedures down the line. Many dental clinics also offer payment plans or financing options to make treatment more affordable.
Myth 9: Crowns Can Fall Off Easily
The Truth: Crowns are securely bonded to your prepared tooth using dental cement. While rare, a crown may loosen if the cement weakens or if decay develops under the crown. Regular dental check-ups can ensure that your crown remains firmly in place and any issues are addressed promptly.
Final Words: Restore and Protect Your Smile with Confidence
Dental crowns are a versatile and reliable solution for restoring the functionality, strength, and appearance of damaged or weakened teeth. From the initial consultation to proper aftercare, understanding the process and potential challenges helps ensure the best outcomes for your oral health.
With various materials to choose from, crowns can be tailored to your specific needs, providing long-lasting protection and a natural-looking smile. Whether you need a crown after a root canal, to repair a broken tooth, or as part of a dental implant, this treatment can transform your oral health and confidence.
If you think you might benefit from a dental crown, reach out to Broadford Dental Clinic at (03) 5749 1208 and take the first step toward a healthier, happier you.
References:
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Dental crowns. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10923-dental-crowns
WebMD. (n.d.). What is a zirconia crown? Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/what-is-a-zirconia-crown
Healthline. (n.d.). How to care for a temporary crown. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-care-for-a-temporary-crown
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (n.d.). Dental implants: What you should know. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/dental-devices/dental-implants-what-you-should-know
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
Healthdirect Australia. (n.d.). Tooth decay. Retrieved from https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/tooth-decay
