Everything You Need To Know About Dental Crowns

If you’re like most people, you probably take your smile for granted. You flash those pearly whites whenever possible, without a second thought to the health and well-being of your teeth. But what would you do if one of your teeth started to hurt? What if it became so damaged that a dentist had to remove it? Chances are, you would get a dental crown.

Crowns can provide several benefits and play an important part in your dental health. If you are considering getting them, it is important that you know what they are and what they can do for you. Today, Prospect Road Dental Surgery discusses everything patients need to know about dental crowns!

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped “caps” that are placed over teeth. They are usually made of ceramic, metal, or both, and they can be used to protect weak or damaged teeth from further injury. They are custom-made to fit the size and shape of the tooth they cover.

When Is A Dental Crown Necessary?

Dental crowns are a common dental procedure that many people undergo every year. If you are experiencing any of the following signs, you may need a dental crown:

You have a large cavity:
A dental crown can help patients with decayed teeth by preventing the cavity from getting worse and spreading to the adjacent teeth. Crowns will also help to make your teeth look better.
Your tooth is damaged:
If you have a tooth that is significantly damaged, a crown can help to protect it from further injury. Dental crowns are also often necessary for patients with extensive tooth decay or trauma.
You have had a root canal:
Patients who have had a root canal will likely need a dental crown. This is because the tooth is more susceptible to damage after a root canal.
Your tooth is misshapen or discoloured:
If you have misshapen teeth, dental crowns can help to improve its appearance. Crowns are may also be an alternative to teeth whitening and can be used to cover up teeth that are stained or yellowed.
You have a cracked tooth:
Patients with cracked teeth will benefit from a dental crown. Crowns can help to prevent the crack from getting worse and improve the tooth’s appearance.
You have a gap between your teeth:
If you have minor gaps between your teeth, a dental crown can help to close it.
You have a tooth that is chipped:
If you have a tooth that is chipped, a dental crown can help strengthen its structure and make your tooth look better. Crowns can also help to protect your tooth from further damage.

Schedule a consultation with your dentist if you have any of these characteristics and think you may need a dental crown. Your dentist will be able to tell you if this treatment is right for you.

What Are The Benefits Of Dental Crowns?

People choose to get dental crowns for a variety of reasons. Crowns can help:

Improve Your Smile:
Dental crowns can improve the appearance of your teeth. If you have a tooth that is severely decayed or damaged, a dental crown can help to restore it to its original shape, size. Crowns are made to match the colour of your natural tooth, so they blend in seamlessly with your smile.
Restore Your Teeth’s Function:
If you have broken teeth, a dental crown can help to make them stronger and more durable. Crowns can also help to restore the function of damaged or weak teeth.
Boost Your Confidence:
Misshapen, discoloured, or gapped teeth can make you self-conscious about your smile. A dental crown can cover these imperfections and give you a beautiful smile. Dental crowns can also make your teeth look longer or fuller.
Protect Your Teeth:
This is one of the top reasons patients choose dental crowns. If you have a tooth weakened by decay or injury, a dental crown can help strengthen its structure and protect it.
Support Dental Bridges:
Dental crowns can also be used to support a dental bridge. A dental bridge is used to fill in the space left behind by one or more missing teeth. The dental crowns are placed on the teeth on either side of the space, and then a false tooth is suspended in between.
Cover Up Implants:
Dental crowns can also cover up a dental implant. A dental implant is a metal post surgically implanted into your jawbone that acts as an artificial root. Once the implant has healed, a dental crown is placed on top of it.

If you are considering dental crowns, it is important to consult a qualified dentist to verify if they are the appropriate dental treatment for you. Your dentist will be able to assess your individual needs and provide more information on whether or not dental crowns are suitable for you.

If you decide to proceed with the treatment, your dentist will work with you to create a treatment plan. This plan will detail the steps that need to be taken to place the dental crowns. Once your treatment plan is in place, your dentist will be able to provide you with more information on what to expect during the treatment process.

How Is A Dental Crown Installed?

Keep in mind that every dentist may have a slightly different process, but this is a general idea of how a dental crown procedure goes:

Your dentist will start with a dental x-ray toto confirm that the tooth and surrounding area are healthy enough for a crown. Then they will prepare your tooth. This involves removing any damaged or decayed tissue from the tooth and shaping the surface to accommodate the crown.

Once the tooth is properly shaped, the dentist will take a dental impression of it. This is done by using a putty-like material that is placed around your tooth. When the material hardens, it will create an exact replica of your tooth. This impression will be sent to a dental laboratory, where your custom-made crown will be made.

While your permanent crown is being made, the dentist may place a filling on the tooth or create a temporary crown to protect it from further damage. When the final crown arrives, the next step is to place it on your prepared tooth. The dentist will test it to make sure that it fits properly. If everything looks good, the dentist will use a special cement to adhere the crown to your tooth.

Finally, the dentist will check your bite and make any necessary adjustments. Once the dental crown procedure is finished, you should be able to eat and drink as normal. Remember to commit to regular brushing and flossing so that your new crown stays in tip-top shape.

What Are The Different Types Of Dental Crowns?

There are several types of crowns available, and the one that’s right for you will depend on your specific needs.

All-Porcelain Crowns –
Also known as all-ceramic crowns, these are a popular choice because they closely resemble your natural tooth. They can be matched to the colour of your real teeth. These dental crowns are made entirely of durable porcelain or ceramic materials. However, they may be more prone to wear down or damage over time compared to other materials.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns –
Porcelain-fused-to-metal, or PFM crowns, are made of a metal alloy fused with porcelain. These crowns have a metal core that’s covered with porcelain. They’re known for their strength and durability while providing good aesthetics. The porcelain layer can also be matched to the colour of your natural tooth, but the metal core can sometimes cause a dark line to appear along the gum line, making them less aesthetically pleasing than ceramic crowns.
Metal Crowns –
Metal crowns are made of gold, platinum, or another type of precious metal. They are the strongest type of dental crown and can last for many years. Metal crowns are also less likely to chip or break than ceramic crowns. They’re not as popular as they once were because they can’t replicate natural teeth colour as accurately as porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. Because of this, metal crowns are not usually used in areas of the mouth that show when you smile.
Stainless Steel Crowns
– Stainless steel crowns are most often used on baby teeth or primary teeth that will eventually be replaced by permanent teeth. They’re also used on adults who have had root canals or permanent molars that need a lot of restoration. Stainless steel crowns are strong and durable, but they don’t look like a regular tooth. They are less expensive than other crowns, and they can be placed over a tooth quickly. Stainless steel crowns usually fall out on their own as the child’s permanent teeth come in. The main disadvantage of stainless steel crowns is that they are unaesthetic and are pre-formed.
All-Resin Crowns –
All-resin dental crowns are made entirely of resin. They are not as strong or durable as PFM or ceramic crowns. And they are mostly used as temporary crowns while waiting for your final ones. They are less expensive than ceramic or porcelain crowns, but they are also more likely to chip or break. All-resin crowns can also discolour over time.
Crowns are an important part of many people’s dental health care. If you are considering getting one, talk to your dentist about which crown type is right for you.

How Do You Care For A Dental Crown?

After a tooth has been fitted with a crown, it is important to take care of the crown to maximise its longevity. Here are some tips on how to care for your dental crown:

Keep up with your dental hygiene:
Caring for a dental crown is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Be sure to brush twice a day and floss daily. You may need to use special floss or an interdental brush to clean around the crown. Floss around the crown as well as under it to remove any food particles or plaque that may have been collected there.
Stainless steel and gold crowns are very durable and unlikely to break or chip. However, they can still accumulate plaque and tartar, so it’s important to practise good oral hygiene habits.
See your dentist regularly:
Aside from a good oral hygiene regimen, it is important to see your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup. During these appointments, your dentist will check to make sure if the crown is still in good shape and not showing any signs of wear or damage.
Be careful with hard foods:
Avoid chewing on hard candy or ice, and be careful when biting into crunchy fruits or vegetables. Cut these foods into smaller pieces so that you don’t put too much pressure on the crown. Hard or tough foods can cause chips in porcelain crowns. If this happens, contact your dentist right away.
Avoid chewing on hard objects:
In addition to hard foods, you should also avoid biting on hard objects like pencils or your nails. These can damage the crown or cause it to come loose.
Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth:
Clenching or grinding your teeth can put a lot of stress on the crown and cause it to break or come loose. If you find yourself doing this, try to consciously relax your jaw and avoid clenching your teeth during the day.

Dental crowns are a great way to restore a fractured tooth and achieve an amazing smile. With proper care, your crown can last for many years. If you have any dental concerns after your crown has been fitted, be sure to visit your dentist and follow their instructions for caring for your crown.

What Are The Possible Complications Of Having A Dental Crown?

Although dental crowns are generally safe and have a high success rate, there are a few potential complications that can occur. These include:

Allergic reactions to the materials used in the crown:
While dental crowns are usually made from porcelain or ceramic, sometimes other materials, such as gold or metal alloys, are used. In rare cases, people can have an allergic reaction to the materials used in the crown.
Interference with root canal treatment:
If you need a root canal procedure, your dentist will need to remove the crown in order to access the tooth. In some cases, the crown can make it difficult to do so. Additionally, if the crown is not fitted properly, bacteria can enter through the crown and infect the root canal. This can lead to pain, swelling, fever, and an increased risk of infection.
Loose crowns:
If your crown is not fitted properly, it can come loose and fall out. This is usually only a temporary problem and can be addressed by your dentist.
Tooth sensitivity:
Dental crowns can also cause increased sensitivity in the tooth, especially when consuming hot or cold foods. This is typically temporary and should improve as your mouth gets used to the crown.
Crowns can cause gum disease:
If your crown is not cleaned properly, plaque can irritate the gum tissue and cause inflammation. Meanwhile, if the crown does not fit properly, food can get trapped between the gum and the crown, which can cause gum disease.
Increased risk of cavities:
Another potential complication of dental crowns is that they can trap food and bacteria in your mouth. This can lead to bad breath and an increased risk of cavities. To avoid this, be sure to brush and floss thoroughly after every meal.

If you experience any of these complications after your dental crown procedure, see your dentist right away. With proper treatment, most complications can be resolved.

How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost?

The cost of dental crowns can vary depending on the type of crown, the dentist, and the location. The number of crowns needed will also greatly affect the cost. For instance, a full metal crown can cost between $1,700 and $4,700. Meanwhile, a ceramic crown will range from $1,600 to $2,300.

In general, dental insurance plans will cover some of the cost of dental crowns. However, most plans have a deductible that must be met before your procedure is covered check with your insurance company to see what benefits you can receive.

Are Dental Crowns Covered By Medicare?

Dental crowns are usually not covered by Medicare. However, there are some circumstances in which Medicare will cover the cost of the procedure. For example, if you need it to protect a tooth that has been damaged by an injury or cancer, Medicare may cover the cost of the crown. If you have a severe infection in your mouth that requires a dental crown to be placed, Medicare may also do so. To find out if your particular situation will qualify, you should contact your local Medicare office.

If you are not eligible for a Medicare cover, there are still options available to help you pay for your treatment. Many private insurance plans offer some cover for dental crowns. You may also be able to finance your procedure through a variety of different payment options.

Final Thoughts

Dental crowns are a great way to protect your teeth and improve your smile. If you are considering getting a dental crown, schedule an appointment with Prospect Road Dental Surgery. Our team can help you understand all of your options and help you choose the right type of dental crown for your individual needs. With proper care, we can help you maintain your healthy and beautiful smile for years to come. Contact us today to book a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the success rates of dental crowns?

Dental crowns have a high success rate of over 95%. They can last for many years, but they may eventually need to be replaced. Talk to your dentist about how often you should expect to replace your dental crowns.

How long do dental crowns last?

Dental crowns usually last between five and fifteen years. The lifespan of a dental crown depends on how well you take care of it and how much wear and tear it undergoes. Remember to brush and floss regularly, and see your dentist for regular checkups so they can catch any problems early.

What materials are used to make dental crowns?

The most common materials used to make dental crowns are porcelain, ceramic, and metal. Your dentist will help you choose the right material for your needs based on factors like where the crown will be located in your mouth and how much force it will need to withstand.

Is getting a dental crown painful?

No, getting a dental crown is not painful. Your dentist will numb the area around the tooth before starting any work, so you shouldn’t feel anything during the procedure. You may have some sensitivity afterwards, but this should go away within a few days.