By Dr. Abhi Singh If you are experiencing dental problems and need restoration, you may be wondering if you can have crowns. Crowns are popular among dental patients looking to address cosmetic and dental issues. These artificial teeth can address many dental problems, including cracked or fractured teeth, severely discoloured teeth, and misshapen teeth. In this blog post, Prospect Road Dental Surgery will discuss the factors that make someone a suitable candidate for dental crowns.
What Makes Someone a Good Candidate for a Dental Crown?
Crowns are a popular dental procedure for people who want to restore damaged teeth and achieve a beautiful smile. However, before you get crowns, it’s important to ensure you’re a suitable candidate for the procedure. Here are some of the things that your dentist will consider when determining if crowns are right for you:
- Sufficient tooth structure:
To be an ideal candidate for dental crowns, there must be enough natural tooth remaining above the gum line to support the dental crown. A dental crown may not be ideal if the tooth is too small since it needs enough tooth structure to hold on to. An extraction and dental implant may be better if too much of the tooth is missing. - No recent tooth trauma:
If you have recently suffered an injury to the tooth, the tooth must be observed for signs of nerve death. If this happens, the tooth must not have a dental crown placed unless the tooth undergoes root canal treatment. - Good gum health:
Gum disease is a common condition that can cause inflammation and bleeding in the gums. If not addressed, gum disease can lead to bone loss, which can cause the crowned tooth to loosen and eventually fall out. Additionally, the bacteria-filled plaque causing gum disease can cause tooth decay around the crown, leading to the failure of the restoration. For these reasons, patients must have good gum health before dental crown placement. - Stable tooth:
A dental crown can help support fractured, cracked, or broken teeth. However, if you have a loose, unstable tooth caused by either trauma or gum disease, the placement of a crown can only contribute to further movement of the tooth. It is essential to stabilize the tooth first before commencing crown treatment.
If you think you may be a suitable candidate for dental crowns, book an initial consultation with an experienced dentist. Your dentist can determine whether or not dental crowns are right for you.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns have many benefits, which is why they are a popular treatment option. Here are some of the main advantages of dental crowns:
- Restores tooth function:
A damaged or decayed tooth is a weak tooth, and aside from causing pain, it can also be difficult to chew and eat with. A dental crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring its original shape and size. It supports the chewing surfaces of the teeth and helps distribute biting forces evenly across the tooth so that patients can eat and speak normally again. - Improves smile:
Dental crowns can improve the appearance of teeth that are misshapen, chipped, or discoloured. They cover the teeth, restoring them into their proper forms, and they can be made from porcelain, zirconia, or composite to match the colour of your teeth, creating a more natural-looking smile. - Protect teeth:
Dental crowns can help protect your teeth. If you have a damaged or decayed tooth, a crown can restore the tooth structure that was lost and help protect the tooth from further damage. The dental crown covers the entire tooth, acting as a barrier between your tooth and external factors. Temporary crowns are also used to protect your tooth while the dental crown is still being made. - Improve oral health:
Because they are made to fit snugly over the existing tooth, crowns can help to prevent plaque and bacteria from accumulating around the gum line. In addition, they can also make it easier to keep the teeth clean, as they provide a smooth surface that is easy to brush and floss. As a result, dental crowns can help improve oral health by reducing the risk of cavities, gingivitis, and other oral health problems. - Prevent tooth loss:
Finally, dental crowns can help reduce the risk of tooth loss. If you have a tooth that is weakened, then it is more likely to fracture. A dental crown can help support your tooth and reduce the likelihood of it breaking and needing extraction. Missing teeth can lead to bone loss in the jaw as the adjacent teeth shift in their place.
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
Dental crowns are made to last long but are not permanent. Eventually, your dental crowns will need to be replaced. The lifespan of your dental crowns will depend on how well you take care of them. Your dental crowns can last many years with proper care, professional cleanings, and regular check-ups.
How Old Do You Need to Be to Get a Dental Crown?
There is no recommended age for dental crowns since every case is different. There are crowns made to protect baby teeth and longer-lasting crowns made for permanent teeth. Age should not be a factor in deciding whether or not to get a crown since they are made to restore and protect damaged teeth, which can be seen in patients of all ages. Ultimately, it will be up to your dentist to determine if a crown is right for you.
Final Thoughts
Dental crowns are a great way to restore the function and appearance of your teeth. They can address various dental problems and are usually very successful. If you think dental crowns might be right for you, schedule an initial consultation with Prospect Road Dental Surgery today! Our experienced team can inspect your teeth and assess your oral health to determine if crowns are a viable dental restoration method for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of dental crowns can vary depending on the type of crown you choose and the tooth that needs to be crowned. Porcelain and zirconia crowns are usually more expensive than other types of crowns. The cost of a single dental crown starts at $1,600.
Although dental crowns are a safe and effective treatment, some complications can occur. These complications include
- Allergic reaction to the material used in the crown
- Tooth sensitivity
- Gum irritation or recession
- Bite problems
Crowns are usually fitted in two dental appointments. During the initial consultation, your dentist will assess your dental health. If you are a suitable candidate for dental crowns, the tooth is prepared or trimmed, and a mould is made. This mould is then sent to a laboratory where your custom crown will be made.
During the second appointment, the crown is fitted. The crown is positioned over the prepared tooth and adjusted if needed. Once proper fit and bite are achieved, the crown is cemented. The entire process takes place over two weeks.
Dental crowns do not hurt. However, the procedure of getting a crown can be uncomfortable for some people. To make the patient more comfortable, the tooth will be numbed with local anesthesia before the procedure begins. Once the anesthesia takes effect, you should not feel any pain.
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