Dental Crown – What You Should Know about Crowning Your Tooth

Ken knocked one of his front teeth when he was a teenager. He had to undergo root canal treatment for the tooth and a rather large filling to save the tooth. However, as he grew older, he noticed a change in the colour of the tooth from normal to greyish in shade. He had been told by the dentist there is a possibility of a root canal treated tooth becoming grey. Thus, he intended to have a dental crown as advised by his dentist to improve the aesthetic of his teeth. The dental crown also provides an extra protection for the root canal treated tooth.

What is a dental crown?

Dental crown is an artificial fixed prosthesis which fits over a prepared tooth. It functions either to restore its original shape and size, enforce its strength or even to make the tooth looks better. A dental crown is also commonly referred to as a ‘cap’, as it covers the whole or part of a tooth. Dental crowns are made from a variety of materials. For instance, porcelain, all-ceramic, porcelain bonded to precious metal and gold-alloy. Different materials contribute to different properties. When it comes to dental aesthetics, crowns made from porcelain or all-ceramic can look very natural thus are most often used for the front teeth. On the other hand, alloys are generally stronger than porcelain thus are recommended for the back teeth.

Porcelain crowns (Image source)

When do I need a dental crown?

There are several reasons where a dental crown may be needed such as:

1. To replace a large filling with insufficient tooth structure left
2. Protect a weak tooth from fracturing especially root canal treated tooth
3. Cover a discoloured or poorly shaped tooth
4. As attachment of a dental bridge
5. To cover a dental implant

What should I expect from the procedure?

Preparing a tooth for a dental crown usually requires at least two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, your dentist may take some X-rays to check the condition of the tooth and the surrounding bone. The procedure then begins with the tooth being reduced in size so the crown will fit over the tooth properly. The amount of tooth removed will depend on the type of crown you choose and be of the same thickness of the crown.

After shaping the tooth, your dentist will then take an impression (mould) of the prepared tooth. Besides that, your dentist will also make an impression of the upper teeth. These teeth impressions will be delivered to the dental technician along with the chosen shade for fabrication of the dental crown.

Dental impression (Image source)

Between the visits, your dentist will make a temporary crown for the prepared tooth to protect it  while waiting for the final crown being fabricated. The shade of the temporary crown is not the final shade and may be noticeable but it is only temporary. When the permanent crown is ready, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and the final dental crown is cemented and fitted over your prepared tooth.

How long do dental crowns last?

On average, dental crowns may last between 5 and 15 years. Some may also last a lifetime but they do sometimes come loose or fall out. The longevity of your crown depends on how well you follow good oral hygiene habits and avoiding parafunctional habits such as grinding teeth, clenching and chewing ice. It all comes down to the amount of wear and tear the crown is exposed to and the health of the tooth and surrounding gums.

Conclusion

A dental crown may be your solution to a better smile. Nevertheless, do keep in mind a crowned tooth does not protect your tooth from decay or gum disease. Thus, getting a tooth crowned requires the same good oral hygiene practices for a successful outcome.

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Tags

• aesthetic dentistry
• dental crown
• Oral Health
• teeth