Dental Crowns

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Dental Crowns

What is a Dental Crown?

- An artificial tooth restoration.

A crown is an artificial restoration that fits over the remaining part of a prepared tooth, making it strong and giving it the shape of a natural tooth. A crown is sometimes known as a ‘cap’.

Why would I need a crown?

- To replace unsightly, broken or damaged teeth.

Crowns are an ideal restoration for teeth that have been broken, or have been weakened by decay or a very large filling.
A crown could be used for a number of other reasons, for instance:

• you may have discoloured fillings and would like to improve the appearance of the tooth.
• you may have had a root filling which will need a crown to protect what is left of the tooth.
• it may help hold a bridge or denture firmly in place.

What is a crown made of?

- Various materials, but generally a metal base with porcelain covering.

Crowns can be made of a variety of different materials and new materials are continually being introduced. Some of the most popular options are listed below. Porcelain bonded to precious metal: this is what most crowns are made from. A precious metal base is made and then porcelain is applied in layers over it. Porcelain crowns: these crowns are made entirely out of porcelain and are not as strong as bonded crowns, but they can look very natural and are most often used for front teeth. All-ceramic crowns: this modern technique offers a metal-free alternative, which can give the strength of a bonded crown and the appearance of a porcelain crown. Therefore it is suitable for use in all areas of the mouth.Glass: these crowns look very natural and are used on both front and back teeth.

How is a crown prepared?

- Tooth shaping, impression taken and sent to a dental technician with colour-shading information.

The dentist will prepare the tooth to the ideal shape for the crown. This will involve removing most of the outer surface, and leaving a strong inner core. The amount of the tooth removed will be the same as the thickness of the crown. Once the tooth is shaped, the dentist will take an impression (mould) of the prepared tooth, one of the opposite jaw and possibly another to mark the way you bite together. The impressions will then be given to the dental technician, along with an appropriate shade and other information needed for the crown to be made.

What is a post crown?

- A post is inserted into a root canal treated tooth before the crown is added.

In root-filled teeth it may be necessary to insert a post before placing a crown. A post provides support and helps the crown stay in place. The weakened crown of the tooth may be shortened to gum level. A post can be made of prefabricated stainless steel which the dentist can fit directly into the root canal, or a custom-made post can be constructed by the dental technician to accurately fit the shape of the prepared root canal. The post is placed into the root canal and cemented in position, ready for the crown to be attached.

Are there any alternatives to post crowns for root-filled teeth?

- A filling may be a possible solution.

If a root-filled tooth is not completely broken down, it may be possible to build it up again using filling material. This ‘core’ is then prepared in the same way as a natural tooth and the impressions are taken.

What happens between visits?

- A temporary crown will be added to the prepared tooth.

A temporary crown will be made so that you can use the tooth while you wait for the crown to be made. This crown may be more noticeable but is only a temporary measure.

How is the crown fitted?

- Once happy, dental cement is used to secure the crown in place.

When you and your dentist is happy with the fit and appearance of the new crown it will be fixed in place with special dental cement or adhesive. The cement forms a seal to hold the crown in place.

How long does the treatment take?

- Once happy, dental cement is used to secure the crown in place.

You will need to have at least two visits: the first for the preparation, impression, shade taking and fitting the temporary crown;
and the second to fit the permanent crown.
There will usually be about 1 to 2 weeks in between appointments.

Does it hurt to have a tooth prepared for a crown?

- Only the local anaesthetic injection can be felt, likened to a tickle.

No, you will have a local anaesthetic and the preparation should feel no different from a filling. If the tooth does not have a nerve, and a post crown is being prepared, then you may not need a local anaesthetic.

Will the crown be noticeable?

- Crown shading is prepared by experts to be an exact colourmatch.

The crown will be made to match your other teeth as closely as possible.
The shade of the neighbouring teeth will be recorded, to make sure that the colour looks natural and matches the surrounding teeth.

Will the crown feel different?

- Only for the first week until healing is complete.

Because the shape of the crown will be slightly different from the shape of your tooth before it was crowned, you may be aware of it to begin with. Within a few days it should feel fine, and you will not notice it.
The crown may need some adjustment if your bite does not feel comfortable, and if this is the case, you should ask your dentist to check and adjust it.

What will it cost?

- Costs may vary. Please request a quote at our dental rooms.

Costs will vary according to the type of crown and material used. It is advisable to get a written estimate and treatment plan before beginning any dental treatment.

How do I care for my crown?

- Just like normal teeth: Regular brushing and flossing.

How long your crown lasts depends on how well you look after it. The crown itself cannot decay, but decay can start where the edge of the crown joins the tooth. Therefore, to prevent decay affecting the crown, it is important to keep this area just as clean as you would your natural teeth. Brush for two minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and clean in between your teeth with interdental brushes or floss.