Your dentist has mentioned that you might need a crown for a tooth that has been causing problems. You might have a bad cavity that needs a large filling or part of your tooth has broken off and it now needs a cap.
Dental crowns can be expensive and take a little bit of time to apply. Below is a summary of everything you need to know about dental crowns.
Types of Dental Crowns
The dentist may use various types of materials in making crowns, including:
- Composite resin
- Ceramics
- Zirconium
- A combination of materials
- Porcelain
- Metal
For instance, instead of a porcelain crown, you can have the porcelain crown fused to metal. When choosing the crown material, your choice dentist should consider factors, for example:
- Color of surrounding teeth
- How much of the tooth will show when you smile
- Dental function that requires a crown
- How much natural tooth is left
- The location of your tooth
- Position of your gums
You might also talk to your dentist regarding your liking.
Temporary Crown
Just as the name suggests, it is, as it sounds, a temporary crown. It only stays for a short while in your mouth. The dentist places it on your tooth using an adhesive that can be easily removed. It is to ensure that it is not as strong as the permanent ones.
This process gets done while you wait for the design of permanent ones. At your second appointment, your dentist will place a permanent.
Crown for a Day
You may get a crown on a date. Some dental specialists are offering same-day crown fixing. They do this by use of one of many CAM/CAD (computer-aided manufacturing/design). Your new crown gets milled and designed in the office out of a ceramic block.
3/4 or Onlay Crown
Various crowns only cover up part of your tooth. If you are not looking for a full crown, your dentist may recommend 3/4 or an onlay crown instead.
Who Requires a Crown?
If you have a large cavity for refilling, it might be the time for a crown. You might also require one if you have a cracked, deteriorated, and a very worn tooth. It is also recommended that crowns have a root canal in a tooth, as the tooth needs protection and is quite fragile.
You can be eligible for a crown if one of your teeth is missing and your dentist has to place a dental implant or dental bridge.
Costs of Dental Crowns
According to various clinics, crown prices can range from $800 – $1,500, or more, based on the tooth size and type of material used for the crown. A gold crown can cost a little more, possibly $2,500. Metal crowns, made from a metal alloy, are at times low-cost than porcelain or gold ones.
The costs can also increase if the dentist has to do more prep work before placing the crown. For instance, you require a root dental implant or canal; both may drive up the price.
Dental insurance can cover part or all of the amount needed for your crown. However, the plan only applies to certain types of crowns. Contact your insurance company for coverage information.
Talk to your dentist regarding the kinds of crowns available and suitable for your needs to calculate your dental charges.
What Are the Steps to Getting a Permanent Crown?
The process depends on whether the dentist opts for a same-day or multi-day procedure. It also depends on which dentist you choose and where. For instance, Smile Dental Clinic is a great option if you are looking to get dental crowns in Horsforth. For local dentists in your area, a simple google search can help. The steps discussed below are for the two approaches.
Multi-day Procedure
With an outmoded crown, you must visit your dentist twice.
1. The dentist tests and prepares the teeth that require the crown. This may include taking X-rays. They can also make a mold of your teeth or mouth ahead of time.
2. Your dentist files and removes part of the external layer of the teeth.
3. The dentist takes an impression of the trimmed teeth and the nearby teeth.
4. The dentist places a permanent crown on your teeth to protect it.
5. They then send the impression to a laboratory that creates the crown. This phase can take a few weeks.
6. If the crown comes off, return for a second appointment so the dentist can place the crown on the teeth.
Same-day Procedure
With the same-day procedure, you may skip the short-term crown step.
1. The dentist will begin by taking digital photos of the mouth.
2. Based on the photos’ digital scan, they will instantly make the crown there in the office. You might need to wait for 1 to 2 hours for the creation of the crown.
3. When the crown is complete, your dentist will place it. The whole process takes between two and four hours.
You can even go back to work while you wait, depending on your situation. Please note that not all doctors have the tech to make crowns the same day. Ask the dentist if this choice is available and the estimated cost, particularly if you do not have a dental cover.
Dental Crown Care
After the dentist places the crown, it is essential to take great care of it. Cautious attention to the crown can lengthen its life. Below are some supportive tips:
• Practice gentle brushing. If you don’t brush your teeth two times a day, it is time to begin
• Consider utilizing a toothpaste if the crown or surrounding teeth are sensitive to cold or heat
• Daily flossing can help ensure all of your teeth in perfect shape
• Evade hard foods. Chewing hard food or ice can break your crown, particularly if you possess a ceramic crown
• In case you clench or grind your teeth while sleeping, your dentist might recommend a mouth guard to protect the crown and the other teeth.
Temporary Crown Care
Be very careful with a temporary crown as the adhesive for temporary installations only. Brush routinely, but be very careful. While flossing, try to remove the floss from the inside of the tooth, rather than lifting it, which can cause the crown to loosen.
Contact your dentist if the temporary crown becomes loose or breaks while you wait for the long-lasting crown. The dentist can re-paste it or create a new one.
How Long Do Crowns Last?
The life of a crown may vary from 5 to 15 years. Some dental crowns are healthier compared to others; hence, they last longer. For instance, a study performed in 2016 subjected three diverse types of solid crowns to “high chew forces” and discovered that solid zirconia crowns are the least likely to break or crack.
A monolithic dental crown refers to a crown created from a hard piece of substance, like zirconia. But the researchers made use of models for the experiments. They also cautioned that differences in crown placement and other features could affect a real person’s results.
In general, porcelain-to-metal fused crowns and gold crown last longer. Ceramic and porcelain crowns might look more natural; however, they are generally not as strong compared to metal or porcelain-on-metal versions. Crowns made entirely of resin also wear out faster. If taken care of, crowns may last for many years.
Substitute to Dental Crown
The dentist will probably suggest the crown that best suits your particular situation. For instance, your tooth might be too weak to support a standard filling, so they recommend a veneer if it is the front teeth or some other treatment. Or maybe your tooth is too large to fill, and your doctor suggests a crown as the top alternative treatment choice to offer the tooth protection.
Pros of Dental Crowns
You can use a dental crown to enhance your oral health and correct some cosmetic defects on your teeth. These restorations may:
- Keep damaged or cracked teeth together
- Repair broken or cracked teeth
- Replace worn out or large fillings
- Repair dental implants
- Improve the look of your teeth (slight alignment problems and discoloration)
- Guard teeth after root canal treatment
- Reshape the teeth
Another pro is that the crowns may last longer because they are strong and durable. Most individuals can go up to 15 years before requiring more work.
Cons of Dental Crowns
Like other procedures, crowns have several drawbacks. First, the doctor must file and permanently reshape the upset teeth.
Even though the materials used in making crowns are durable and robust, they can crack with time. The dentist can repair minor cracks; however, your restoration might need replacement if there are several breaks or chips.
If the dental adhesive used to keep the crown in place washes away or softens, bacteria can grow beneath it. Inadequately fitting crowns loosen and even fall off. Some people may become more susceptible to hot and cold temperatures over time after dental crown placement.
However, using a toothpaste specifically formulated for sensitive teeth generally solves this issue.
Conclusion
You have numerous options for dental crowns. There is no universal crown, but some varieties may be more attractive to you than others. Eventually, it will probably come down to your particular needs.
Visit your dentist and discuss with them regarding the best kind of crown for you and the dental requirements.
