Dental Crowns: Everything You Need To Know

Unlike other dental restorations, dental crowns typically do not require special care over time other than good oral hygiene practices and regular visits to the dentist. This article will discuss why you may need a dental crown, the types of dental crowns, and the procedure for installing the dental crown.

Who Needs A Dental Crown?

There are a variety of dental crowns your dentist may use. Traditional dental crowns are made out of metal, however, dental practices are now moving towards biocompatible tooth restorations that offer patients a more natural appearance. Other types of dental crowns include:

Porcelain-fused-to-metal: Porcelain dental crowns can be colour matched to your natural teeth, unlike metal crowns. Although this dental crown option offers a natural appearance, the material can chip off or break much easier. These crowns are typically used on front teeth to avoid wear and tear caused by chewing and teeth grinding.

Ceramic: Ceramic crowns can also be colour matched to your existing teeth and are more suitable for patients with metal allergies.

Metal: Metal crowns are the most durable dental crown option, however, their major drawback is the metallic colour. These crowns will typically last the longest in terms of wear down.

How Is A Dental Crown Placed On A Tooth?

Your dentist will begin by giving you a local anesthetic so you do not feel any discomfort or pain during the procedure. The tooth being restored will then be filed down to make room for the dental crown. Your dentist will then take an impression of your filed-down tooth to make a custom-fitting dental crown. Until your custom dental crown is ready, you will be fitted with a temporary crown. Keep in mind that this temporary crown may not be the exact shape or colour as your surrounding teeth.

On your next visit, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and will then place your custom one on your filed-down tooth. Your dentist will ensure that the custom crown is correctly colour matched to your surrounding teeth and that it has the correct shape and bite.  If everything looks good, your dentist will then cement the crown into place.

If you have a chipped, cracked, or discolored tooth that bothers you, visit your dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to assess your tooth's condition to provide you with the best treatment option which may include installing a dental crown or a partial crown. Dental crowns are strong and generally last for up to ten years before needing replacement as long as proper oral hygiene practices are followed such as brushing and flossing regularly. Keep in mind that dental crowns and partial crowns may not be as strong as your natural teeth, therefore be conscious of biting down too hard and avoid using your teeth to open things.

At Dr. Korol Dental, our team uses only the best biocompatible materials to preserve your natural tooth structure. We provide long-lasting Biocompatible Tooth Restorations that will decrease the risk of failed treatment and the need for extensive root canals in the long term. To learn more about our ceramic dental crown restorations, contact us today by calling 1-403-245-9099 or by filling out our online contact form.

FAQ

Q: How long do dental crowns last?
A: With regular dental visits and proper oral hygiene practices, dental crowns typically last for ten years before needing replacement.

Q: Is a dental crown procedure painful?
A: Your dentist will use a local anesthetic on the tooth receiving the dental crown as well as on the surrounding gum tissue so you do not feel any pain or discomfort.

Q: How long does it take to receive the custom-fitted dental crown?
A: The custom-fitted dental crown typically takes 2-3 weeks, and until then, you will be fitted with a temporary crown.