What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is used when a tooth has been damaged, decayed, or broken. It serves as a strong, durable, and protective cap placed over the tooth to cover all of its surfaces. Crowns are designed to prevent further damaged and to restore any missing tooth structure.
In addition to their restorative function, crowns also help in addressing aesthetic imperfections, making them both a restorative and cosmetic solution. Sometimes, after a root canal, especially in molars, the tooth becomes weakened and unable to withstand the chewing force. In such cases, a crown provides the necessary support.
Dental crowns are also frequently used in tooth restorations, like dental bridges and dental implants, helping to complete the restoration process. Depending on the specific case, different materials are used for the crown, ensuring that it serves its purpose effectively, whether for cosmetic or restorative needs.
The Crown Process
When you visit Dr. Martinez, a consultation will be done to assess your tooth and check for any tooth decay that needs to be removed. Once your tooth is deemed suitable for a dental crown, the process begins by preparing the tooth.
This involves shaving down a layer around the tooth to create the ideal shape for the crown’s thickness. Next, impressions are taken of the filed-down tooth and sent to a dental lab, where they fabricate your custom crown.If you’re getting a tooth-colored crown, a shade guide is used to match the crown to your natural tooth shade.
Since crown fabrication can take a few weeks, a temporary crown will be placed until your official crown is ready. Afterward, you’ll return for a follow-up appointment where the crown will be checked for how it looks, fits, and feels. If everything is satisfactory, the crown is then bonded into place.
How Long Do Crowns Last?
The lifespan of your crown depends on several factors including the crown material, location of the tooth, your lifestyle, and how well you maintain oral hygiene.
Porcelain and ceramic crowns are known to be fragile, and they are more likely to experience chipping or cracking, which means they generally have a shorter lifespan. On the other hand, zirconia or metal-based crowns are made from stronger and more durable materials, making them last much longer.
When Is a Crown Necessary?
A dental crown is often needed when you have a chipped or cracked tooth. It covers the defaced tooth, giving you flawless teeth and helping you regain confidence. Not only does it protect damaged teeth from further damage, but it also works well for badly decayed teeth by preventing spread of the decay.
For large fillings, a dental crown is a better and more secure alternative to a dental filling, as it strengthens the tooth. You might also need one if you have severely discolored teeth or stained teeth, as a dental crown can give you a bright white smile.
Dentists also often recommend a crown after root canal treatments to maintain the structural integrity of the tooth, providing the stability needed to avoid cracking when biting down. Additionally, a dental crown can help hold in place a dental bridge.
Can Dental Crowns Fail?
Although crowns are designed to last a lifetime, most people get around 15 to 20 years from them. They can fail earlier if the crown is too old, improperly placed, or if the patient doesn’t maintain good oral hygiene. A poorly constructed crown may not sustain regular eating and could fail after just a few weeks or months.
Even though crowns are impervious to decay, the teeth underneath them are not. Tooth decay below the crown can impact how well the crown adheres to the tooth, leading to eventual failure. Gum infections, which can cause gum recession and swollen gums, can also affect the crown’s longevity and cause it to fail prematurely.
What to Expect After Receiving a Dental Crown
After a dental crown procedure, most people find the process to be painless since dentists use local anesthetic to keep the pain at bay, often with a mixture of epinephrine and lidocaine, which numbs the gums. In some cases, conscious sedation is used.
The procedure is done in separate sessions—the first for prepping and reshaping the tooth, taking an impression, and preparing the bonding surface, and the second to install and cement the crown in place.
Afterward, some discomfort or sensitivity may occur, but this usually lasts only a few days. You can manage this with over-the-counter painkillers. During this time, it’s best to avoid hot food or cold food as they can cause extra sensitivity.