For a damaged, cracked, or chipped tooth, there’s a probability that the dentist would recommend a dental crown installation to reshape the whole tooth structure. However, before actually getting into the dental procedure, you must understand the procedure itself and the alternatives for the recommended solution. For residents of Nw Edmonton and its environs, all your general dentistry inquiries and solutions are available here.

A dental crown is a ‘cap’ that resembles the tooth, placed over the damaged tooth to restore its shape and size and improve its appearance. The dental crown is cemented to fully cover up the tooth’s exposed part(s) above the gum line. Moreso, it can be placed on top of implants to provide tooth-like structure and functionality. The crowns, mostly ceramic and porcelain, are matched to the color of your teeth. Materials like gold, ceramic, and other metal alloys can also be used. The materials are usually recommended for back teeth as they are more durable and stronger than porcelain. Porcelain is usually glued to metal shells due to its attractiveness in appearance.

 

Dental Crowns and Tooth Bridges 

Unlike a denture as a dental implant, crowns and tooth bridges are fixed onto teeth and implants and can only be removed by a dentist.

A bridge, however, is used when one or more teeth are missing. The gaps left by missing teeth result in the remaining teeth shifting into the empty spaces, leading to a bad bite. The shifting of remaining teeth may also result in gum disorders, where the bridges come into play. 

The remaining teeth, known as abutments, act as anchors and hold the bridge down. The crown is fixed into the replacement tooth, pontic, and covers the abutments. The dentist will help decide the materials for bridges and crowns based on their observation and cost.

 

Why are dental crowns necessary?

In general, porcelain and other crowns are common methods in tooth restoration. While it is common, there are steps to be followed as it is still a complicated procedure. How is a dental crown fitted? Before that, let’s discuss instances a dentist may recommend dental crowns and the costs you may incur after that. 

  • Protect natural teeth from breaking after possible cracking or decay.
  • Complete restoration of a worn-out tooth.
  • Holding a dental bridge in place.
  • Restoring misshaped and evenly discolored teeth.
  • Covering a tooth after a root canal treatment. 
  • Aesthetic; get a better smile through leveling of teeth, alignment of size, shape, and color of your teeth. 

 

When a dentist recommends you get a dental crown fixed, you must adhere which otherwise, the following would happen;

  • Worsening of decay on the tooth.
  • Complete splitting of a cracked tooth leading to extraction.

 

Procedures for porcelain crowns

The whole procedure is simplified to two simple visits to the dentist. The first appointment is preparation and the second visit for placement of the dental crown on the tooth.

 

First visit:

The first visit mainly entails an examination by the dentist. Then, you’ll undergo a series of tests and X-ray scans to check your tooth. This is to have a clear understanding of the decay, infections, and harm on the tooth. 

Next, the dentist will numb the area around the tooth, and if necessary, the filling will take place for the crown to fit properly. The dentist may also use a special filling to enlarge a damaged tooth to hold the crown. 

After a successful reshape, a paste is used to create an impression of the tooth to receive the dental crown. Digital scanners are commonly used to create the impression for both above and below the tooth not to affect your bite after the crown is fitted. 

The impressions are then sent to the dental lab, where the crown is made. After two to three weeks, the crown is then returned to the dentist. Mostly, the dental crown has a shade that matches the color of your teeth. In addition, a temporary crown is fitted in your tooth during this time while the dental crown is being manufactured in the lab. The temporary crowns are mostly made of acrylic and held temporarily by cement. 

 

Second Visit:

The second visit involves the dentist removing the temporary crown and further inspecting the new dental crown on all specifications. If all is well, an anesthetic is used to numb the areas around the tooth. The crown is then fitted permanently with dental cement.

 

Complications of dental crowns

Discomfort: The newly fitted dental crown may cause discomfort immediately after the anesthetic starts wearing off. The tooth’s nerve endings may be susceptible to sensitivity for both heat and cold. Ensure you brush your teeth with toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. When biting and you feel pain, immediately alert your dentist to have the issue fixed.

Chipped dental crowns: Crowns made of porcelain material are susceptible to chipping. Resin is usually used to repair small chips temporarily while the crown is still in your mouth. However, for extensive damages, the crown may need total replacement. 

Loosened crown: After the cement washes off under the crown, the crown not only becomes loose but opens a path for bacteria, causing decay. For loose crowns, contact your dentist as fast as possible.

Crown falling off: After decaying the remaining part of the tooth, the crown eventually falls off. Sometimes it is caused after the cement washes off. If this happens, clean both the crown and your tooth, then temporarily fix it with tooth cement. Contact your dentist for detailed instructions and evaluation.

Allergies: Though rare, metals used in making the crown may react with your gums.

Dark lines: A dark line may develop next to your gum line, which is pretty normal if the crown is metal fused. The dark line is mostly the metal exposed, and it’s not a problem. However, it is unacceptable, and the crown will need replacement with a ceramic one.

 

Conclusion

Your teeth may get damaged due to several reasons. Due to tooth decay, accidents, or prolonged use over time, they lose their shape and size. A dental crown or cap is placed over your damaged tooth, restoring its appearance and strength. We at Edmonton Smiles have choices you can consider, and some may be appealing to you than others. You can come in for a consultation on the right type of crown for your dental needs.  

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Posted in Dental News & Advice