What Is Dental Crown?
One of the best ways to treat problematic teeth is with dental crowns. A dental crown, or also known as a dental cap, serves a variety of purposes and depends on each patient’s needs. For the most part, dental crowns are used to protect and strengthen a patient’s damaged tooth that can no longer be treated by a simple dental filling. Dental crowns can also be applied to patients that have undergone certain procedures, such as root canal therapy. But aside from these oral health benefits, some patients prefer to have dental crowns for aesthetic purposes, as they can also serve as dental cosmetic devices. Dental crown application is a long-term treatment that can help you achieve better dental health and an overall improvement in your self-confidence.
One big difference between dental crowns and other dental restorations, such as white fillings, is that a crown treats the entire tooth. This means that once the decayed or damaged section of the tooth is removed, the crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth’s surface. For this reason, dental crowns are often used for more serious forms of decay or damage.
How to Prepare For a Dental Crown Procedure
Preparation for a dental crown procedure requires an intricate process. Some procedures need only one day of appointment without a temporary crown, while some call for a multiple-day appointment, with the first one for examinations and preparation, and the second one for the actual procedure. Preparing your teeth for the procedure plays a crucial part in the overall process as it involves intricate steps, including collecting vital data to ensure that the crown is just the right fit for you in terms of comfortability and bite. On your end, it’s best to practice and maintain dental and oral hygiene to get the best results. You might also need to be prepared for any questions your dentist might ask you—this is important for them to assess the proper treatment needed for your case.
Procedure
How Does a Dental Crown Procedure Work?
Whether you opt for a same-day or a multiple-day procedure, you will undergo the following steps before placing the crowns:
Examination
A thorough examination will be done by your dentist first before the placement of your crown. These include evaluation of the tooth that needs the crown as well as the surrounding areas to check for further anomalies. Since your dentist also needs to look into your mouth’s bone structure as well as the roots of your teeth, you might also need to get an x-ray.
Anesthetics
After evaluation, your dentist will numb you with a local anesthetic. This part is necessary to help you get comfortable and have a non-painful procedure.
Preparing the teeth
During this process, your dentist files down your tooth to shape it in order to make room for the crown. Your tooth is also cleansed of decay and other excesses during this phase, but if the tooth has decomposed due to intense damage, it will be filled with filling material to build up or support the crown.
For same-day procedures:
If your schedule doesn’t warrant a multiple-day procedure, the good news is that there are modern dental options available for a single-day appointment to get your crowns. First, the dentist will take digital scans of your mouth to create a 3D model of it, matching your former tooth’s functionality and color. Next, your dentist and the dental team will create a custom tooth made of ceramic using computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). Finally, the crown will be installed using special dental cement. You’ll only have to wait in the office to get your crown installed.
For multiple-day procedures:
If you prefer to undergo the traditional process, it will take a minimum of a two-day visit with an interval of more or less two weeks before you get your crown installed. This time, your dentist will make an impression of your tooth, together with its surrounding area, using a mixture of dental materials. It will be used to shape the crown to match your tooth’s features, functions, and color. While preparing your final crown, a temporary one will be installed, in order to protect your tooth while waiting. A temporary crown might not have the exact fit and color compared to the final crown and may only last for 2-3 weeks or more until the final crown is ready. Lastly, upon your final visit, your temporary crown will be removed, and your final crown will be cemented onto your tooth. After fitting, excess cement that may linger within the area will be carefully scraped away by your dentist.
These are the most common steps taken during a dental crown procedure. In special cases, where your tooth might need special attention and care, it may take a longer time period or additional necessary steps.
Cost
How Much Would a Dental Crown Procedure Cost?
The cost of a dental crown procedure will depend on a variety of factors. These include the type of procedure you will undergo, the complexity of the procedure, the type of crown and materials that will be used, the number of teeth to be installed, insurance coverage, and much more. Dental Crown, in Canada usually costs from $ 800 to $ 2,000. Feel free to consult with us, fill the below form, and we’ll make sure to give you the best options.
How to Take Care of Your Dental Crowns
Now that you’ve got your dental crown installed, the next thing to do is take care of it to ensure its longevity. Although dental crowns last a long time, it’s better to make sure they’re in tip-top shape to avoid further discomfort and frequent visits to the dental office due to complications. Maintaining proper dental hygiene such as regular brushing and flossing, staying away from sticky and hard-to-chew foods as much as you can, and regular dental check-ups are some of the most effective ways to take care of your dental crown. It would also help to refrain from stressing your teeth too much, such as over-chewing and using them to forcibly open objects.
Risks
What Are The Risks When Getting Dental Crowns?
Complications from getting a dental crown may vary on a case-to-case basis. Should you experience any problems after the procedure, it’s best to get in touch with your dentist for a safe consultation. Some examples of dental crown complications include:
- Loose or falling crown: These can be caused by either the cement being washed out or the remaining tooth decaying, causing the cement to loosen up. When these instances occur, clean the crown and the affected tooth and contact your dentist immediately. Temporary dental adhesives or temporary tooth cement can be bought in stores for temporary aid.
- Tooth damage: Since your tooth will be filed down to suit the crown and get rid of the cavity, it might weaken your tooth during the process. Your dentist may need extra work to build up the tooth.
- Temporary discomfort: This is common after the procedure as the anesthetics wear off.
- Sensitive teeth: If you experience pain or sensitivity when biting, it is commonly caused by a high crown that was placed on the tooth. It can also be caused by a remaining nerve in your tooth. In any case, contact your dentist to resolve this issue.
- Allergic reaction: Because there are different materials used when creating a crown, some might affect the allergic reactions of certain patients. To prevent this, make sure to disclose all the necessary information to your dentist prior to the procedure.
What’s The Difference Between Dental Crowns and Veneers?
While a dental crown and a dental veneer are used for dental restorations that improve the look of your teeth, there are distinctive differences between the two. A veneer is mostly used for cosmetic reasons and only covers the front of your teeth; it is less invasive than a crown, which leaves a significant part of your teeth intact. It only covers a thin layer of your tooth, compared to a dental crown, which covers most of your original tooth.
Types
What Are The Types of Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are made from different materials, each depending on the patient’s needs. A mixture of materials is often used as well, for better shape, performance, and durability. Here are the types of dental crowns:
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- All-ceramic/porcelain: These types of dental crowns can provide you with the most accurate look and shape for your tooth and may be more suitable for people with allergies to metal materials.
- Composite crowns: They also give a natural look and are more durable than porcelain crowns when it comes to chipping.
- All-resin crowns: These crowns are less expensive options compared to others, but they are more vulnerable to fractures, and they tend to wear out over time more easily.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns: These crowns are stronger than all-porcelain and ceramic crowns and look the most natural compared to the two. However, the porcelain part of these crowns sometimes chips more easily, and in some instances, the metal part can be exposed if your gums shrink.
- CEREC crowns:: These are made of ceramic and are mostly used for computer-generated procedures. They are often used during same-day dental crown procedures.
FAQs
1. When do I need to have a dental crown procedure?
You can inquire about a dental crown procedure if your tooth has a cavity that dental implants can no longer treat. Dental crowns are also used for patients who have received root canal treatment. You can also use this procedure if you want to prevent your teeth from acquiring further breaks or damage.
2. How long does a dental crown last?
Crowns last from 5 to 15 years, especially when treated properly by the patient. Maintaining proper oral hygiene and practices helps in preserving your crowns.
3. Is a dental crown procedure painful?
Your dentist will use local anesthetics to ensure that the procedure won’t be painful, and you’ll feel comfortable throughout the process.
4. How long does it take to prepare for a dental crown?
With the use of CAD/CAM technologies, it often takes about 2 to 4 hours for a crown to be ready for installment for a same-day procedure.
5. Do you need to take special care of your crowned teeth?
While there is no special care needed as the crown functions like a normal tooth, it is still prone to chips and damage. Moreover, your tooth is also not protected from decay and other dental issues, so it’s best that you continue to practice good dental hygiene to protect both your crown and your tooth.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
If you’re looking for a reliable dental office to get your dental crowns, Dynasty Tower Dental offers dental services in North York, Ontario. With our well-trained staff and expert dental team, we guarantee the safest and highest quality oral care treatments! Feel free to reach out to us for further inquiries.