Dental Crown
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a dental restoration that is required for teeth that are heavily restored and teeth that have gone through root canal treatment. In simpler terms, a dental crown is like a “helmet” for the compromised tooth.
How do I know if I need a dental crown?
Dental crowns can be useful for many purposes, such as:
Strengthening a weak tooth
Protecting and supporting
a cracked tooth
Restoring a worn-down
or broken tooth
Holding a dental bridge in place
Covering a severely
stained or discoloured tooth
Covering a root canal-treated tooth
Covering a dental implant
In general, they act as a way of dental restoration for teeth, providing better aesthetics and bite for your mouth.
Types of Dental Crowns
Metal Crowns
It is made up of several metals, they are durable and less prone to chips and breaking. They can last the longest in terms of wear and can withstand biting and chewing forces. The only disadvantage of Metal crowns is the colour, which may not match your natural teeth. However, they may be a good choice for out-of-sight molars.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) Crowns
They carry the same material and durability as metal crowns but with the natural look of porcelain that is like your natural teeth. However, it’s good to note that the porcelain coating may chip off over time, exposing the metal underneath.
Same-day Dental Crowns
With CAD/CAM (Computer-aided design and manufacturing) technology, we are now able to create and produce crowns in the office or clinic within a short period of time. This technology allows our dentist to take digital impressions of your teeth and use them to produce a custom crown for you.
However, these may not be suitable for everyone, so you may check in with our dentist to see their advice on your suitability for same-day crowns.
Receive guidance and advice by speaking to our dentists today.
Dental Crown Placement Procedure
Preparing your tooth during your first visit
Your dentist will need to remove some of your natural enamel to make space for your new crown and ensure that it stays in place once bonded.
Dental impressions
Dental digital impressions will then be taken and sent to our dental lab. A technician from our dental lab will use the impression to customise your dental crown.
Temporary crown placement
The time taken for the custom dental crown may be up to three weeks. Your dentist will put on a temporary dental crown while you wait for your final crown. These temporary crowns are usually made of resin or acrylic, which are less durable and fragile but sufficient for the short wait on your custom dental crown.
Fitting your dental crown
When your custom crown is ready, you will need to head to our clinic for a second visit for our dentist to remove the temporary crown, check the shape, colour, and fit of your new crown, and have it bonded to your tooth.
Dental Crown Placement Procedure
Preparing your tooth during your first visit
Your dentist will need to remove some of your natural enamel to make space for your new crown and ensure that it stays in place once bonded.
Dental impressions
Dental digital impressions will then be taken and sent to our dental lab. A technician from our dental lab will use the impression to customise your dental crown.
Temporary crown placement
The time taken for the custom dental crown may be up to three weeks. Your dentist will put on a temporary dental crown while you wait for your final crown. These temporary crowns are usually made of resin or acrylic, which are less durable and fragile but sufficient for the short wait on your custom dental crown.
Fitting your dental crown
When your custom crown is ready, you will need to head to our clinic for a second visit for our dentist to remove the temporary crown, check the shape, colour, and fit of your new crown, and have it bonded to your tooth.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns will help to prolong the lifespan of natural teeth and enhance their appearance, especially if they are worn, broken, or decayed. These crowns act as a protective “helmet” against erosion and improve chewing function. With proper care, they are relatively durable and can last between five to fifteen years.
However, it’s important to consider the disadvantages of dental crowns. The process of getting a dental crown involves removing some of your natural tooth enamel, which cannot be reversed or regrown. This may lead to tooth sensitivity. If the crowns do not fit properly, they can still trap bacteria and lead to decay too. Opting for dental crowns to enhance and protect teeth might be an expensive option as well.
FAQ
How to look after my dental crown?
It is essential to continue proper oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, just like you would care for your natural teeth. Using a mouthwash can also help keep dental plaque and bacteria at bay.
It is also important to avoid chewing or eating on hard and sticky items with the dental crown, as there may be a risk of chipping or detaching it. If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, consider consulting your dentist about wearing a custom mouthguard to prevent damage to the dental crown. Remember to go for your regular dental checkups every six months so our dentist can assess the condition of your dental crown and ensure its longevity.
Can I still get decay after getting a crown? How do I spot it?
Yes, it is still possible to get decay underneath or around a dental crown. While the crown itself is not susceptible to decay, the tooth structure underneath it can still be affected. Signs of decay around a dental crown include sensitivity or a visible dark cavity near the edges of the crown. We would advise you to visit a dentist as soon as you notice signs of changes in your dental crown for proper examination and investigation.
Are the materials used for dental crowns safe?
Yes, the materials used for dental crowns are generally safe. The most common materials for dental crowns include porcelain, metal, or a combination of both.
However, some individuals may have rare allergies to specific metals, so it’s essential to inform your dentist about any allergies or sensitivities before getting a dental crown. We will work with you to choose the most suitable material based on your needs and preferences.
Book your appointment
Our simple to use, online appointment process makes it easy for you to book for any one of our services and doctors.
Book your appointment
Our simple to use, online appointment process makes it easy for you to book for any one of our services and doctors.
