This blog aims to provide a comprehensive overview of dental crowns, covering certain important aspects related to them.
What Is a Dental Crown?
Dental crown falls under the category of restorative dental treatments. A dental crown is a cap that the dentist places over a damaged or decayed tooth. Thus, it restores the shape, strength, and appearance of the tooth.
When Does a Patient Need a Dental Crown?
Whether it is an artificial tooth or an existing tooth, dental crowns are made to fit a certain tooth placement. Dentists recommend dental crowns for various purposes. Some of the reasons include
- As a filler between missing teeth
- To support an artificial tooth from each side, as part of a dental bridge.
- · As a shield around a tooth that’s been vulnerable because of various treatments like a root canal.
What Are the Different Types of Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns come in different varieties. Depending on your dental issue and personal choice, your dentist will suggest the right dental crown.
#1.Metal crowns
They use several metals such as palladium, nickel, and chromium to make dental crowns. Metal crowns have several advantages. They withstand wear and tear compared to other materials. Thus, they last the longest.
#2.Gold alloy
Gold alloy crowns are a mix of various metals such as gold, copper, and others. These crowns attach perfectly to the tooth. They are durable since they don’t fracture.
#3.Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns.
They are connected to a metal structure. Hence, they attach strongly to the tooth. It ensures durability. They have a similar life span as that of metal crowns.
Since porcelain attaches well to the teeth, it exudes a natural look. Considering all these factors, they are the best functional and aesthetically appealing dental crowns.
However, there are chances that they gradually wear away the enamel on the opposing teeth. This happens because those teeth come in contact with the crown when the mouth closes. Similarly, after a while, the porcelain coating may break off and expose the underlying metal.
#4.Zirconia
These crowns are made up of zirconium oxide. It does not generate a toxic response to living tissue for people who suffer from allergies. They can endure biting and chewing pressure and are a good choice for molars. Moreover, they blend well with natural teeth. It ensures a harmonious appearance.
#5.Pressed Ceramic Crown
A pressed ceramic crown is similar to PFM. But, instead of a metal core, it has a ceramic core. Its inner core is hard. Much like all-porcelain crowns do, pressed ceramic crowns also imitate the translucency of real tooth enamel. Further, they also have some drawbacks. For instance, the ceramic layers tend to chip away over time.
#6.All-resin crowns
These are considerably less expensive crowns. However, they seem to be more fragile. Therefore, they are more prone to cracking than porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns. Dentists often make temporary crowns using resin. Their lifespan lies between three and five years.
What Are the Basic Procedures Involved?
Let’s have a look at the procedures involved in dental crown placements from a layman’s perspective.
#1.Preparing the tooth
Your dentist will scrape away some of your natural enamel to make room for the dental crown. Additionally, she might fill in certain areas of your tooth using filling material. It aims to build a firm foundation for the new dental crown.
#2.Dental Impressions.
This stage includes getting a dental impression through digital scans. It gives the dentist, the exact shape of the teeth. Accordingly, the technician will make the dental crown that suits your requirement.
#3.Temporary crown placement.
Until the new dental crown arrives, your dentist will cap your teeth with a temporary one. It usually takes a few days to weeks for you to get the permanent dental crown.
#4.Permanent crown
After checking the new crown’s fit, color, and shape, the dentist removes the temporary dental crown. Then using strong dental cement, she attaches the new crown to your tooth.
How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost?
The cost of a dental crown varies based on various factors such as the purpose and the materials. However, the cost of the crown usually falls between INR 2000-INR 10,000 for a tooth.
How to Care for Your Dental Crown?
The average life span of a dental crown falls somewhere between 5 to 15 years. The wear and tear and the care they get decide the longevity. They demand the same care that your natural teeth get. For instance, they require brushing twice a day and flossing. Consequently, you can prolong their use. Similarly, it is very important to strictly adhere to the instructions of your dentist before and after the dental crown procedure.
Conclusion
We have now got a cursory glance over dental crowns. However, only a certified dental professional can diagnose your dental issue and plan and complete the procedure. Therefore, it is always best to consult your dentist or certified dental specialist to clarify doubts. They can give you personalized advice and recommendations based on your specific health condition.
