DENTAL CROWNS
A dental crown is a cap or covering for an existing tooth. It can
improve the way a decayed, broken, weak or worn-out tooth
looks and makes it stronger. It is a tooth-shaped cap.
WHEN IS A DENTAL CROWN NECESSARY?
• Strengthen a weak tooth
• Protect and support a cracked tooth
• Restore a worn-down or broken tooth
• Cover extremely stained or discolored tooth
• Cover root canal treated tooth
TYPES OF DENTAL CROWNS
• Metal Crowns
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns
• Pressed Ceramic Crowns
• All-Ceramic/Ceramic Dental Crowns
• All Resin Crowns
Metal Crowns:
Several metals are used for metal crowns, including gold,
palladium, nickel and chromium.
Metal crowns rarely chip or break, last the longest in terms of
wear and only requires a small amount of enamel removal. They
can also withstand biting and chewing force.
The metallic color is the main drawback of this type of crown.
Metal crowns are a good choice for out of sight molars.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns(PFM):
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine the durability of metal
and the natural look of porcelain. These crowns can be matched
to the shade of your own teeth.
Despite their strength, PFM crowns have some drawbacks. For
example, the porcelain coating may chip off over time, exposing
the metal underneath. In addition, PFM crowns may gradually
wear down the enamel on your opposing teeth (the teeth that
touch your crown when you close your mouth).
PFM crowns last almost as long as metal crowns. They can
restore both front and back teeth.
Pressed Ceramic Crowns:
A pressed ceramic crown has a hard inner core. It’s similar to a PFM,
but the core is ceramic instead of metal. To make this inner core, a
technician melts and presses ceramic in an oven at a very high
temperature. Next, they add multiple layers of porcelain. They mimic
the color of natural tooth enamel.
Drawback; the layers of the ceramic can chip away over time.
Used for both anterior and posterior teeth.
All Ceramic/Ceramic Dental Crowns:
All Ceramic Dental crowns mimic the appearance of tooth enamel
more than any other crown type. They are also a good choice if
patient have any metal allergies.
Lab technicians use many different materials to make ceramic crowns,
but one of the most popular is zirconium dioxide. Zirconia crowns are
extremely durable and can withstand heavier forces than other types
of ceramic crowns. They are also gentle on your opposing teeth,
resulting in less enamel wear.
All Resins Crowns:
Resins crowns are generally less expensive than other types of
crowns. They are very fragile and more likely to break compared to
PFM crowns.
This type of crown is often used to make temporary crowns.
DENTAL CROWN PROCEDURE:
First Visit;
Preparing of the tooth; To prepare a tooth for a crown, the
dentist will need to remove some of the tooth natural enamel.
This makes space for the new crown and ensures that it will stay
in place once fitted(bonded). The dentist may use a filling
material to build certain broken parts of the tooth. During this
step, the main goal is to create a strong foundation for the new
crown.
Dental Impressions; dental impressions of your teeth will be taken
next. These may be physical impressions with a putty-like material or
digital impressions taken with a handheld scanner. Impressions will be
sent to a dental lab. Technician will use them to create the custom
crown.
Temporary crown placement; It usually takes two to three weeks
— sometimes longer — for a dental lab to make your new crown.
While you wait on your final crown, your dentist will place a temporary
one. Temporary crowns are usually made of resin or acrylic.
Second Visit;
• Removal of temporary crown
• Check the shape, color and fit of new crown
• Bond new crown to tooth with strong dental cement
Advantages of Dental Crowns
• Treat worn, broken or decayed teeth.
• Protect teeth from erosion (wear and tear) of enamel.
• Improve chewing function.
• Enhance appearance (esthetics).
• Last between 5 and 15 years with proper care.
Disadvantages (Risks) of Dental Crowns
• Require some removal of some natural tooth enamel.
• May cause teeth sensitivity, especially in first few weeks after
placement.
• Can break or fracture over time.
• Can trap bacteria and lead to decay if not properly fitted.
• May cause an allergic reaction in some people. (This is rare).
• May be expensive.
Foods to Avoid with a dental crown;
• Ice cubes
• Extremely hard nuts
• Popcorn (with kernels)
• Super sticky foods
These foods can damage or dislodge (pull off) the crown.
