If you have a damaged, broken, fractured or misshapen tooth, a dental crown can correct its shape and strengthen it, so you can continue to use it more normally. A heavily decayed tooth may benefit from a dental crown, too. Dental crowns will also correct the appearance and colour of a tooth.
They will protect the tooth against further damage, and are needed if the tooth's structure is significantly weakened.
Your dentist may also recommend a dental crown if you have had a root canal treatment or a very large filling. You may also need a dental crown, as part of a dental implant, to replace a natural tooth that you lost or had extracted.
Dental crowns are used also to cover discoloured teeth when whitening treatments do not work effectively, such as when the tooth enamel is thin and shows the underlying yellow dentin. In these cases, bleaching may make the yellowing worse, but a dental crown will restore the aesthetics and white colour of your tooth.
A dental crown is a cap placed on a tooth or dental implant. They are used for different purposes. They can be used for cosmetic purposes, or to protect teeth that have been broken or weakened, undergone a root canal treatment, or significantly damaged by decay. They are also used to replace a missing tooth with a dental implant, or to strengthen a tooth's structure to secure a bridge. Dental crowns are made from a variety of materials.
Modern metal crowns typically use gold only. Metal crowns are strong and suitable for molars, but are less aesthetically pleasing and do not have the appearance of natural teeth.
Ceramic and porcelain crowns are often chosen for cosmetic purposes, to cover discoloured or imperfect teeth and for implants in front teeth that show. Porcelain is stain resistant and the most natural looking.
Composite resin crowns are strong and durable, as well as chip-resistant, so are suitable for molars. They look like natural teeth.
Dental crowns protect and strengthen teeth that have been broken or cracked, or a damaged or decayed tooth that cannot be corrected with a filling. A dentist may recommend one in other cases, such as after a root canal treatment.
Dental crowns may be used for covering up natural teeth for cosmetic purposes. They can hide a discoloured or misshapen tooth.
A dental crown is also used with a dental implant to replace a lost tooth, or to strengthen and solidify the tooth structure enough to support a bridge for replacing missing teeth.
If you have a cracked tooth, a missing tooth, or a misshapen tooth, Waterloo West Dentistry can help. If you are experiencing any discomfort we will examine you and advise on your best treatment options, making any recommendations, including fitting a crown, to restore your oral health and beautiful smile.
Fitting you with a crown usually takes two office visits, as your permanent crown will have to be custom made in a dental laboratory. Your custom crown is always carefully colour matched to your natural teeth.
During the first appointment, we examine you and perform a thorough cleaning. We use a local anaesthetic, and clear away any damaged or decayed portions. Your tooth is slightly reduced in size to allow room for the dental crown. An impression of your teeth is taken with putty which is used for making the crown. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth until the next appointment. In the case of dental implants, an impression is made of your implant and adjacent teeth to ensure a good fit.
At your second appointment, the temporary crown is replaced by your permanent crown which is glued on with dental cement, or screwed onto your implant.
A crown does not need special care although good oral hygiene is still needed to protect against tooth decay and to keep gums healthy. Proper brushing and flossing, especially where the crown touches your gums is important. You should avoid grinding your teeth, chewing hard items, or using your teeth as tools to extend the life of your crowns. With care, they can last between five to twenty years.
Your tooth may be sensitive after the procedure, but this should ease. Some temperature sensitivity may remain; your dentist may recommend a sensitivity toothpaste. Pain when biting may mean the crown is too high and will need adjustment.
Porcelain crowns may chip over time. We can repair small chips without removing the crown, but if there is enough damage, the crown needs to be replaced.
If the dental cement securing your crown washes or wears away, your crown becomes loose, and allows bacteria to seep into your tooth. If your dental crown is loose, come in to have it fixed. If a crown falls off completely, you should come in as soon as possible, but we will advise you on how to care for your tooth in the meantime. We are sometimes able to reattach the crown, but it may be necessary to get a new one.
