A crown, sometimes referred to as a “cap,” is a complete covering for a tooth that is used to restore functionality to a tooth that has suffered damage. Crowns cover the entirety of the exposed portion of the tooth. They are commonly made from porcelain and fashioned to look just like the top of a natural tooth.
When is a crown needed?
Crowns are one of many options available for restoring teeth and may be an option when bonding or other more conservative treatments are not. This includes cases where a tooth has extensive tooth decay, a crack that threatens the structural integrity of the tooth, or after root canal therapy has been performed. Crowns can save a damaged tooth and restore it to its normal shape, strength, and appearance.
- Dental crowns are recommended in a number of situations, which include:
- Protecting a cracked or broken tooth
- Giving support to a dental bridge
- Covering a dental implant
- Addressing cosmetic issues, like discoloration
What does getting a crown involve?
Traditional porcelain crowns will take more than one visit to complete, and involve examining the tooth, preparing the tooth for the crown, and placement of the final crown.
Preparation
- Step 1: X-Rays
If necessary, X-rays will be taken to make sure there is no severe damage to the roots of the tooth. - Step 2: Preparing the Tooth
As long as the damage is not severe, Dr. Rosado will remove any decay and will begin to prepare the tooth by filing down the top and sides of the tooth to make sure the crown fits. Your mouth will be numb during this time so you should not feel anything as she does this. - Step 3: Necessary Adjustments
If the tooth had decay to the point where some of that tooth is missing, Dr. Rosado will fill in the tooth to make sure it can support a crown. - Step 4: Impressions of the Tooth
Once the tooth is shaped for the dental crown, an impression will be made of the tooth that will be receiving the crown as well as the ones surrounding it to ensure that the crown does not affect your bite. This impression will be sent to a dental lab where the crown will be created in a shade that will match well with your other teeth. - Step 5: Temporary Crowns
While waiting for the crown to be created, you will be fitted with a temporary restoration to protect your tooth until your next visit.
Placing the crown
Once the final crown is made you will come back to our office to have it placed.
- Step 1: Removing Temporary Crown
Dr. Rosado will remove the temporary crown and check to make sure the permanent crown fits correctly and is the right shade to match your other teeth. - Step 2: Permanent Crown
You will then have the permanent crown placed on the tooth with a dental cement.
How do I care for my crown?
The lifespan of your crown can depend on how well you take care of it. Remember, the crown is still protecting a living tooth that needs the same care as the rest of your teeth. Be sure to continue to brush twice daily and floss in order to eliminate plaque from the area where the crown meets your gums and prevent gum disease.
It’s best to avoid biting into hard surfaces or other objects which might damage your crown (such as fingernails). Let Dr. Rosado know if you have a habit of grinding your teeth, as this should be addressed to help protect, not only your crown, but all of your teeth from damage.
Different types of crowns
Crowns can be made of different materials, depending on things such as the location of the tooth, how much pressure the tooth will be under, how visible the tooth will be, and other factors.
Below are some of the different types of materials crowns can be made from, and the features of those materials.
- All-Porcelain or All-Ceramic
These dental crowns are often the best match in appearance to the original teeth and are a good choice for those with metal allergies. - Metal
Metal crowns are the longest-lasting type of crown and rarely break. They don’t match the color of the rest of the teeth, however, are best used for molars that tend to be out-of-sight. These can be gold or another alloy. - Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM)
A hybrid of metal and porcelain crowns. This type of crown can better match the color of the surrounding teeth, though a dark line from the metal underneath may show, depending on the patient’s gum line. - Zirconia
Crowns made from zirconium can offer strength similar to the natural tooth structure. While being close in appearance to natural teeth. They are unlikely to cause allergic reactions and are incredibly durable. - Resin
Resin crowns are less expensive than other types of crowns and are the typical choice for a temporary crown as you wait for your final crown. These tend to wear down over time and are more likely to break than the other restoration types. - Lithium Disilicate
A natural-looking material that is strong and light, but may not be as durable as some of the alternatives. This material tends to be used for front teeth. - Pressed Ceramic
Typically used for front teeth, pressed ceramic crowns have a hardened inner ceramic core that makes them longer lasting than all-ceramic crowns.
All types of crowns may differ in their costs as well. Dr. Rosado will recommend the type of crown she feels is the best fit for the patient’s needs.
