What are dental crowns?

Dental Crowns are a tooth-shaped cap which is placed on the tooth to restore the shape, size, and appearance of the tooth. 
It also enhances the strength of the tooth. If the major part of the tooth is missing, then the crown is the best solution for it. By placing the crown, a tooth can function normally again.

When is dental crown needed?
Dental Crowns are needed to:

• Protect or restore a tooth from fracturing due to accident or trauma
• Replace a tooth which is too large for a filling
• Get a cap over Implant placed
• Restore the tooth on which RCT was performed
• Cover discolored, misshaped or badly formed tooth

If your dentist has advised, you to get a crown and you are delaying the process then there are chances that you can damage your tooth to the extent that extraction is the last resort.

How long is the crown supposed to last?
Like all other dental treatments, the durability of your dental crown depends on how well you maintain it. Regular brushing and flossing followed by scaling at a regular interval will help to increase the longevity of crown. The average crown lasts from 5-7 years and a well to do crown can last more than 10 yrs.

What are various types of dental crowns?

Dental Crowns can be made in various materials such as:

Metal Crowns- This crown is made up of non-noble metals that are highly resistant to corrosion. These can even withstand hard chewing forces and biting. Being stronger they last long and do not wear down easily. It also requires the least amount of healthy tooth to be removed before fitting.

The only drawback is that they are visible from a distance hence, suitable only for molars.

PFM- Also known as porcelain-fused to metal crown. It is extremely durable in nature. If you have aesthetic concerns and also wish to have metal crowns inserted then these are the best option available. The inside of the teeth is made up of metal and the outer portion of the crown is made of porcelain, as a result, it has the dual advantage – metal which provides strength and porcelain which matches with the color of the teeth making it look like natural teeth.

Few drawbacks are that in case of anterior teeth if u have a gum recession the dark line of metal could be more visible. Also, though tooth coloured, it does not look as natural as the All Ceramic crowns. Even, the amount of tooth needed to be removed for placing PFM crown is more as compared to the All ceramic one.

Ceramic Crown
These crowns give a life-like appearance. They can’t be distinguished from the natural teeth and are most esthetically pleasing. The crown is made of a porcelain-based material. It has a relatively high pressure strength than any other crown. Not only is the strong but blends more naturally with your tooth color making it unnoticed.

 
Will there be any trouble in eating after crown is placed?
No, there won’t be any trouble while eating rather eating will become easier with the placed crown as it will increase your ability to chew. Initially, you may feel slight discomfort, but taking small bites of soft food for a few days makes the adjustment easy.

What will be the process of placing the crown and how much time will it take?

The placement of crown will take usually two appointments, the first appointment will include preparation of the tooth, surrounding the previously occupied area for crown to be placed and the impression is taken. A temporary crown may/may not be placed depending on the condition of the tooth, before you get the permanent one in the next visit.
In the second appointment we will replace the temporary crown with the permanent one, then the dentist will examine if there is any adjustment needed, additional appointments might be required for ensuring proper fit. Both the visits will take half hour to one hour.

How long after crown is placed can I eat?

After the permanent crown is placed it would be advisable to avoid sticky foods and hard food items for the first 24 hrs from the side crown is placed. And for the first hour no drinking water or food. After that you may eat, drink, and clean your tooth just like before.

DO’S AND DON’TS WITH DENTAL CROWNS

DO’S

1. Since the natural teeth are still beneath the crown and are vulnerable to decay, therefore, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene therefore brushing, rinsing and flossing should be followed regularly.
2. If you clench your teeth, then it is advised to use mouthguard to protect your crown and this also does not allow your teeth to wear down.
3. Get crowns only by a dental expert who is trained in placing dental implants. Poor placement of crowns can reduce the longevity of crowns.
4. Do visit your dentist every 6 months to ensure that your oral health is in the best care.

DON’TS

1. Do not use your teeth as tools as this will put pressure and will damage the crown
2. Do not bite your nails and chew pencils
3. Do not chew ice or candy which is hard
4. Do not eat sticky food
5. Do not consume too hot or too cold food as this might cause sensitivity

Myths about dental crowns

Dental Crowns carry a lot of myths with them a few of them are:

Dental Crowns Do Not Look Natural
this is a misconception that dental crowns do not match with your teeth hence give the impression of an artificial tooth. However, with changes in technology crowns come in various material which looks exactly like your natural teeth.

Crowns Last Forever
Though the crowns are now stronger and have longevity, yet they cannot last a lifetime. It also depends as to how well they are taken care of. To ensure they last longer visit your dentist after every 6 months, your dentist will monitor your crown and will replace it timely.

Food And Beverage Stains The Crown
The biggest myth that people carry. They believe that food and beverages can stain their teeth with time but in reality, the crowns are made of porcelain and ceramic which do not stain easily.

Dental Crowns Do Not Break Or Chip
Though ceramic and porcelain are harder substances yet if you bite on something extremely hard, or face accident or trauma then your crown may break.

You Cannot Get Cavity With Crowns
Because crown covers your tooth, therefore, they become vulnerable to decay. Though crowns, as they are artificial, have no chances of decay yet the part below them can decay. It is, therefore, required to keep your teeth and the area around clean to prevent a cavity.

 

How much do I have to pay for Dental Crowns?

The price of dental crowns depends on the type  of material chosen by the patients. For example, you’ll have to pay more for an all-porcelain bridge than for a metal bridge.
Dental Crowns may be more expensive than fillings, but they have the advantage of actually lasting longer as well.

Do Dental Crowns Hurt?

Before the procedure, dentists administer a local anaesthetic. Therefore getting dental crowns may not hurt. However, once the anaesthetic wears off, feeling soreness and sensitivity in the gums is usual, and it usually goes away in a few days.

Do One Needs A Dental Crown After RCT?

Root Canal Treatment means that the pulp inside the tooth will be cleared out. Therefore to provide strength after filling up the cavity, crowns are usually used. Adding a crown to the tooth after RCT increases the longevity of the tooth.

 

We at Sood Dental Care and Implant Centre are committed to providing you with comprehensive dental solutions for all your dental problems. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step towards a healthier, brighter smile! To make an appointment Call us on +91 9914 066 700