Over time your tooth can get damaged or lose its shape. It could be natural, caused by aging, or might be due to an injury. Nonetheless, a damaged tooth does affect the rest of your teeth as well as the structure of the jawbone. Therefore, dentists recommend getting a dental crown to help restore your tooth’s shape, size, and strength.
Now the questions are what exactly is a dental crown and what is its procedure?
Let’s find out!
What Is A Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a “tooth-shaped” cap placed over the damaged tooth. It is generally suggested if the dental filling doesn’t help protect the tooth. The crown covers the tooth shape, thus protecting it from further damage.
What Material Is The Crown Made Of?
The most common material used in a crown is gold. It is more durable and extremely sturdy. However, not everyone can afford it. Therefore, the experts at Dental Services Portsmouth New Hampshire, suggest using crowns made of metals, resin, porcelain, and ceramics. These materials don’t require any special care. You just need to practise good oral hygiene.
Why Are Dental Crowns Needed?
You or your loved one might need a dental crown due to any of the following situations:
- To protect the tooth from tooth decay or breaking.
- To hold together parts of cracked teeth.
- To restore a severely damaged tooth.
- To support a tooth with a large filling.
- To cover misaligned or discolored teeth.
- To hold a dental bridge in place.
- To cover dental implants.
- To cover the tooth that’s been treated with a root canal.
- To make a cosmetic modification.
In kids with baby teeth, the crown can be used for:
- Saving a tooth that’s been severely damaged and can’t support filling.
- Protecting the tooth from decay due to poor oral hygiene.
- To decrease the risk of general anesthesia.
In such a scenario, the dentist usually recommends stainless steel crowns.
Steps Involved In Preparing The Tooth For A Crown
It generally requires two visits for the placement of the crown.
* First Visit:
On the first visit, the dentist will take some X-rays to check the tooth’s roots where the crown needs to be placed. In case the tooth is severely damaged, and there is a risk of infection, a root canal treatment will be performed first.
In addition to this, the dentist will anesthetize or numb the tooth and gum tissues. It is done to create a room for the crown. And also to make and reshape the crown along the chewing surface.
How much area needs to be cleared depends upon the type of crown used. In case a large area of the tooth is missing, the dentist will first use the filling material to build support for the crown.
After this, the dentist will create an impression of the crown. It could be made using a paste or with a digital scanner. Apart from the main tooth, the impression of teeth above or below is also created. It is to ensure that the crown doesn’t affect the bite.
Once the impression is finalized, it is sent to the manufactures to create the crown. It generally takes 2 to 3 weeks to create the crown. In the meantime, the dentist will create a temporary crown to cover and protect the tooth.
* Second Visit:
On your second visit, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and fix the permanent crown. If the fit and color match your natural teeth shape, anesthetics will be applied to numb the tooth, and the crown will be cemented permanently to the place.
How To Take Care Of A Temporary Crown?
Typically dentists suggest a few precautions to protect the temporary crown till the second visit. These precautions include:
- Avoid eating sticky and chewy food such as caramel or chewing gum. These foods have the potential of pulling off the crown.
- Minimal use of the side of the mouth with a temporary crown. If you find yourself chewing on that particular side, shift the bulk of chewing to the other side.
- Don’t chew hard foods like raw vegetables. These can break the crown or dislodge it.
- While cleaning your teeth, try sliding dental floss instead of lifting.
What Problems Can You Develop Due To The Crown?
Although dental crowns can help protect your decayed tooth, you might develop the following issues after the treatment.
- Discomfort Or Sensitivity: As the anesthesia starts to wear off, the crowned tooth might start to feel sensitive. To help reduce the sensitivity, your dentist may recommend using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. However, if you feel any discomfort or pain while eating, it might be because the crown is too high on the tooth. In such a situation, you should visit your dentist; they can help resolve the problem.
- Loose or Chipped Crown: Sometimes, the porcelain and cement used for the crown get washed out. It can cause chipping or the crown to get loose. In case the chipping is extensive, you need to replace the crown. So, you must contact your dentist immediately.
- Allergic Reactions: The metal used for the crown is usually a mixture of several metals. Thus, there is a possibility that you might get an allergic reaction to this metal. However, it is extremely rare.
- Dark Line: Having a dark line next to the gum line is normal. It is the metal of the crown showing off. So, there is nothing to worry about. However, a dark line is not acceptable cosmetically. Therefore, your dentist might recommend replacing the crown.
What Is The Average Lifespan Of Dental Crown Last?
The average lifespan of a dental crown is between 5 to 15 years. It usually depends upon the “wear and tear” the crown is exposed to and the oral hygiene practices. Apart from this, other mouth-related habits such as chewing ice, biting fingernails, grinding or clenching teeth, or using teeth to open bottles or packaging also have a significant impact on the crown’s longevity.
Thus, if you wish to prolong the life of your crown, it is recommended to practice oral hygiene and have control over mouth-related activities.
Wrapping it up!
Getting a dental crown is crucial to help protect your beautiful smile. However, if you have any queries related to it, do ask your dentist. Also, make sure to follow the instructions given by them.
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