It’s quite normal to wonder, “What are dental crowns?” when you have a damaged tooth, and your dentist suggests that you get one. Dentists repair weak, fractured, or decaying teeth with dental crowns, which are caps formed like teeth.
It fits over your tooth like a snug hat, and to ensure a proper fit, some enamel removal is necessary before bonding the new crown in place. Crowns are crafted by dental technicians using materials like resin, metal, and porcelain.
Why Will Your Dentist Suggest a Dental Crown?
Dentists recommend dental crowns for various reasons, such as:
Providing support to a tooth with a large filling when there’s minimal natural tooth left
Enhancing the appearance of irregular teeth
Securing dental bridges
Protecting fragile teeth from breaking
Holding together parts of a cracked tooth
Restoring broken or significantly worn-down teeth
These versatile dental caps are crucial in maintaining and improving oral health and aesthetics.
What are the Various Types of Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns come in various materials, including stainless steel, all-metal (like gold or alloys), porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-resin, or all-ceramic.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel crowns are typically temporary and safeguard teeth or fillings while waiting for a permanent crown. They’re often used for children’s primary teeth, easily falling out when the baby tooth does. These crowns are cost-effective and efficient for children’s dental care.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns consist of high-gold or platinum and base-metal alloys, offering excellent durability and resistance to wear and tear. They’re a solid choice for molars, but their metallic appearance may deter some.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can match your teeth’s color but may cause more wear on opposing teeth and have a risk of chipping. They look natural, except for a potential dark line near the gum line if gums recede. They’re suitable for front and back teeth and long bridges.
All-Resin Crowns
All-resin crowns are budget-friendly but less durable, prone to wear and fractures compared to other types.
All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns
All ceramic or all-porcelain crowns provide the best color match and are suitable for patients with metal allergies. They can be used for both front and back teeth.
What to Expect During a Dental Crown Procedure
Typically, your dental crown procedure will require one or two visits to the dentist or prosthodontist.
- Your prosthodontist or dentist will shape and remove a layer of your tooth’s outer surface during your initial appointment. To ensure your comfort, they’ll use a local anesthetic.
- Next, they’ll capture the tooth’s shape either by taking an impression using a mold or with a digital scanner. A technician in a lab may use this information to construct a personalized crown matching the color of your other teeth.
- If a CEREC machine is used, a crown can be made and fitted on the same day. However, if the crown is produced in a laboratory, a temporary crown will be placed on your affected tooth, and it may take 2 to 3 weeks to create your permanent crown.
- Using dental cement or glue, your permanent crown will be fitted at your second appointment once it is ready.
How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost?
Dental crown prices can range from $800 to $1,500, depending on the material and tooth size. Gold crowns may cost up to $2,500, while all-metal crowns are a more budget-friendly option.
Additional work like root canals or implants can increase costs. Dental insurance may cover some costs, but it varies. Consult your dentist to decide the best crown for your needs and budget.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
The lifespan of a dental crown can vary from 5 to 15 years. Some types, like monolithic zirconia crowns, are more durable. Gold and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns tend to last the longest. All ceramic and all-porcelain crowns look natural but are not as strong. All-resin crowns wear down faster. Needless to say, proper care can extend the life of a crown.
Conclusion
In summary, dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps used to restore damaged teeth. They serve various purposes and come in different materials. The procedure involves tooth preparation and crown placement. Costs vary, and the lifespan of a crown depends on the material. Proper care is crucial for durability and maintaining oral health and aesthetics.
Schedule an appointment with the dentists of Valley Ridge Dental to get a dental crown today!
FAQs
Is it painful to get a crown?
Simply put, no. Prior to starting any stage of the crown implantation process, the dentist will administer anesthesia to the tooth and the nearby gum tissue. After the crown is placed and the anesthesia wears off, the patient may experience some discomfort or sensitivity.
How long does it take to put a crown on a tooth?
Typically, a dental crown procedure lasts around two hours. The entire process, including crafting the permanent crown in the lab, removing the temporary crown, and placing the final crown, takes about two to three weeks. Preparing the dental crown itself usually requires 50 to 90 minutes.
Can a tooth rot under a crown?
Tooth decay can develop around the edges of a crown or even beneath its surface. However, due to the extensive coverage of a tooth’s surface by crowns, detecting these cavities may be challenging without a thorough examination.
Why do dental crowns turn black?
In many instances, a black line develops when the underlying metal of the crown becomes visible. This occurs mainly with older dental crowns, usually constructed with a layer of porcelain fused to metal. As the gumline shifts and recedes with time, the metal underneath may start to show.
Why do gums recede around crowns?
Gums receding around a crown may suggest bruxism, gum disease, or an ill-fitting crown. Inflammation, discomfort, and unusual odors could be indicators of tooth decay beneath the crown or gum issues. If your crown is loose, damaged, or has fallen out, it’s crucial to seek dental care promptly.
