Understanding Dental Crowns

• A dental crown is a custom-made cap or covering that is placed over a tooth. It serves to restore the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and improve its appearance. Crowns can be made from various materials including porcelain, zirconia, gold alloy, or a combination of porcelain and metal, depending on the patient’s needs and preferences​​.

• Crowns are typically recommended for:

• Repairing broken or cracked teeth.

• Treating severely decayed teeth.

• Protecting teeth after root canal treatment, especially back teeth.

• Strengthening weak teeth.

• Covering discolored or misshapen teeth​​​​.

• The materials used for crowns include:

• Porcelain: Popular for its natural appearance.

• Zirconia: Known for its durability and strength.

• Gold Alloy: Favoured for its longevity and less tooth structure removal.

• Porcelain-Metal Combination: Offers a balance of aesthetics and strength​​​​.

• The procedure typically requires two visits. The first visit involves preparing the tooth and taking impressions or scans, and the second visit is for fitting the crown. The entire process can span a few weeks. Some dentists also offer same-day crowns using CEREC technology​​​​.

• Yes, with advanced CEREC technology, some dentists can complete the crown procedure in one visit. This involves digital scanning, creating the crown using in-office milling machines, and fitting it on the same day​​​​.

• The procedure involves:

• Reshaping the tooth and removing a portion of its outer surface.

• Taking an impression or a 3D scan of the reshaped tooth.

• Creating the crown in a lab (or in-office for same-day procedures).

• Fitting the crown onto the tooth using dental cement or adhesive​​​​.

• The procedure itself is not usually painful as it is performed under local anesthesia. Some discomfort or sensitivity might be experienced after the procedure, especially once the anesthesia wears off, but this is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relief​​.

• Proper care includes:

• Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

• Flossing daily to remove plaque.

• Avoiding hard foods that could damage the crown.

• Regular dental check-ups for maintenance and monitoring​​​​.

• Dental crowns can last between 5 to 15 years, depending on the material used and how well they are maintained. Factors like oral hygiene, personal habits (like grinding teeth), and regular dental visits play a significant role in their longevity​​.

• The crown itself cannot decay, but the tooth underneath it can, especially at the margin where the crown meets the tooth. Hence, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial to prevent decay and ensure the longevity of the crown​​​​.

• Alternatives include:
  • Dental fillings: Suitable for minor decay and damage.
  • Inlays and onlays: Offered when the tooth damage is not extensive enough for a crown.
  • Dental veneers: Used primarily for aesthetic improvements on front teeth.
  • Dental bonding: A less invasive option for minor cosmetic changes​​.

• The cost varies based on the material used and the complexity of the procedure. Prices can range from several hundred to a few thousand Australian dollars. It’s best to get a detailed quote from your dentist.

• Coverage depends on your dental insurance plan. Some plans may partially cover the cost, especially if the crown is medically necessary. It’s advisable to check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details.

• Yes, once the permanent crown is fitted and the adhesive has set, you can eat normally. However, it’s recommended to avoid very hard or sticky foods that might damage the crown.

• Possible complications include allergic reactions to materials, infections under the crown, gum disease, loose crowns, increased sensitivity, crown fractures, cavities under the crown, ill-fitting crowns, chipped crowns, and dark lines on the gums with porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns​​.

Yes, minor damages like chips can often be repaired with composite material. However, significant damage may require replacing the entire crown.

• Signs of a loose crown include movement of the crown, discomfort when chewing, or an unusual taste. If you suspect your crown is loose, it’s important to see a dentist immediately.

• If your crown falls out, keep it safe and contact your dentist as soon as possible for advice. Avoid trying to reattach it yourself, as improper fitting can cause damage.

No, dental crowns cannot be whitened. The color of a crown is permanent, and whitening treatments will not change it. It’s important to discuss desired tooth color with your dentist before the crown is made.

• Good oral hygiene is key to preventing gum disease around a crown. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings. Also, ensuring your crown fits properly is crucial to avoid plaque accumulation​​​​​​.

• Yes, crowns can be used on front teeth, especially when these teeth are broken, decayed, or need an aesthetic improvement. Porcelain or zirconia crowns are often preferred for front teeth due to their natural appearance.

• A crown covers the entire tooth, while a veneer only covers the front surface. Crowns provide more structural support and are used for heavily damaged teeth, whereas veneers are primarily for cosmetic improvements.

• It’s a crown with a metal base covered by porcelain, offering a blend of strength (from the metal) and a natural tooth-like appearance (from the porcelain). However, they may show a metal line at the gum.

• Yes, crowns can improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, misshapen, or badly aligned.

• Dental crowns generally have a high success rate when properly maintained, with many lasting 10-15 years or more.

Your choice should be based on factors like the tooth’s location, your bite, gum tissue, color of the adjacent teeth, and personal preferences. Your dentist can guide you in making the best choice.

• Yes, crowns are often recommended after a root canal, especially on back teeth, to protect the tooth and restore its function.

• Initially, it’s advisable to avoid very hard or sticky foods to prevent damage to new crowns. Otherwise, there are no long-term dietary restrictions.

• A correctly fitted crown should feel comfortable, not cause pain or sensitivity, and match the bite of the opposing teeth. If you experience discomfort or bite issues, consult your dentist.

• Yes, children can receive dental crowns, particularly on baby teeth that have been damaged or decayed. These crowns are typically made of stainless steel.