A dental crown procedure restores a tooth that has been damaged or decayed. Dental crowns can be an alternative to a filling when the tooth needs extra support because the cavity is large. Dental crowns can also cover and protect teeth after root canal therapy and are used as a restoration to complete dental implant surgery. Learn more information.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, function, and appearance. A dental crown often restores a tooth that has been damaged or decayed and protects it from further deterioration. A dental crown can also be prescribed for cosmetic reasons, such as to mask discolouration or improve the appearance of a misshapen tooth.
At Advanced Dental Care, we offer several types of dental crowns. Each dental crown material offers unique benefits. The best dental crown material for you depends on which tooth requires the crown and the severity of the damage.
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Porcelain crowns
Porcelain crowns offer the most realistic appearance due to their natural translucency. They are stain-resistant and robust, but they are primarily used for teeth towards the front of your mouth.
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Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns
PFM crowns are constructed using a metal alloy base coated in a porcelain shell. This gives the dental crowns a robust structure suitable for restoring molars, combined with a natural appearance. However, without the proper care, the porcelain coating can deteriorate, or your gums can recede, exposing the metal underneath.
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Zirconia
Zirconia dental crowns are a monolithic restoration that offers the perfect balance of rugged durability and realistic aesthetics. It is crafted from a single block of biocompatible tooth-coloured zirconia and can be placed on any tooth.
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Gold crowns
Gold dental crowns are an affordable option most suitable for molars and premolars. The gold alloy can withstand intense bite forces and grinding action without sustaining damage.
What is the Dental Crown Procedure?
The dental crown procedure typically involves more than one appointment. When you visit our team at Advanced Dental Care, you may receive a temporary cemented or metal-free crown during your first visit, then return for permanent cementation of the final restoration at a later date.
Here is a breakdown of what you can expect from the dental crown procedure.
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Initial consultation
When you come in for the initial consultation, your dentist takes X-rays to understand what type of dental crown would be best for you. They may also need to measure your tooth to ensure that the crown fits correctly.
A bitewing X-ray is one type of image your dentist may take when assessing your teeth for dental crowns. The bitewing X-ray is taken by having you bite down on a piece of dental film.
This action creates an image of the upper and lower teeth that can be used to detect cavities, plaque, and tartar build-up. This gives your dentist a clear picture of the level of decay or damage, allowing them to decide which type of crown best suits your needs.
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Filing and removing the outer layer of the tooth
Once the area is numbed with a local anaesthetic, your dentist then files and removes the outer layer of the tooth using a dental drill. This step creates a smooth surface so that the dental crown fits correctly.
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Taking impressions of the prepared tooth
Impressions are necessary to create dental crowns. Your dentist takes an impression of your teeth using an alginate material designed to capture an accurate reproduction of the form and size of your teeth. They then send the impression to a laboratory that creates the crown.
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Temporary crown placement
Temporary crown placement helps protect the tooth from further damage. The temporary crown is cemented using a mild adhesive that can be easily removed by your dentist.
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Lab fabrication of dental crowns
Your dentist sends your dental impressions to an off-site lab where skilled technicians fabricate your dental crowns. The process can take up to two weeks to complete.
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Your final appointment
Your dentist removes the temporary crown and places the custom crown on your tooth. They first clean the tooth and then numb it with a local anaesthetic. Then, your dentist removes any excess bonding material and places the dental crown on your tooth, cementing it in place.
Talk With Your Dentist About Dental Crowns
When it comes to dental crown procedures, our team can evaluate your oral health and create a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
Whether you need a tooth repaired or other restorative dentistry work done, our dedicated team can rehabilitate your smile and renew your confidence. Take care of your teeth and gums by contacting Advanced Dental Care Dubbo at (02) 6188 7103 today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Crowns
https://www.mayodentalclinic.com/services/restorative/crowns/
Dental X-rays
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11199-dental-x-rays
Dental Crown Procedure
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-crown-procedure/
