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 & to seal it off from outer environment. 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 used as caps on missing or fractured tooth to protect the life of your teeth. 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
- Require a bridge in that case crowns are a must
Moreover, not getting a dental crown can wear down other adjacent teeth causing damage to them as well.
WHAT ARE VARIOUS TYPES OF DENTAL CROWNS?
Dental Crowns can be made in variety come in various materials such as:
Metal Crowns
If someone is looking for cheap and the durable solution then metal crowns are to the rescue. These will aid you in chewing normal basic foods with ease. The major drawback is that they are visible from a distance hence, suitable only for back teeth. We can even make them in gold for you if you wish to have it that way.
Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal(PFM Crown)
If you have aesthetic concerns and also are okay with having metal in your mouth 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.
Metal-free Crown
If you do not want to have metal inserted inside your mouth but want the strength to match metal crowns then metal-free crowns are the best option available. The come in 2 variants : Zirconia & Ceramic. Depending on which tooth it is we can guide you better regarding the variant. Not only is the strong but blends more naturally with your tooth color making it unnoticed. It does not have any aesthetic concerns and is the best option for the front, back and even for the bridges. The problem of PFM Crown ie porcelain wearing down and metal being visible is solved by this type.
DO’S AND DON’TS WITH DENTAL CROWNS
DO's
- 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.
- 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.
- Do visit us every 6 months for followups to ensure that your crowns are in the best shape.
DONT's
- Do not use your teeth as tools to open things such as bottle caps, tear wrappers etc as this will put pressure and will damage the crown
- Do not bite your nails and chew pens,pencils
- Do not chew ice or candy which is hard(type specific restriction)
- Do not eat sticky food
- Do not consume too hot or too cold food as this might cause sensitivity(type specific restriction).
MYTHS ABOUT DENTAL CROWNS
Dental Fillings are of various types. The type of filling to be used will depend upon the condition of decay and other factors such as a person being allergic to a material. The different type of fillings available are:
Dental Crowns Do Not Look Natural
There 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 materials which do not stain easily.
Only Used For Restorative Dentistry
People believe that one gets crown only if they have fractured tooth, have undergone root canal treatment or have broken or chipped a tooth. But the truth is they are used in cosmetic dentistry as a way to enhance the appearance and to have a whiter and beautiful smile.
Dental Crowns Do Not Break Or Chip
Though crowns are made from harder substances yet if you bite on something extremely unnaturally hard, or face accident or trauma then your crown may break.
You Cannot Get Cavity With Crowns
Every tooth is 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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q.1. What Is The Cost Of Dental Crowns?
Dental Crowns may be more expensive than fillings, but they have the advantage of actually lasting longer as well. At Precision Smiles Dental Care, we ensure that our patients always get the best quality and value for their money. We have various options to fit your budget.Visit us to know more.
Q.2. How Long Does A Dental Crown Last?
Depending on several factors that include the case specifics, material, and compliance to oral hygiene routines, dental crowns may last anywhere between 5 to 15 years or beyond. We advise our patients to maintain their oral hygiene after placement of dental crown regular followups are must.
Q.3. Do Dental Crowns Hurt?
No they dont.
Q.4. Do One Needs A Dental Crown After RCT?
Root Canal Treatment means that the nerve inside the tooth will be cleared out. Therefore to provide strength after filling up the cavity, crowns are a must. As without a crown the RCT treated tooth may fracture under bite load.