What Does a Tooth Crown Look Like? Understanding the Process

27th December 2022

What Does a Tooth Crown Look Like? Understanding the Process

Dental crowns are covers that fit over the top of natural teeth that have been damaged in some way. They can help to restore and protect your teeth when fillings aren’t enough. Read on to learn about a dental crown procedure and tips on how to increase the lifespan of your dental crowns and keep them in pristine condition.

 

Why would you need a crown?

Several reasons may call for a dental crown, such as:

  • Covering a tooth that’s had a root canal
  • Covering a tooth implant
  • Covering severely discoloured or misshapen teeth
  • Keeping a dental bridge in place
  • Restoring a severely worn down tooth or a broken tooth
  • Protecting a weak tooth from breaking or keeping it together if parts of it are cracked

 

What materials are dental crowns usually composed of?

Permanent crowns can be made out of various materials, including:

  • Metal: Dental crowns can be made from a variety of metals, including chromium, nickel, palladium, and gold. In comparison to other types of crowns, metal ones are much more resistant to chipping and breaking. They also last longer before requiring replacement. Plus, only a small part of your tooth needs to be removed in order for the metal crown to be fitted. Additionally, they can withstand chewing and biting forces. dental crowns cerec sydney
  • All-ceramic or all-porcelain: Among all types of dental crowns, these provide the best natural colour match. These crowns are also a sound choice if you’re allergic to metal. However, they do not measure up in strength to porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. All-ceramic crowns are a great choice for front teeth. 
  • Pressed ceramic: The innermost core of these dental crowns is solid. Pressed ceramic dental crowns take the place of the metal liner that is used in the all-ceramic crown creation process. Pressed ceramic crowns, which are capped with porcelain, provide the best natural colour match and are more long-lasting than an all-porcelain crown.
  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal: This type of tooth crown can be matched to the colour of your other teeth, making it more natural looking. They can be a great choice for back or front teeth.

 

Dental crown procedure: what to expect

Keep in mind that you will need more than one visit for this procedure.

 

1. Initial assessment

On the initial visit, the dentist will assess the tooth that is to receive the crown and ensure that it’s ready. They will find a ceramic shade that closely resembles the colour of the other teeth, particularly for a front tooth. 

 

crown cost tooth sydney2. Tooth preparation

In order to provide a patient with a good-fitting crown, the dentist may have to file away some portion of the tooth.

Before the dentist prepares the tooth, they will inject local anaesthesia. Dental work will commence once the anaesthesia has taken effect. If the patient has an injury to the tooth’s pulp or tooth decay, the dentist will perform a root canal. The dentist will always attempt to save as much of the tooth from being removed. Keep in mind some portion of the tooth may have to be filed down. 

 

3. Impressions and crown preparation

After the preparation of the tooth, the dentist may use a thin cord or another tool to pull the gum tissue away from the exposed tooth gently. Gingival retraction is the name for this process, which gives the dentist a clear view of the tooth.

The dentist will take an impression of the tooth using silicone-based putty. The process should look something like this:

  • The dentist will begin by applying an ample amount of putty on either a plastic or metal tray.
  • Next, they’ll put the trays on the teeth for the patient to bite down for several minutes.
  • After the putty sets, the dentist will take the tray out of the mouth.
  • They will next analyse the mould to guarantee there are no air pockets or flaws.
  • They will repeat the process to get a precise impression if there are any issues.

You won’t need putty if your dental clinic offers digital dental impressions. The process is as follows: If the mould is sent to a laboratory, they will make either a virtual or physical model of your crown from your impression. The dental lab will then use that model to create your final crown from the material your dentist suggests.

 

4. Temporary crown

A temporary crown is a type of dental restoration that is only meant to be in place for a short amount of time. The dentist will place this over the tooth with an adhesive that can be easily removed. This is a temporary measure while the patient is waiting for their permanent crown.

 

5. Permanent crown

extend life crown teeth sydneyAt the next appointment, the old temporary crown will be replaced with a new permanent one. The permanent crown may still need some refining. It must fit snugly to the tooth and provide a complete seal. The dentist will check to see if the new crown fits before attaching it permanently to the tooth. They’ll use dental cement, which is stronger than regular glue and made to last for an extended period of time.

After the dentist securely places the permanent crown, they will check to ensure that the bite stays even. Sometimes, in order to make the crowned tooth fit better, they will file down the tooth opposite it.

 

Same-day dental crowns – Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic technology

No Gaps Dental uses CEREC technology to provide same-day dental crowns, so you don’t have to return for a second visit. CEREC is a cutting-edge dental technology that uses computer-aided design and manufacturing to create precise onlays, inlays, veneers, and crowns. 

 

What are the advantages of CEREC crowns?

CEREC dental crowns help you get the smile you’ve always wanted in just a couple of hours. They are more comfortable for patients because there is no need to take dental impressions, which can be messy. The scanning process is also highly accurate, so dentists can create crowns that fit perfectly and preserve more of the tooth. With CEREC technology, you will have your permanent dental crown on the same day, so you don’t need to wear a temporary one.  

 

 

What are the factors that influence crown longevity? 

The following elements can affect how long a dental crown will last.

 

Partial or full crown

A partial crown, also called an onlay or inlay, is usually necessary when a tooth requires more restoration than a filling but not as much coverage as a full dental crown. A full crown covers the entire portion of a tooth above the gum line, while a partial crown only covers some part of the tooth. We usually place full crowns on teeth that are heavily damaged or decayed.

 

benefits crown dental sydneyDental hygiene

Although dental crowns do not decay, if you do not take care of your teeth properly, the tooth underneath the crown can become infected.

If you neglect your dental crown, the cement could weaken and cause the crown to fall off. Brushing teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once every day are important in making your dental crown last. 

 

Position of the dental crown

The longevity of your dental crown is determined, in part, by its placement in your mouth. Teeth situated in the back of the mouth generally don’t last as long as teeth in the front.

 

Bruxism

Did you know that grinding your teeth puts extra pressure on your crowns and could cause them to fail? Over time, if you grind your teeth excessively, it can lead to cracks, chips and other damage to crowns. 

 

Lifestyle habits

Your crown’s longevity largely depends on your daily habits. Using your teeth to open packets or bottles instead of a knife or scissors can break or damage your teeth. 

 

crowns teeth treatment types sydneyMaterials used

The life expectancy of a dental crown varies depending on the material it is designed from. Porcelain crowns are made entirely of ceramic and have a high survival rate, depending on the type of ceramic used, ranging from 90.7% to 96.6%.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns have a metal base and porcelain coating, which typically lasts for 5 and 15 years. Metal crowns are not only durable but also strong. They can last for quite a while.

 

How can you extend your dental crown’s life?

Dentists recommend that patients take proper care of their teeth after any treatment, including dental crowns. Here is how you can best take care of your crowns:

 

Break free from your bad habits

Bad habits like chewing your nails or clenching your teeth can loosen the crown. Did you know that people who chew ice are more likely to damage their dental crowns? Be sure to brush and floss carefully around the gum line, where the gums meet the teeth.

 

Avoid hard and sticky foods

Although crowns are built to last, they can get damaged just like your regular teeth. If you eat sticky or chewy foods, they can damage your crown or get stuck between your teeth and gum line. Whenever possible, it’s best to abstain from these foods.

 

Use a night guard

The night guard, which resembles a retainer, ensures that your lower and upper teeth do not touch. It can be useful for patients who have a habit of clenching their teeth during sleep. Over time, the grinding motion will wear down not only your crown but also the rest of your teeth. Additionally, it can cause the crown to come off.

 

Maintain good habits

The longer your dental crown lasts, the better off you are – it all comes down to rituals like brushing and flossing as well as other oral habits. In contrast to temporary crowns, permanent crowns need less attention. Be sure to floss and brush your teeth regularly, and don’t forget to rinse with antibacterial mouthwash – paying extra attention to the area around your crown.

 

Make time for the dentist

It is important to keep your regular appointment with your dentist, especially if you have crowns or implants. By visiting the dentist regularly, you can avoid substantial crown costs by getting small problems fixed before they become bigger.

crowns teeth treatment types sydneyIf you experience pain while biting or chewing, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

After the dentist examines the surrounding area, they will be able to determine what is causing your pain. In most instances, it’ll be because the crown sits too high.

If you have this problem, your dentist can change the shape and location of the crown. If the glue beneath a crown washes out, bacteria may find a way in and cause decay. 

 

How much do dental crowns cost?

The cost of a crown in Australia can start from $1100. However, the final price of your dental crown will be affected by several elements, such as 

  • How skilled and experienced the dentist and technician are
  • Fees from the laboratory used 
  • The specific type of crown needed 
  • And lastly, whether or not your insurance plan covers it 

Your dentist will help you understand which type of crown suits both your dental needs and budget.

 

When should you replace your crown?

By examining your mouth and the crown in question, your dentist will be able to help you determine when it would need to be replaced.

Here are some signs that your crown needs replacement

  1. Your dental crown is no longer aesthetically pleasing
  2. You observe wear and tear on your dental crown
  3. Your dental crown is chipped or cracked
  4. You notice swelling or pain around a crowned tooth
  5. You observe a receding gumline

 

Choose No Gaps Dental for your dental crown needs!

Do you avoid smiling or laughing because you’re embarrassed by your damaged or discoloured teeth? A dental crown could be the answer for you if that is the case. At No Gaps Dental, we offer our patients premium dental crowns that are dependable and prolong the life of their teeth! We’re proud to provide this high level of attention and care!

Book your appointment with No Gaps Dental now or call us on (02) 8007 6727.

 

 

 

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. 

 

 

 

 

 

References

How Long Can You Expect a Dental Crown to Last?
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-a-crown-last

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns versus All-ceramic Crowns: A Review of the Clinical and Cost-Effectivenes
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK304697/