How Does A Crown Work On Teeth? All You Need To Know

Dental crowns are used to restore a tooth’s function and appearance after it has been damaged by decay or injury. Dental crowns can protect a damaged tooth, cover a discoloured or misshapen tooth, support a tooth with a large filling, complete a dental implant or root canal treatment, or anchor a dental bridge. 

Understanding how a dental crown works on teeth can help you decide if a dental crown is the right restorative treatment for your tooth. 

How Does a Crown Work on Teeth?

A dental crown is a prosthetic device placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. The crown replaces damaged enamel and dentin, protecting the tooth from further wear and tear. 

Apart from restoring the tooth’s function, a crown can also improve its appearance by disguising damage or discolouration. Crowns are often used to protect a tooth that has been weakened by decay or injury or to restore an already broken tooth or one that has been severely worn down.

How Does a Crown Work on Teeth: Materials

The dental crown you receive depends on several factors, including the tooth’s location, the amount of tooth structure remaining, your bite, and cosmetic goals. Your dentist can help you choose the best type of dental crown for your needs. 

Crowns are usually made from porcelain, gold alloys, composite resin, or porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM). Each type of material has its own advantages and disadvantages.

• Gold Alloys

Gold alloys are often used for back teeth because they are strong, durable, and resistant to corrosion. A 2018 study found that gold alloys can last up to 50 years, making them a worthwhile investment. However, they are noticeable and unsuitable for anterior teeth. 

• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)

PFM crowns are resistant to damage from pressure, so they are often used on the back teeth. However, the porcelain coating can thin or chip over time, giving your tooth a grey appearance. If your gums recede due to gum disease, overbrushing, or smoking, the metal framework may show. 

• Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns are the most popular type of crown because they look like natural teeth, making them ideal for teeth at the front of the dental arch. They are also stain-resistant. However, they are not as strong as gold alloys or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. 

• Composite Crowns

Composite crowns are made from a plastic resin and are less expensive than other types of crowns. They can also be matched to the colour of your natural teeth. However, composite crowns are not as strong as other types of crowns and may not last as long.

How Does a Crown Work on Teeth: The Dental Crown Procedure

Before receiving a dental crown, the tooth needs to be prepared. After removing necrotic tissue using a dental drill, your dentist sand contours the tooth enamel into a conical shape to accommodate the crown. 

Traditional Crowns

At No Gaps Dental, we offer both traditional and CEREC dental crowns. A traditional dental crown procedure involves taking an impression of the prepared tooth, which is then used to create a model of the tooth. To take an impression of the tooth, a dental practitioner uses a putty-like material and a tray to create an imprint of the tooth.

The model is then sent to an off-site lab, where a technician uses it to create a custom-fit dental crown. This helps to ensure that the crown fits snugly and comfortably over the existing tooth. 

The dental crown is cemented onto the tooth. This helps ensure that the crown stays secure and does not come loose over time.

The entire procedure usually takes two or three visits to complete.

CEREC Crowns

A CEREC dental crown procedure can be completed in just one visit. We use state-of-the-art CAD/CAM technology to create a 3D model of the tooth. This model is sent to an on-site milling machine where your custom-fit dental crown is fabricated from a solid block of zirconia ceramic colour-matched to your natural tooth shade.

The crown is then placed over the tooth and cemented into place. As the entire dental crown procedure can be completed in one visit, CEREC crowns are often more convenient for patients.

How Does a Crown Work on Teeth: Risks 

There are also a few risks associated with dental crowns, although they are relatively rare. These risks include: 

• Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions can happen because of the materials used in the dental crown. Gold alloys and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns contain trace amounts of nickel, which can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

• Nerve Damage

Rarely, the nerves in the tooth may be damaged during the tooth preparation for the dental crown procedure. This can cause numbness or tingling in the lips, gums, or tongue.

• Root Canal Failure

A dental crown can cause a root canal to fail. This occurs when the crown puts too much pressure on the tooth, damaging the root canal.

Restore Your Smile With Dental Crowns From No Gaps Dental

At No Gaps Dental, we understand the importance of a healthy and beautiful smile. A dental crown can preserve your natural tooth and smile, providing you with years of healthy chewing function. 

If you need to repair a damaged tooth or cosmetically enhance your smile, contact No Gaps Dental on (02) 8007 6727 to make an appointment to discuss dental crowns with your dentist. We have 15 conveniently-located practices across Sydney. Use our online form to schedule your consultation today. 

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

References

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns versus All-ceramic Crowns
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK304693/

Root canal treatment
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/root-canal-treatment