What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns, also known as caps or tooth crowns, are prosthetic devices placed over damaged or decayed teeth to restore their function, shape, and appearance. They’re custom-made to fit over the entire tooth, from the gum line to the chewing surface, and are made of porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these materials.
A dental crown can also be used on top of a dental implant, to support a dental bridge, or act as a cosmetic solution to improve the appearance of teeth.
When Is a Dental Crown Necessary?
There are multiple dental issues that a crown can fix. Our Prairie Village dentist may recommend a dental crown for various reasons, including:
- Protecting a Weak Tooth: If a tooth has been weakened by decay, a large filling, or a root canal, a dental crown can provide additional support and prevent the tooth from breaking.
- Restoring a Broken or Damaged Tooth: A dental crown can be used to restore a tooth that has been broken, cracked, or severely worn down.
- Covering a Dental Implant: After a dental implant is placed, a dental crown is often used to cover the implant and create a natural-looking tooth replacement.
- Supporting a Dental Bridge: A crown can support a dental bridge, which is used to replace missing teeth.
- Improving the Appearance of a Tooth: Dental crowns can be used as a cosmetic solution to improve the appearance of misshapen, discolored, or poorly spaced teeth.
Signs You Need Dental Crowns
Some signs that you may need a dental crown include:
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
- A cracked or chipped tooth
- A large filling that needs to be replaced
- A tooth that has had a root canal
- A tooth that’s misshapen or discolored
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Some of the benefits of dental crowns include:
- Protection: They can help protect weak or damaged teeth from further damage or decay.
- Restoration: Dental crowns can restore the function and appearance of damaged teeth.
- Durability: Crowns are strong and durable, and can last for many years with proper care.
- Versatility: Dental crowns can be used for a variety of dental problems, from restoring a broken tooth to covering a dental implant.
- Aesthetics: Crowns can be made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, creating a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing result.
If you’re wondering how dental crowns may benefit you, contact our Prairie Village dentist today to schedule your next appointment!
Types of Dental Crowns
There are various types of dental crowns, ensuring that each patient receives the solution they need to restore their smile. Our Prairie Village dentist will go through your options and recommend the best choice for your dental health.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are made of a tooth-colored material that can be matched to the shade of your natural teeth, making them a popular choice for front teeth. They’re biocompatible and produce a natural, lifelike appearance.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns are made of gold, nickel, or other metal alloys. They’re extremely durable and can withstand heavy biting forces and last a long time. However, their metallic color makes them less popular for front teeth.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM)
PFM crowns are made by fusing a metal base with a porcelain coating, providing the strength of the metal and the aesthetics of the porcelain. They can be used for both front and back teeth.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are made of a durable, biocompatible material that is resistant to chipping and cracking. They can be matched to the color of your natural teeth and are an ideal option for back teeth.
Same-Day Crowns
Same-day crowns, also known as CEREC crowns, are a type of dental crown that can be fabricated and placed in a single dental visit. This is in contrast to traditional dental crowns, which typically require multiple appointments and the use of temporary crowns while waiting for the permanent crown to be fabricated in a dental lab.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Consultation and Planning
- Our dentist will examine the tooth to determine if it needs a crown or if there are other treatment options better suited for your oral health.
- X-rays might be taken to check the roots of the tooth and surrounding bone.
First Visit
- Preparation: The dentist will numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue using a local anesthetic. The tooth is then reshaped along the chewing surface and sides to make room for the crown. The amount of tooth that needs to be removed will depend on the type of crown material.
- Impression: After reshaping, an impression of the tooth is created to ensure a proper fit and bite for the crown. This may be done traditionally using a mold or digitally with intraoral scanners.
- Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is created. It’s generally made from acrylic and is temporarily cemented in place.
Second Visit
- Permanent Crown Fitting: The temporary crown is removed. The dentist will place the new crown on the tooth to check its fit and color. If everything is acceptable, the tooth is cleaned and the new crown is permanently cemented in place.
- Adjustments: Bite adjustments might be made to ensure a proper fit. The dentist may ask you to bite down several times to verify the fit and adjust as necessary.
Aftercare and Follow-up
- It’s not uncommon to experience some sensitivity or mild discomfort after the procedure, especially after the anesthesia wears off. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be helpful.
- Aftercare is crucial for the longevity of your crown and your oral health. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups will ensure the longevity of your new crown.
- Avoiding hard foods and not using the crowned tooth as a tool (like opening packages) will help prolong the life of the crown.
Discover If Dental Crowns Are Right for You
Dental crowns are a popular and effective way to restore damaged or decayed teeth. Contact our Prairie Village dental office at (913) 362-4488 today to schedule a consultation with our dentist. They’ll evaluate your oral health and recommend the best treatment for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, dental crowns can last anywhere from five to 15 years or even longer with proper care. The lifespan of your dental crown will depend on various factors such as the material used, oral hygiene routine, and the amount of wear and tear the crown is subjected to. Porcelain and ceramic crowns tend to have a longer lifespan than metal or resin-based crowns.
Getting a dental crown should not be painful as the procedure is usually performed with a local anesthetic. Some patients may experience some discomfort or sensitivity during or after the procedure. Your dentist can prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any discomfort.
Generally, it takes two dental visits to complete the dental crown placement process. The total time it takes to place a dental crown on a tooth can vary depending on the specific case and the dentist’s technique. Your dentist will provide a treatment timeline at your initial consultation.
Yes, it’s possible to get a dental crown placed in one day using a technology called CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics). This technology allows the dentist to create and place a custom crown in a single dental visit. The dentist will take digital impressions of the tooth, design the crown using computer-aided design (CAD) software, and then use an in-office milling machine to fabricate the final crown.
