What is A Dental Crown & Do You Need One?
When it comes to dental restorations, a dental crown is one of the most common solutions provided by dentists. But what exactly is a dental crown? How do you know if you need one? In this post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about dental crowns and when they might be the right choice for you and your oral health.
What is a Crown in Dentistry?
A dental crown is a cap (or crown) that’s placed over a damaged or weakened tooth. It aims to restore the tooth’s shape, size, and strength, while also providing the cosmetic benefit of improving appearance. Crowns are typically recommended when a tooth is severely decayed, broken, or worn down, and can be made from materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these.
When Might You Need a Dental Crown?
You might need a dental crown for a variety of reasons, including:
- To protect a weak tooth from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth.
- To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down.
- To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t much tooth left.
- To cover a dental implant or improve the appearance of a discoloured or misshapen tooth.
- To protect a tooth after a root canal treatment, giving it additional strength and durability.
The Dental Crown Procedure – How it works
The process of installing a dental crown on your tooth typically takes place over two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, your dentist will examine and prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping it to fit the crown. A mould or digital scan will be taken to create a custom crown, which will be placed on your second visit. In the meantime, a temporary crown will be fitted to protect your tooth.
On your second visit, the custom-made crown is securely placed over your tooth using dental cement. Once in place, your crown will look and function just like a natural tooth, allowing you to chew and smile with confidence.
How Long Does a Crown Last on a Molar?
A dental crown acts as an investment in your oral health, preserving your natural tooth while also protecting any other dental work you may have had done. It strengthens the tooth’s structure, helping it last longer and reducing the need for further treatments.
The lifespan of your dental crown depends on several factors, including the material used and how well you care for it. As an average, crowns can last between 10 to 15 years with proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.
How are Dental Crowns Different From Veneers and Dental Bridges?
Dental Crowns vs Veneers:
While both crowns and veneers can improve the appearance of your teeth, they serve different functions.
A dental crown covers the entire tooth, providing both cosmetic and functional restoration. They are typically used when a tooth is weakened or damaged and needs structural support. Veneers, on the other hand, are thin shells that are bonded to the front surface of the tooth. They are primarily used for cosmetic purposes, and don’t offer the same level of protection as crowns.
Dental Crowns vs Bridges:
A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to neighbouring teeth. The teeth on either side of the gap are fitted with crowns, which hold the bridge in place. In this sense, a bridge involves the use of crowns but is designed specifically to fill a space where teeth are missing, improving the appearance of a series of teeth.
Get a Dental Crown for your Broken Tooth
Now that you’ve read our guide, if you think you might need a crown or are looking to repair a damaged tooth, contact the friendly and experienced team at Totally Smiles.