Is your tooth cracked, chipped, discolored, or severely decayed? Or do you need to protect a tooth that has had a root canal? In cases like these, your dentist may have recommended a "crown," or "cap," as we call it. For many people, this can seem a little scary and confusing. So today, let's talk briefly about what a dental crown is, when it's needed, and how the treatment works.
Simply put, what is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made, completely custom-fitted "cap" that fits over your tooth. Like a tight-fitting hat, this crown completely covers and protects your weakened, broken, or decayed tooth. To fit it properly, your dentist will need to remove a very small amount of the tooth's enamel. The new crown is then cemented to the tooth with a special cement.
These crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including resin, metal, and porcelain.
When is a Dental Crown needed?
There are several benefits to a crown. You may need a crown for the following reasons:
- Strengthen a weak tooth: When a tooth is filled too much, the remaining part of the tooth can become weak. A crown is placed to prevent further breakage of such a tooth.
- Protect a cracked tooth: If there is a crack or chip in a tooth, a crown can help hold the tooth together by stopping it from spreading further.
- Restore a worn or broken tooth: It is possible to restore the shape and function of a tooth that has been worn down due to teeth grinding (bruxism) or other causes.
- Retain a Dental Bridge: A bridge for a missing tooth is attached to the teeth on either side with the help of crowns.
- Cover a severely discolored tooth: Some teeth have discoloration that cannot be corrected with regular cleanings. In such cases, a crown is placed to give them a beautiful appearance.
- Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment: After a root canal, the tooth becomes weak. It is essential to place a crown to protect the tooth from breaking.
- Cover a Dental Implant: A crown is affixed over an artificial root (implant) that is placed where a tooth is missing to make it look like a tooth.
What types of dental crowns are there?
There are several types of crowns to choose from, depending on your needs, preferences, and oral health. Let's take a look at them in this table.
| Crown type | Description and advantages/disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Metal Crowns | Made from metals like gold, palladium, and nickel. Pros: Very strong, doesn't break easily, and lasts a long time. Cons: Unsightly due to metallic color. Best for inner molars. |
| Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) | There is a metal layer on the inside and a porcelain layer on the outside that matches the color of the tooth. Pros: Strong and looks good. Cons: Over time, the porcelain layer can break down and the metal underneath can be visible. It can also look like a black line at the gum line. |
| All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain | This type is the most similar to the appearance of a natural tooth. It is best suited for those with metal allergies. Crowns made of a material called zirconium dioxide are very strong. Pros: Very natural looking. Cons: Some types are not as strong as PFM. |
| Same-day Crowns | These are made using a technology called `CAD/CAM` (computer-aided design/manufacturing). The dentist takes measurements of your tooth using a computer and creates the crown using a machine right in the dentist's office. Pros: The treatment can be completed in one day. Cons: Not suitable for everyone. This technology is not available everywhere. |
| Resin (All-Resin Crowns) | They are less expensive than other types. However, they can break easily. They are usually used to make temporary crowns. |
How does the procedure for placing a crown work?
Usually, you will have to see the dentist for two days for this treatment.
First Day (First Visit)
- Tooth preparation: The first step is to prepare the tooth for the crown. To do this, a small amount of enamel is removed from all sides and the tooth is ground down. This is done to make room for the new crown. Sometimes, if the tooth is missing, parts of the tooth are rebuilt with a filling material. All of this is done to create a strong foundation for the crown.
- Dental Impressions: Next, a measurement of your teeth is taken. This can be done with a mold made of a material like putty or with a handheld scanner (digital impression). This measurement is sent to a dental lab to create a custom crown for you.
- Placing a temporary crown: It takes about two to three weeks for your permanent crown to be made in the lab. During that time, the dentist will place a temporary crown to protect your prepared tooth.
Second Day (Second Visit)
Once your permanent crown is made and sent from the lab, you will need to see your dentist again. Here are the things you will do on that day:
- The temporary crown is removed.
- The newly created crown is carefully checked for shape, color, and fit to the tooth.
- If everything is in order, the new crown is permanently bonded to the tooth using a special, strong cement.
Remember, if you feel any pain during the treatment, tell the dentist so they can give you the anesthesia you need to keep you comfortable.
How do you take care of a crown after it is placed?
After a crown is placed, you can usually go about your daily activities. However, it is normal to experience some sensitivity in the tooth for a few weeks, especially to hot and cold things. You may also experience some mild pain in the gums. This will go away in a few days.
Foods not to eat with a Crown
If you have a temporary or permanent crown, avoid these foods:
- Chewing ice cubes
- Very hard nuts (e.g. cashews, peanuts)
- The hard seeds (kernels) in popcorn
- Very sticky foods like toffee and caramel
These types of foods can damage or even dislodge your crown.
How to make the crown last longer?
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Clean between your teeth with floss daily.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash to control plaque and bacteria.
- If you have a habit of grinding your teeth (bruxism), talk to your dentist about it and get a mouth guard made for you to wear at night.
- Go for regular dental checkups.
If something like this happens, see a dentist immediately.
If you have a dental crown, notify your dentist immediately if you notice any of the following:
- If the crown feels loose.
- If there is a bad taste or odor coming from the mouth.
- If you see a crack or break in the crown.
- If the sharp edges of the crown get stuck in the tongue or gums.
Take-Home Message
- A dental crown is a tooth-shaped covering that protects your weak, broken, or decayed tooth and restores its appearance and function.
- There are different types of crowns made from different materials, such as metal, porcelain, and zirconia. Your dentist can help you choose the type that is best for you.
- This treatment usually requires two appointments. On the first day, the tooth is prepared and a temporary crown is placed, and on the second day, the permanent crown is attached.
- If well cared for, a dental crown can last 5 to 15 years, maybe even longer.
- If there is any problem with the crown, such as it becoming loose, breaking, or causing pain, see your dentist immediately.
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