Your Dental Crown Options Explained

Do you have a tooth that’s causing you trouble? There are many different reasons why you might feel uneasy about your smile, which affect both your confidence and your comfort level.

If your tooth is cracked, worn, or partially damaged by tooth decay, a dental crown can help.

Today, we’re taking a close look at the dental crown procedure so you can understand your options and make an informed decision moving forward. We’ll share the types of crowns available, what to expect during the treatment, and how to assess if crowns right for you.

What are dental crowns?

A dental crown is used to restore the shape, form, and function of your tooth. It is secured in place onto your existing tooth, fully covering the portion of your tooth that’s visible above the gum line. As a result, the crown becomes your tooth’s new outer surface.

How do I know if I need one?

A dentist may recommend a dental crown to:

• Restore a broken or fractured tooth
• Fortify a weak tooth against fracturing
• Cover a misshapen or discolored tooth
• Attach a bridge to restore missing teeth
• Cover a dental implant

Often, dentists will recommend a crown when your existing, natural tooth is not strong or substantial enough to hold a standard filling. The crown can prolong the life of your natural tooth and prevent more severe damage from occurring down the road. Treating a compromised tooth with a crown can help ward off additional decay, breakage, or even tooth loss.

Different Materials Used to Make a Dental Crown

Dentists can use different types of materials to create dental crowns, including ceramics, porcelain, metal alloys, and composite resin, among others. In our office, we use lab-created crowns made from:

• Gold
• Porcelain fused to metal (PFM)
• Pressed ceramic
• Zirconia

When the crown is made, the final material will be colored to match your natural tooth as closely as possible.

Not sure which type of material to choose? Your dentist can recommend the type of material that best fits your needs. They will look at a few different factors to select the material that will look the best and fit the most comfortably in your mouth.

A few of the key components they’ll consider include:

• The location and function of the tooth
• The shade of the surrounding teeth
• The adjacent gum tissue position
• The amount of tooth shown when you smile

Of course, your personal preference is also a key factor in this decision. This is a collaborative decision you will make with your dentist, and you should feel comfortable with the final material selected.

The Steps Used to Place a Dental Crown

Most of the time, it will take two trips to the dentist’s office to complete your dental crown treatment. This distinguishes a crown from a dental filling, which can be performed right in our office in a single visit. With a filling, we can apply the restorative material directly into the tooth. However, a crown follows a different process. It will be fabricated in a lab, designed to fit perfectly in place. Let’s take a look at the steps you can expect to undergo.

First Visit: Tooth Preparation and Impression

At your first visit, your dentist will prepare your tooth to receive the crown. This may include removing existing decay or building up the core of your tooth to help strengthen its structure.

Then, your dentist will make a precise model of your tooth. This unique impression reveals scores of details about the shape and size of your tooth. It also helps dental laboratory technicians understand your bite and jaw movements.

Before you leave, you may also be fitted for a temporary crown. This is meant to protect your tooth while your permanent crown is being made. Try to avoid eating anything sticky while your temporary crown is in place, and keep in mind that your tooth might be sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks.

Second Visit: Dental Crown Placement and Adjustment

It normally takes less than two weeks to design and develop your custom dental crown.

When it’s ready, you’ll visit our office a second time. Your dentist will position the permanent crown in place and make any necessary adjustments. You’ll have the opportunity to view the placement to see how it looks and feels. Once everything is securely fitted, the crown will be cemented into place.

After Your Dental Crown: Taking Care of Your Teeth

Dental crowns are very strong and are designed to last a long time. However, they can break, just like your regular teeth. In addition, the tooth underneath the crown is still vulnerable to decay and cavities.

This is why it’s important to take great care of your dental crowns after your treatment. Remember to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and don’t forget to floss around each tooth.

It’s also best to avoid chewing on ice or other hard foods to make sure your crown stays securely in place. Putting too much force on the crown can dislodge it or weaken its bond.

As long as you stay consistent with your regular dental cleanings, you can enjoy years of comfort with your new crown. Staying up to date with these biannual exams is the best way to identify any early issues and ensure optimal dental health.

Ask your dentist for more information about dental crowns.

We’ve covered the basics of dental crowns, but we’re always available to answer any other questions you might have. If you’re still wondering about the materials used, the process involved, or the follow-up steps required, feel free to get in touch with our team.