What is meant by a dental crown?

A crown is simply a tooth-shaped cap fitted over a tooth to strengthen and protect the tooth structure. Most crowns will be made of a hard, white substance to make them look natural.

A crown will fit over the remaining part of a tooth that has been prepared which makes it stronger. It is also sometimes known as a 'cap'.

Why would it be necessary to have a dental crown?

Crowns are ideal to repair broken teeth or teeth that have been weakened by decay or by a very large filling. Other instances when a dental crown would be used would be:

• To improve the appearance of discoloured fillings
• After a root filling a crown will protect what is left of the tooth
• To help hold a bridge or denture in place.

What material is used to make a dental crown?

Crowns could be made of a variety of different materials with new materials continually being introduced. Some popular options are:

Porcelain bonded to precious metal: most crowns are made from this. A precious metal base with porcelain layers applied over it.

Porcelain: made entirely out of porcelain and consequently not as strong as the bonded crowns are. They can look very natural and are most often used as crowns for front teeth.

Ceramic: this modern technique can offer an alternative to metal, and can give all the strength of a bonded crown with the look of a porcelain crown - suitable for all areas of the mouth.

Glass: these crowns have a very natural appearance and can also be used anywhere in the mouth.

Gold-alloy crowns: gold has traditionally been one of the oldest filling materials. Used with other metal alloys it increases strength, and that makes it very hardwearing. These crowns will be coloured silver or gold.

How is a dental crown manufactured?

First your dentist will shape the tooth ready for the crown. This will mean removing a layer of the outer surface. The amount of tooth removed will be equal to the thickness of the proposed crown.

After the tooth is shaped, the dental team will make a mould of the prepared tooth and one of the opposite jaw and then possibly another one to show the way your teeth bite together.

The impressions will then be given to a dental technician, along with information about the shade to use and any other information they might need.

What is meant by a post dental crown?

If a tooth is root-filled a post may be inserted into the tooth root before a crown is fitted to support the crown helping it to stay in place. The surface of the tooth may also be removed down to the level of the gum.

A post might be made of prefabricated stainless steel that would be fitted directly into the root canal or a custom-made post constructed to fit the shape of the prepared root canal, the post in the root canal is cemented in position, ready for the crown to be fitted.

Are there any alternatives to post crowns for root-filled teeth?

If a tooth with a root filling is not completely broken, it might be possible to build it up again. The rebuilt 'core' will be prepared in the same way as a natural tooth would be and impressions will then be taken.

What happens between my dentist visits?

A temporary crown will be fitted so you can use the tooth while you wait for your permanent crown and that might be more noticeable but will only be temporary.

How will my dental crown be fitted?

When your dentist and you are happy with the appearance and the fit of your new crown, the final fixing will take place using a special dental adhesive or cement that will hold the crown in place.

How long will the whole treatment process take?

You will have to have at least two visits. At the first visit, all the preparations are made and your temporary crown will be fitted. The second visit will see the permanent crown fitted with about one or two weeks between each appointment.

Will having my tooth prepared for a crown hurt?

No. Local anaesthetic will be given and preparation work will feel no different from just having a filling. If the tooth has no nerve, and will be having a post crown inserted then even a local anaesthetic may be unnecessary.

Will people notice my dental crown?

The match to your other teeth with the crown colour will be as close as possible. The shade of the teeth surrounding the crown will be noted and that will ensure that the colour of the crown is as natural as possible.

Will my dental crown feel different in my mouth?

The shape of the crown will be a little different from the shape of your original tooth before it had the crown, so at first you might be aware of it. Within a few days, however, you won’t notice it. The crown might need to be adjusted to your bite if it does not feel right you should ask your dentist to look at it and adjust it.

How much will a dental crown cost?

Costs for dental crowns vary according to what type of crown is fitted and the material that it is made from. Always make sure you get a written estimate and a treatment plan from your Dentists Near Me dentist.

What is the best way to care for my crown?

It is important to care for your crown and keep it clean just as you would your natural teeth. The crown will not decay, but decay can begin to take hold where the edge of the crown meets the tooth. Brush all your teeth last thing at night and at least once at another time of day with a fluoride toothpaste, and also clean in between your teeth with floss or  special interdental brushes.

How long will my crown last?

The longevity of any crown will depend on how well it is looked after. Properly cared for crowns can last for years.

If you need a dental crown then your search will be easy when you use Dentists Near Me to find a dentist convenient to you.