This article was written in collaboration with OptiSmile, an expert in dental bonding based in Cape Town, South Africa.
Picture this, you’re glancing in the mirror one morning and notice a crack in one of your molars. This issue, combined with an unsightly large filling you’ve meant to replace, is a confidence deflator. Your smile, after all, is one of your most expressive features. What do you do? Thanks to modern advancements, solutions like dental crowns can restore teeth aesthetics and functionality. This guide aims to uncover the secrets of dental crowns, ensuring you’re informed and equipped to make the right choices for your dental health.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a cap positioned over a damaged tooth. This cap is crafted from various filling materials, with options such as porcelain or composite resin. Its primary purpose is safeguarding, covering, and restoring your tooth’s shape.
Read more: Invisalign vs traditional braces
Who Needs a Dental Crown?
While a cracked tooth might be an obvious candidate, there are several situations where a dental crown might be beneficial, including:
- Large cavities that can’t be filled traditionally.
- Old or broken larger fillings.
- Post-root canal, where the tooth is fragile and needs protection.
- Teeth that are severely worn down, weakened, or cracked.
Types of Dental Crowns
Temporary Crown
As the name implies, these are short-term solutions positioned while you await your permanent crown. At Bondi Family Dentist, we ensure the temporary crown is secure with an adhesive that’s easy to remove later.
¾ Crowns or Onlays
¾ Crowns or Onlays are ideal for those not requiring a full crown. These cover just a segment of your tooth.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Getting a tooth crowned is relatively straightforward, but you will need to schedule more than one appointment. Here’s what you can expect during the dental crown procedure.
Examining and Preparing Your Tooth
Initially, your dentist thoroughly examines the affected tooth to assess the damage’s extent and ensure it can support a crown. The consultation may also involve taking X-rays to view the tooth’s roots and surrounding bone.
Tooth Reshaping
To make room for the crown, the outer layer of the tooth is carefully reshaped. This reshaping ensures the crown fits seamlessly and feels natural once placed.
Dental Impression
After reshaping, a precise digital scan is taken from the teeth. This ensures the crown will align perfectly with your bite.
Temporary Crown Placement
A temporary crown is placed over the reshaped tooth to protect it from damage and sensitivity. This provisional measure is essential as it shields the tooth while the permanent crown is fabricated.
Lab Work
The detailed digital impressions are sent to the lab, where skilled technicians use the mould to craft a crown that matches your natural teeth’ shape, size, and shade.
Final Crown Fitting
Once your bespoke crown is ready, your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment. During this session, the temporary crown will be removed, and the permanent one will be meticulously cemented, ensuring a comfortable and durable fit.
Recovery and Maintenance Post-Crown Placement
Navigating the days after receiving a dental crown requires care and understanding. Here’s what you can expect and how to maintain the health and look of your newly crowned tooth.
Post-Procedure Feelings and Expectations
After your crown has been placed, it’s entirely usual for you to feel a bit of sensitivity or mild discomfort around the area. This sensation is particularly pronounced when consuming hot or cold items. The good news is that these sensations are transient and typically subside in a few days. If the discomfort persists beyond a week, consult your dentist.
Foods to Avoid With a Crown
In the initial days following your crown placement, you should be cautious about what you eat. Foods that are excessively crunchy, sticky, or particularly hard can jeopardise the setting of your crown or cause discomfort. It’s best to avoid items such as caramel, hard sweets, nuts, and ice cubes. As time goes by and the crown fully sets, you can gradually reintroduce these foods, but with a bit of caution.
Lifespan and Care of Dental Crowns
With regular and diligent care, a dental crown can last many years, offering functionality and aesthetics. Like natural teeth, crowns aren’t impervious to wear and tear. Keep an eye out for signs that might suggest your crown needs attention, such as a feeling of looseness or unusual discomfort when chewing. Routine dental check-ups are crucial, as they allow your dentist to assess the state of your crown and address any early signs of issues. By adhering to a regimen of proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, you can maximise the lifespan of your crown and ensure it remains in prime condition.
Advantages of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer many benefits beyond being associated with cosmetic dentistry, which enhances aesthetic appeal. They serve as a crucial tool in restoring the functionality of a damaged or worn tooth, allowing individuals to eat and speak with ease once more. Additionally, by providing much-needed strength to weakened or compromised teeth, they act as a shield, protecting them from further deterioration. Crowns play a vital role in improving overall oral health, preventing potential issues that could arise from leaving damaged teeth untreated.
Disadvantages of Dental Crowns
While dental crowns bring many benefits, weighing them against potential drawbacks is essential. One common concern among patients is the heightened sensitivity experienced after the crown’s placement, especially when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks. Although this sensitivity usually subsides, it can be a temporary inconvenience. Additionally, getting a dental crown requires multiple visits to the dentist, which may pose scheduling or convenience challenges for busy individuals.
Dental Crowns: Our Final Thoughts
Dental crowns are an exceptional solution to address damaged or compromised teeth. Not only do they restore functionality, but they can significantly uplift your confidence by rejuvenating your smile.
Considering a dental crown to enhance your teeth’s strength and appearance? Bondi Family Dentist is ready to revitalise your oral health. Book a consultation with us, and let’s turn your dream smile into a reality.
