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Dental crowns are a versatile and highly effective solution for restoring and enhancing the function and appearance of damaged teeth. A crown, often referred to as a “cap,” is custom-made to fit over an existing tooth, covering it entirely to protect and strengthen it. Crowns are typically crafted from durable materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal, and offer a long-lasting solution that can dramatically improve the shape, size, and appearance of a tooth.
Crowns are commonly used to replace large fillings after they have broken down. When there is little natural tooth structure left, crowns provide stability and prevent further damage to the tooth. They are also ideal for protecting weak teeth from fracturing, especially after procedures like root canals, where the tooth may be more vulnerable.
Beyond strengthening damaged teeth, crowns also play an essential role in aesthetic dentistry. They can be used to cover discolored or poorly shaped teeth, creating a more attractive, symmetrical and uniform smile. For patients who have missing teeth, crowns are used in conjunction with dental bridges or dental implants to fill in gaps and restore a complete, functional smile.
Call us today to schedule a consultation, and let’s discuss how dental crowns may be a fit to improve your oral health and appearance. Our experienced team will assess your dental needs and recommend the best treatment options to restore your smile’s beauty and functionality.
You may need a dental crown if:
- You have a large cavity, especially in a back tooth
- Your tooth or filling is broken or the tooth is structurally unstable
- You have a large filling with a only a small portion of natural tooth structure remaining
- You’ve had a root canal, which makes the tooth brittle
- You want to improve the appearance of discolored or chipped teeth
Typically, getting a dental crown takes two appointments, which will be scheduled approximately 2 weeks apart.
The first visit usually takes about 90 minutes. During that visit, Dr. O’Donnell will prepare the tooth by removing any decay or unstable existing filling material. A buildup material is then applied and cured to provide a stable platform onto which the crown will be placed. Precision reduction of the buildup and tooth structure follow to allow just enough space for a crown to fit onto the tooth. From there, a state of the art intraoral scanner is used to record with micrometer accuracy the shape and contours of the tooth to be sent to a lab. This eliminates the need for old-fashioned “gooey” impressions. The digital scan is sent to our dental laboratory where they can start working on your custom crown right away. Finally, a temporary crown will be placed while the permanent one is made, which usually takes about 2 weeks.
You should expect your second appointment to take about 30 to 60 minutes. At this appointment, we will remove the temporary crown, and then “seat” or “deliver” the permanent crown and cement it in place.
A dental crown buildup, also known as a core buildup, is a procedure performed when there is not enough natural tooth structure remaining to support a crown. This can happen when a tooth is extensively decayed, fractured, or has undergone root canal treatment. The buildup involves adding a filling material which usually is made of composite resin, to “build up” the tooth so that the crown can be securely placed on top.
This extra reinforcement ensures that the crown has a solid foundation, improving its durability and longevity. Without a proper buildup, the crown may not fit properly, leading to potential complications like crowns coming off, or fracture and damage to the tooth.
There are several types of crowns, including:
- Porcelain or ceramic crowns: These crowns are popular for their natural appearance, blending seamlessly with your other teeth.
- Zirconia crowns: Known for their strength and aesthetics, zirconia crowns are a great option for patients seeking both durability and a natural look.
- Gold crowns: Made from gold and other metal alloys, these crowns are typically the most durable and long-lasting, though they are more noticeable.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns: These combine the strength of metal with the natural appearance of porcelain. This technique is less commonly used due to advances in other materials that have better aesthetics.
The process of getting a dental crown is generally painless. We will use a local anesthetic to numb the area, ensuring you won’t feel any discomfort while your tooth is prepared. Dr. O’Donnell’s technique of anesthetic delivery is very gentle. After the procedure, you may experience mild sensitivity to the tooth, gums or the area around the anesthetic, but this usually is mild and subsides within a few days.
The second appointment is when the temporary crown is removed to place the permanent crown. If your tooth has had a root canal, there is generally no need for anesthetic at the second appointment since there is no longer a nerve in the tooth. Generally speaking though, most people are more comfortable with some anesthetic for the second appointment as well while we cement the permanent crown.
Insurance plans typically expect crowns to last at least 5 to 8 years. With proper care dental crowns should last closer to 12 to 15 years, or even longer. Recent advances in materials science have made the most common reason for a crown to fail from decay rather than from material failures. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional fluoride treatments will help extend the life of your crown. Wearing a night guard to protect your teeth from grinding, and avoiding chewing on hard objects can also help prevent damage to your crowns.
Yes – unfortunately dental crowns don’t last forever and need to be replaced if the tooth underneath decays or if the crown material fractures. Many people don’t know that even though crowns themselves cannot get cavities (decay), you definitely can get a cavity at the edge of the crown where it meets the tooth, which can spread underneath the crown. Usually this type of breakdown is discovered on routine x-rays or during a dental examination. A crown is simply a cover or a “cap” over the natural tooth. If the cavity is caught early enough, and the tooth underlying the crown is still in good shape, a crown replacement is usually possible and predictable. If you experience any discomfort or notice that your crown feels sensitive, loose or looks worn, contact us for an evaluation.
Taking care of a dental crown is similar to taking care of your natural teeth:
- Brush and floss daily. Dental decay (cavities) are the #1 reason for a crown to require replacement
- Avoid chewing on hard foods like ice or hard candy. These types of foods can create microfractures in the crown similar to a rock chip in a windshield. Eventually, these microcracks can fracture the crown
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups, x-rays, and cleanings
Not quite, a crown and a veneer are different in both shape and function. While a crown covers the entire tooth, a veneer only covers the front surface. Veneers are usually used to conservatively treat cosmetic concerns, while crowns offer structural protection and cosmetic restoration. Each has their own function which overlaps in certain areas, but one is not “better” than the other.
If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to contact us! We can evaluate your specific case and recommend the best course of action to ensure your smile stays healthy and strong.