Our teeth are strong and can withstand a lot of stress, but they’re not indestructible. Injuries, tooth decay, bite problems, and cavities can all lead to damaged teeth. But a damaged tooth doesn’t always have to be replaced.
Dental crowns fit over the entire tooth to restore weak, broken, or decaying teeth. Dentists use these tooth-shaped caps to protect the teeth and prevent further damage.
A dental crown consultation is your opportunity to gather important information and address any concerns. You should ask your dentist:
- Why do I need a dental crown?
- What’s the procedure like?
- What material options do you offer?
- How long will the crown last?
- What are other restorative options?
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown, or a dental cap, encases a broken or decayed tooth. Crowns restore the tooth’s shape, size, and strength. At Ti Dental, we offer two types of dental crowns.
Lab-Made Crowns
Dental crowns are often made in a lab after the dentist takes impressions of your teeth. Based on the impressions, a dental technician crafts a crown to perfectly fit your tooth. This process can take a few days, and a dentist will give you a temporary dental cap to wear.
CEREC Same Day Crowns
Some dentists offer CEREC same day crowns, which use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to customize the crowns. In addition to the quick process, these crowns also offer other advantages. Ask your dentist if you are a good candidate for a CEREC same day crown.
Why Do I Need a Dental Crown?
If your dentist recommends getting a dental crown, it’s important to understand why. Your dentist might suggest a crown if you have:
- A chipped tooth
- Bite problems
- Tooth decay
- A root canal
- Old fillings and restorations
- A stained or misshapen tooth
What Is the Procedure Like?
For lab-made crowns, the procedure will be split into two different appointments.
In the first appointment, your dentist will prepare your tooth for the dental cap and take impressions of your teeth. The impressions are then sent to the lab to make the crown. The permanent crown is normally ready within 7-10 days. Each dental office may differ, so be sure to ask how long it will take to manufacture your crown.
While you wait for the dental lab to manufacture the crowns, your dentist will place a temporary cap over your tooth. Once the new crown arrives, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and replace it with the permanent one.
CEREC same day procedures skip the temporary crown, and you wait only 1-2 hours for the in-house milling machine to finish making your crown. Once it’s ready, your dentist cements it to your tooth. The entire process takes 2 to 4 hours.
What Material Options Do You Offer?
Dental crowns can be made from various types of materials. Your dentist will recommend different materials based on factors like your tooth’s location or function, the position of the gum tissue, and the colour of the adjacent teeth.
Gold crowns are resistant to chipping and are made to last. They’re also gentle on the opposing natural teeth. These are often used on out-of-sight molars where strength matters more than appearance.
Ceramic crowns offer a more natural look, so they’re generally used for front teeth. The options for ceramic crowns include porcelain, pressed ceramic, and all ceramic. Each of these types offer different purposes and varying levels of strength.
Some crowns fuse metal and ceramic, effectively combining the durability of the metal and the natural colour of porcelain.
How Long Will the Crown Last?
Dental crowns can last a long time, though their longevity also depends on the material and how well you take care of them. Maintain good dental hygiene by brushing and flossing your crown, just like you would brush and floss your natural teeth. The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) also reminds us not to use your teeth to open or cut things.
What Are Other Restorative Options?
In some cases, other types of restorative dentistry such as fillings, inlays, onlays, veneers, or dental implants may be viable options.
Fillings are used to repair minor chips, cracks, or holes in the teeth. Dentists also use fillings to fix cavities caused by minimal tooth decay. In this case, a dentist removes the decayed area and replaces it with a filling.
Inlays and onlays are used for teeth that are too damaged for a filling but too healthy for a crown. Veneers cover the front side of the tooth, which can cover permanent stains or straighten the appearance of the smile.
If the tooth is too damaged or severely decayed, your dentist might recommend extracting the tooth and replacing it with a dental implant.
Discuss with your dentist whether any of these alternatives could suit your specific dental concern.
Taking Care of Your Teeth
Regular dental exams help maintain your oral health by preventing damage and decay. If you suspect you need a restorative dental procedure, reach out to your dentist as soon as possible.
Dental crowns can protect weakened teeth and restore the function of damaged teeth. Speaking with your dentist and asking questions helps determine if a crown is the best option for you. Book an appointment with Ti Dental today to see how restorative dentistry can help you.
