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What Is a Dental Crown? A Guide for Patients in Australia
If a tooth is broken badly enough, weak enough cracked or heavily restored then even a regular filling may not be enough protection so a dental crown might need to be put on it.
What is a dental crown and what does it do and when might you need one?
A dental crown is a custom made restoration which covers an existing tooth to restore shape, function and appearance.
Crowns can be ceramic, porcelain, zirconia, metal alloys or other dental materials.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth shaped cap placed over a prepared natural tooth.
It covers the visible part of the tooth and restores its structure so it can function normally (not loose or broken).
The Australian Dental Association (ADA) defines a full crown as an artificial crown which fits exactly into a prepared natural tooth.
A dental implant replaces a tooth that has been lost and a crown is used when enough of the natural tooth remains to support a restoration.
Why Might You Need a Dental Crown?
A dentist might suggest a crown if a tooth has lost a lot of structure and needs more protection or restoration.
Common situations include:
- A cracked or broken tooth: A crown can be used to repair a tooth that has suffered major structural damage.
- Severe tooth decay: If the decay has weakened too much of the tooth for a conventional filling to be sufficient then a crown can be used.
- After root canal treatment: A tooth that has been treated with a root canal may need a restoration to protect and restore function (case by case).
- Large or failing fillings: If a tooth has large restoration and little tooth structure remaining crown may be an option.
- Change in tooth appearance: Crowns may be used occasionally to change the shape or appearance of a severely damaged or altered tooth.
A crown is needed if the tooth, gums around it, bite and overall oral health are all OK.
A dentist needs to know all that before he or she can recommend treatment.
What Are Dental Crowns Made From?
Dental crowns are made from different materials and the right one is chosen according to where the tooth is, how it looks (how white or brown it should be), how strong it needs to be and what your dentist has planned for treatment.
Common options include:
Ceramic or porcelain crowns.
These look more natural and may be considered if aesthetics are important.
Zirconia Crowns.
Zirconia is a ceramic used in dentistry and can be used where strength AND appearance are required.
Metal Crowns.
Metal alloys are stronger and may be better for some teeth and situations than porcelain crowns.
Porcelain fused to Metal Crowns.
These have metal base with tooth coloured outer layer.
Porcelain fused to metal crowns are used for teeth which do not have good bonding strength to the metal base of crowns (front teeth in maxillary arch).
Porcelain fused to metal crowns have metal base and tooth coloured outer layer.
Your dentist can tell you what crown material works best for your tooth.
What Happens During a Dental Crown Procedure?
Getting a dental crown usually involves preparing the tooth so there is room for the restoration (filling).
The dentist may use local anaesthetic to make it easier.
An impression or digital scan of the prepared tooth may then be taken so that the crown can be designed to fit properly.
Depending on what kind of crown is used and which dental practice is treating you at (one or two appointments) treatment time may take one or two appointments.
Before your permanent crown is fitted your dentist will make sure it fits; is shaped correctly and is in the right place in your bite.
If everything looks good then the crown is cemented to the tooth.
How Long Does a Dental Crown Last?
There is no one lifespan for every dental crown.
How long it lasts will depend on the material used (what kind of metal), how well it fits, condition of tooth below it (how healthy is that tooth?) bite and oral hygiene etc.
The crown can’t get tooth decay but the natural tooth underneath it can.
Good brushing, cleaning between teeth and dental check ups are still needed after getting a crown.
Is a Dental Crown Right for You?
A crown isn’t always the best choice for every damaged tooth.
There may be other options (a filling or some other restorative treatment) depending on your tooth.
Your dentist can look at your tooth and tell you what choices are available (pros/cons of each), risks vs expected outcome.
If you have a broken, cracked or heavily damaged or weak tooth get it assessed sooner rather than later as that will tell you what treatment options are available to you.
Healthdirect says talk to your dentist about the benefits, risks and costs of any dental procedure you may need.
Need Advice About a Dental Crown in Parramatta?
If you are thinking of getting a dental crown or have a damaged tooth that needs looking at then call us to make an appointment.
We will look at your tooth, tell you what options there are and help you understand whether a dental crown might be for you.
For professional dental care, you can contact us as a trusted Parramatta dentist and discuss your concerns with our team.
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