If you have a significantly compromised tooth, where it’s cracked or broken, misshapen, or overly worn or decayed, you may need a tooth crown procedure to address the issues. When facing these problems, the original tooth structure is not sufficient for restoration and needs a crown for support and strength.
To ensure you are getting the right treatment for your teeth, it is crucial to understand the tooth crown procedure and how it can benefit your oral health.
What are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns, also known as a dental cap or tooth crown, are composed of an artificial cover placed over a tooth to restore its original strength and appearance during a dental crown procedure. Learn more. It will look exactly like a normal tooth, and the cap-like structure makes it easy to position over your original tooth. Once this is fitted it should cover the entire visible portion of your tooth, right down to the gum line.
This cap is made from resilient, hard-wearing material like porcelain, metal, ceramics or resin and can last for 5-15 years. This makes dental crowns an excellent long-term option for dealing with severely damaged teeth.
When Are Dental Crowns Required?
Dental crowns are used to address more extensive damage that cannot be repaired using more conservative restoration techniques. Click here.
If a tooth is incapable of further drilling, grinding, or fillings, your dentist may recommend a dental crown instead.
If you’re unsure whether you need dental crowns, certain situations routinely involve them and certain symptoms that indicate they’re required. Learn more information.
If you experience any of these symptoms or are about to undergo any of these procedures, it’s wise to schedule a dental appointment to have an assessment and discuss your options.
- If you have excessive wear to the enamel due to high acidity foods, acid reflux, grinding your teeth or eating disorders.
- If you have significantly cracked or broken a tooth.
- If you’ve had a large filling that compromises the outer shell of the tooth and may make it susceptible to cracking.
- If you’ve had a root canal that’s weakened the tooth.
- If you have a dental implant, a dental crown is used to replace the missing tooth.
- If you’ve broken an incisor tooth cusp—the pointed tip—the tooth can be protected by a crown.
- If you are unhappy with the look or shape, a crown can be fitted to give it a better appearance.
Understanding The Tooth Crown Procedure
The tooth needs to be prepared for a dental crown. This is accomplished through the dental crown procedure and takes two to three individual dental visits. Visit this website.
During the first session, your dentist assesses and prepares the compromised tooth. The dentist may take X-rays to determine the level of decay, damage or infection, and perform any necessary preliminary procedures, such as a root canal or decay removal, before starting the dental crown preparation.
The dentist numbs the area with local anaesthetic and begins to reshape the visible portion of the tooth. This reshaping makes space for a crown to be fitted and specific to the type of crown being used.
The dentist takes into account the specifics of your situation when they fit a crown. For example, if there isn’t enough of your original tooth, due to extensive decay, they will first use filling material to help fortify the underlying tooth.
The dentist then makes an impression of your reshaped tooth and the teeth above or below the reshaped area to ensure your final bite isn’t affected. The impression is sent to a dental technician at an off-site lab for fabrication.
You will be fitted with a temporary crown to wear until your customised dental crown is ready. While wearing your temporary dental crowns, avoid hard or sticky foods, be careful when you’re flossing, and use the other side of your mouth to chew.
Your second dental visit involves removing the temporary crown, and double-checking that the new permanent crown fits as it should. If everything looks good, the dentist will numb the area and cement the new crown in place.
After your tooth crown procedure is complete, it’s crucial to maintain good oral habits to extend the life of your dental crowns.
Achieve Better Oral Health at Bay Studio Dental
If you believe you need extensive dental treatment or dental crowns, don’t hesitate to contact our practice. If you have questions about the dental crown procedure or you want to book an appointment today, contact us on (02) 9327 6856. Our experienced, friendly staff are here to make your experience as smooth, pleasant, and stress-free as possible.