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Dental crowns
What is a crown?
A crown is an artificial restoration that fits over the remaining part of a prepared tooth, making it strong and giving it the shape of a natural tooth. A crown is sometimes known as a ‘cap’.
Why would I need a crown?
Crowns are an ideal way to restore teeth that have been broken, or have been weakened by decay or a very large filling. A crown could be used for a number of other reasons, for example:
- You may have a discoloured filling and would like to improve the appearance of the tooth
- You may have had a root filling which may need a crown to protect what is left of the tooth
- It may help hold a bridge or denture firmly in place
What is a crown made of?
Crowns can be made of a variety of different materials and new materials are being introduced all the time. Here are some of the most popular options:
Porcelain bonded to precious or non-precious metal: this is what most crowns are made from. A precious or non-precious metal base is made and then porcelain is applied in layers over it.
Porcelain crowns: these crowns are made entirely out of porcelain and are not as strong as bonded crowns, but they can look very natural and are most often used for front teeth.
All-ceramic crowns: this modern material is metal free. It can give the strength of a bonded crown and the appearance of a porcelain crown. This makes it suitable for use in all areas of the mouth.
Glass: these crowns look very natural and are used on both front and back teeth.
Gold alloy crowns: gold is one of the oldest filling materials. Today it is used with other metals to increase its strength, which makes it a very hard-wearing restoration. These crowns are silver or gold in colour.
How is a crown prepared?
The dentist will prepare the tooth so it is the ideal shape for the crown. This will involve removing most of the outer surface, and leaving a strong inner core. The amount of the tooth removed will be the same as the thickness of the crown. Once the tooth is shaped, the dentist will take an impression (mould) of the prepared tooth, one of the other jaw, and possibly another to mark the way you bite together.
The impressions will then be given to the dental technician, along with details of the shade to use and other information needed for the crown to be made.
What is a post crown?
If a tooth is root filled the dentist may have to insert a post before placing a crown. A post provides support and helps the crown stay in place. The weakened crown of the tooth may be shortened to gum level.
There are ready-made stainless steel posts which the dentist can fit directly into the root canal, or the dental technician can make a custom-made post to accurately fit the shape of the prepared root canal. The post is placed into the root canal and cemented in position, ready for the crown to be attached.
Are there any alternatives to post crowns for root-filled teeth?
If a root-filled tooth is not completely broken down, it may be possible to build it up again using filling material. This ‘core’ is then prepared in the same way as a natural tooth and the impressions are taken.
What will happen between visits?
The dentist will fit a temporary crown so that you can use the tooth while you wait for the crown to be made. This crown may be more noticeable but you will only have it for 1 or 2 weeks.
How is the crown fitted?
When you and your dentist are happy with the fit and appearance of the new crown it will be fixed in place with special dental cement or adhesive. The cement forms a seal to hold the crown in place.
How long does the treatment take?
You will need to have at least two visits. The first is to have the tooth prepared, the impressions taken, the shade matched and the temporary crown fitted. The second is to fit the permanent crown. There will usually be about 1 to 2 weeks in between appointments.
Does it hurt to have a tooth prepared for a crown?
No, you will have a local anaesthetic and the preparation should feel no different from a filling. If the tooth does not have a nerve, and you are having a post crown, you may not need a local anaesthetic.
What is a ‘one-visit’ crown?
This is a fairly new type of crown that is made using computerised technology. The computer makes the crown in the surgery, so you can have the crown fitted on the same day. This means you don’t need to have a second appointment or a temporary crown.
Will the crown be noticeable?
The crown will be made to match your other teeth as closely as possible. The shade of the neighbouring teeth will be recorded, to make sure that the colour looks natural and matches the surrounding teeth.
Will the crown feel different?
Because the shape of the crown will be slightly different from the shape of your tooth before it was crowned, you may be aware of it to begin with. Within a few days it should feel fine, and you will not notice it. The crown may need some adjustment if your bite does not feel comfortable. If so, you should ask your dentist to check and adjust it.
What will it cost?
Costs will vary depending on the type of crown and the material used. It is a good idea to get a written estimate and treatment plan before beginning any dental treatment.
How do I care for my crown?
How long your crown lasts depends on how well you look after it. The crown itself cannot decay, but decay can start where the edge of the crown joins the tooth. Therefore, to prevent decay affecting the crown, it is important to keep this area just as clean as you would your natural teeth. Brush for two minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and clean in between your teeth with ‘interdental’ brushes or floss.
How long will the crown last?
Properly cared for crowns should last for many years. Your dentist will be able to tell you how long you may expect the crown to last.
Source: British Dental Health Foundation
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