Dental TreatmentCrowns

Everyone desires to have a flawless and healthy smile, but due to some unfavourable circumstances, your teeth may develop an abnormality or may catch an infection, ultimately leading to decay. These conditions require specific dental interventions for their correction, but the real trouble comes after that.

– You must care for your treated teeth to protect them from any further damage. However, your teeth are exposed to food and drinks in your mouth, which have the potential to cause damage to the already fragile teeth.

– This is where the role of dental crowns come into play. Dental crowns and bridges can be used in conjunction to restore missing and decayed teeth.

What Is A Dental Crown?

A dental crown, commonly known as a dental cap, is a tooth-shaped prosthesis, placed over the top of the tooth, to protect, augment and strengthen it.

– They are used when your tooth is severely damaged, and restoration is possible only by completely concealing it under a crown.

– Dental crowns hold immense importance in restoring the cosmetic appearance of your teeth as well as in preserving it and providing convenience to keep the filling of heavily filled teeth in place. They are bonded to your original teeth with the help of a special dental crown glue/cement that will help your teeth in regaining its natural strength.

– Fillings and bonding can serve as an alternative to dental crowns if the damage is not so profound.

When Do You Need A Dental Crown?

Various indications will necessitate the use of dental crowns. Our dentist will help you know the exact condition of your teeth and if you will require a crown or not.

Some of these indications include:

• Restoration of Function- A heavily damaged, broken or worn-out tooth which cannot be clinically restored, compels the use of dental crowns. A dental crown will procure a platform, though fragile, that can serve the essential objectives like biting and chewing.

• Aesthetics- A tooth which doesn’t look good due to some unfortunate circumstances and it’s appearance could not be improved by cosmetic dentistry interventions, will ultimately require a crown to encircle the entire tooth and make it look better.

• Structural Stability- A dental crown bonded to your existing tooth will help in improving its strength by salvaging any extra pressure on it. It will make your tooth naturally strong and robust.

• Restoration of Root-Canal Treated Teeth- The root-canal treated teeth are followed by crown placement, to protect them from fracture as the teeth become somewhat weak after any intervention. Crowns are also necessary to hold the filling in place when a significant part of the enamel is damaged, which may otherwise spill out.

What Are Dental Crowns Made Up Of?

Dental crown materials used are as follows:

• Stainless Steel- This is a temporary dental crown used by the time your permanent crown is being prepared. They are rigid and protect your teeth from any damage until you get a permanently fixated crown. These are commonly used in children over their temporary teeth so that when the tooth falls, and the new permanent one erupts, the crown can naturally come out.

• Metal Dental Crown- Alloys containing a high proportion of gold and platinum or base-metal alloys such as cobalt-chromium and nickel-chromium alloys, with Gold dental crowns being the most popular. These are long-lasting and highly durable.
  The only gold dental crown problem being the metallic glint. These are, therefore, more preferred for posterior teeth, i.e., molars that are not usually visible. Zirconia porcelain dental crowns are also becoming popular.

• Porcelain Dental Crown- A prominent advantage of porcelain crowns is that they can be matched to the colour of adjacent teeth and, thus, provides natural restoration. However, they are not very sturdy and may wear and chip off easily. They are suitable dental crowns for front teeth.

• Composite Resin- These are the most affordable dental crowns but are somewhat less durable as compared to their counterparts.

• Ceramics- These dental crowns provide the best and the most natural restoration to your teeth. They can be used on the anterior as well as the posterior teeth.

What Are The Types Of Dental Crowns?

Dental crown types are as follows:

• Temporary Crowns- They are used until a permanent crown is being prepared or in children over their primary teeth.

• On-lay / 3/4th Dental Crowns- As the name suggests, these crowns do not cover your entire tooth but only the upper 3/4th part

The difference between dental Onlay vs crown is that onlays can be used in teeth as a conservative procedure where a healthy part of the teeth is available.
Our dentist will analyse your teeth and prescribe you the best type of dental crown.

What Is The Dental Crown Procedure?

The dental crown process occurs in the following steps:

• Assessment- The first step in the dental crown provision is the assessment and thorough examination to ensure that the patient receives optimum further treatment. It also includes a radiographic evaluation to identify the extent of disease.
• Choice of Restoration- Depending on the condition of your tooth, and considering other dental factors, the best-suited material and type of crown is chosen for you.
• Preparation of The Tooth- The tooth is filed and shaped, and the outer layer of enamel is made rough so that it facilitates the bonding process.
• Taking a Digital Scan- After your tooth is prepared, our dentist will take a digital scan of it so that your crown can be customised accordingly.
• Temporary Crown- After this, your tooth will be secured by the placement of a temporary crown with the help of dental cement until your permanent crown is prepared from the digital scan taken. This temporary crown will protect your prepared tooth until your subsequent visit and final restoration.
• Definitive Restoration- The permanent crown is finally fixed and bonded to your tooth.
• Dental crown replacement procedure is similar to the original placement, but the only difference is that it requires removal of the older crown and further preparation of the tooth.

How To Care For Dental Crowns?

To avoid dental crown problems, you must ensure that you maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth regularly and avoid chewing any hard substances, especially for the initial days after treatment.

Dental crown pain is something that most people are apprehensive about, but it doesn’t cause any pain. Minimal pain after a dental crown is due to the instrumentation in the mouth. Some people experience only mild discomfort for the initial few days.
If your dental crown fell off or you have a broken dental crown, consult your dentist as soon as possible.

How Long Does A Dental Crown Last?

They are highly durable and may last as long as 25-30 years, depending on how you care for them and the material you choose. On average, they last for 15-20 years, and then you will require a dental crown replacement.

How Much Does A Dental Crown Cost?

The dental crown cost will depend on the number of teeth as well as the type and material of the crown chosen. It will also depend on the condition of your teeth and how much preparation it requires.
We offer you the best and the most affordable dental services in High Wycombe. We also provide a friendly and comfortable environment for apprehensive patients so that they can have faith in us and our quality of treatment.