Placement of a dental crown

Dental crowns: Everything you need to know

Dental crowns are a common procedure in dentistry to restore the form and function of damaged or discolored teeth. If you are considering a dental crown, here is everything you need to know to help you make an informed decision.

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a dental prosthesis that completely covers a damaged or broken tooth. It can be made of a variety of materials, including ceramic, porcelain, composite resin or metal. The dental crown is designed to protect the damaged tooth and restore its normal chewing function.

Dental crowns are also used to strengthen teeth that have undergone surgery or root canal treatment. It is attached to the existing tooth with dental cement. Dental crowns are often recommended for patients with weak or damaged teeth, as they help prevent tooth fracture and other long-term dental complications.

The different materials each have advantages and disadvantages. Ceramic and porcelain dental crowns are the most popular, as they offer a natural, aesthetic appearance that blends easily with other teeth. Composite resin crowns are also popular because they are more affordable than ceramic crowns and offer good strength. Metal crowns are less aesthetically pleasing, but they are very strong and are perfect for back teeth.

When do you need a dental crown?

A dental crown can be necessary in many situations. The most common cases include:

• A tooth that is badly decayed or damaged - if the decay or damage is severe, a simple filling will not be enough to restore the tooth. In this case, a dental crown can be used to protect the tooth and hold it in place.
• A tooth that has undergone a root canal procedure - after such a procedure, the tooth is often fragile and may require a crown to protect it.
• A tooth that is broken or cracked - if the tooth is broken or cracked, a dental crown can be used to protect it from further damage and improve its appearance.
• A missing tooth - a dental crown can be used as part of a dental bridge to replace a missing tooth.
• Misaligned or misshapen teeth - in some cases, a dental crown can be used to correct the appearance of misaligned or misshapen teeth.

How is a dental crown placed?

The placement of a dental crown is usually done in two appointments with the dentist. During the first visit, the dentist prepares the damaged tooth by filing and cleaning it. Next, he or she takes an impression of the tooth and sends it to a dental laboratory for fabrication of the dental crown. A temporary dental crown is then placed on the tooth to protect it until the permanent crown is ready.

During the second visit, the dentist removes the temporary crown and places the permanent dental crown using dental adhesive. He or she checks the fit and comfort of the dental crown before permanently fixing it using a special dental cement.

What are the benefits of dental crowns?

Dental crowns offer several benefits to dental patients. First, they restore the normal function of the damaged or impaired tooth, which can include chewing, speaking, and smiling. In addition, dental crowns offer additional protection against future damage by covering the tooth and strengthening it.

Dental crowns can also be used to improve the appearance of discolored or damaged teeth by covering the tooth with a crown that looks like a natural tooth. Dental crowns can also be used to replace missing teeth by attaching a crown to a dental bridge or denture.

Dental crowns are also durable and can last for many years with proper dental care. Depending on the material used for the dental crown, they can be resistant to stains, discoloration and normal wear and tear. Dental crowns can also be easily maintained by practicing good oral hygiene, which includes regular brushing, flossing and regular visits to the dentist.

Does a dental crown hurt?

In general, the procedure of placing a dental crown should not cause any pain if done properly by a qualified dentist. During the placement of the crown, the dentist will first need to anesthetize the area to numb the tooth and surrounding tissue to minimize pain.

However, temporary pain may occur after the procedure, as the tooth and surrounding tissues may be a little sensitive. This is usually due to irritation of the nerves in the tooth and gum during the process of preparing the tooth for the crown.

The pain should usually subside after a few days, but if the pain persists or worsens, it is important to contact your dentist for further advice. Overall, a dental crown should not cause excessive pain if done correctly.

How much does a dental crown cost?

The price of a ceramic dental crown is usually around $1,000, but it can vary depending on several factors. The position of the tooth in the arch, the thickness of the ceramic required, the quantity and quality of the remaining tooth on which the crown is placed, and the type of enamel on the adjacent teeth can all influence the final cost. To achieve a natural, nearly invisible aesthetic result, it is often necessary to adjust the reflections and transparency of the crown to match those of the adjacent teeth. This may require an additional ceramic try-in session.

The cost also includes the cost of the laboratory, as well as the cost of the temporary crown. The provisional crown protects the tooth that is being cut for the crown and allows the gingiva to be shaped to avoid the appearance of a border that matches the margin of the final crown. It also allows us to work on the final shape of the tooth to create harmony in the shape and color of the teeth.

The cost of a single crown is usually slightly higher than that of several crowns, because it must fit perfectly with the whole smile and reproduce all the micro-imperfections of the adjacent teeth. In the case of multiple crowns, it is often easier to achieve perfect harmony and consistency between them.

Here's everything you need to know about dental crowns

In conclusion, dental crowns are a safe and effective procedure for restoring the form and function of damaged or discolored teeth. If you're considering a dental crown, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment at Cheeze, and one of our specialists will advise you on the best solution for your case.