Dental crowns are tooth shaped caps that fit perfectly over a damaged or heavily filled teeth. Crowns are typically made from high grade porcelain that closely resembles the colour and texture of natural teeth. Essentially, crowns are used to restore the tooth’s shape, size, strength and appearance. When they are cemented in place, they completely cover the visible part of the tooth that lies just above the gum line.
Permanent crowns are made from various materials. While porcelain is often the best option because it so closely resembles the natural tooth, other materials can also be used. This includes metal, such as gold or alloy, resin and ceramic. Ceramic or porcelain dental crowns have the best colour match and are therefore highly aesthetic in appearance. These are also suitable for those with metal allergies.
When Would You Require Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns may be recommended by your dentist. Both adults and children benefit from crowns, but the procedure and purpose may differ slightly depending on the age of the patient. In adults, a crown may be required for one or more of the following reasons:
- A weak tooth may be crowned to prevent breaking, or to hold a cracked tooth together
- A broken or worn tooth may be crowned to restore it to its natural size
- A filled tooth may be crowned if there is not much tooth left after the filling has been fitted
- A crown may be needed to hold a dental bridge in place securely
- A dental implant may be covered with a crown to improve the appearance
- Mis-shaped or badly discoloured teeth may be crowned to improve their appearance
- Crowns may also be used when cosmetic modifications are done to improve one’s smile
- Crowns must be place on teeth that have been root canal treated or de-nerved as these teeth are prone to fracturing due to minimal tooth structure present, post root canal treatment.
In children however, crowns have a slightly different purpose. Stainless steel crowns may be used as a temporary measure until primary teeth are replaced. Some of the reasons that a child may require a crown include the following:
- A badly damaged tooth that cannot support a filling may be crowned
- Children who are at high risk for tooth decay may require a crown
The only truly effective way to determine if a crown is required is to consult your dentist and have a thorough exam. As technology progresses, procedures such as crowns are becoming easier all the time. This procedure is painless and relatively quick. Dental crowns are done under local anaesthetic at your local dentist’s practice. You will not need to worry about any pain or sensitivity during the treatment. The procedure starts with the removal of enamel and a bit of dentine. Your tooth will then be scanned, and a crown will be designed using CAD/CAM technology (Computer-Aided Design/Manufacturing technology). This ensures that it fits perfectly into your mouth, looking and feeling like the rest of the surrounding teeth. From there, the crown is made from ceramic, and fitted once the teeth have been re-shaped to accommodate the crown. This treatment is done in just one visit, meaning that you won’t have to sit for endless appointments. You also won’t need to worry about temporary crowns.
To learn more about dental crowns in Durban, contact Gateway Dental today!