Dental crowns are a common restorative treatment that can protect, strengthen, and improve the appearance of damaged teeth. If you have a cracked, worn, or heavily filled tooth, a dental crown might be the right solution to restore its function and look. Understanding when a crown is necessary and what the treatment involves can help you feel more confident about your dental care.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over a damaged tooth, covering it completely. Crowns are designed to restore the tooth’s size, shape, strength, and appearance. They can be made from different materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these.
Crowns are durable and provide protection to teeth that are weakened or broken. They also help restore a tooth’s functionality, allowing you to chew and speak comfortably.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown?
There are several situations where a South Yarra dentist might recommend a dental crown:
If you have a tooth that is cracked or weakened by decay or a large filling, a crown can prevent it from breaking further. It acts like a protective shield, holding the tooth together and reducing the risk of damage.
Teeth that have had root canal therapy tend to be more brittle and prone to fracture. A crown is often placed over the treated tooth to provide extra strength and protect it for the long term.
3. To Restore a Broken or Worn Tooth
If a tooth is chipped, broken, or severely worn down by grinding or acid erosion, a crown can restore its shape and size. This improves both the appearance and the functionality of the tooth.
When a tooth is missing and replaced with a dental implant, a crown is fitted on top of the implant to act as the visible part of the tooth. This crown is custom-made to match your natural teeth.
Sometimes, dental crowns are used to improve the appearance of teeth that are severely discoloured, misshapen, or poorly aligned. They offer a long-lasting cosmetic solution that looks natural.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns come in different materials, and your dentist will help you choose the best option based on your needs, budget, and the location of the tooth.
These crowns are popular for front teeth because they look very natural and can be matched to the colour of your surrounding teeth. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are also biocompatible, meaning they rarely cause allergic reactions.
Metal crowns, often made from gold or other alloys, are very strong and durable. They are usually recommended for back teeth where strength is more important than appearance. Metal crowns require less removal of the natural tooth.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
These crowns combine the strength of metal with the natural look of porcelain. The metal base provides durability, while the porcelain coating makes the crown look like a natural tooth.
What to Expect During the Dental Crown Procedure
Getting a dental crown usually requires two visits to your South Yarra dentist.
First Visit: Examination and Preparation
During your first visit, the dentist will examine your tooth and take X-rays to check the roots and surrounding bone. If the tooth is badly decayed or infected, a root canal may be needed before placing a crown.
Next, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping it to fit the crown. This often involves trimming down the tooth to make space for the crown.
After shaping the tooth, your dentist will take impressions or digital scans to create a precise model. These will be sent to a dental lab where your custom crown will be made. In the meantime, a temporary crown will be placed to protect the tooth.
Second Visit: Fitting the Crown
When the permanent crown is ready, you will return to the clinic for fitting. The dentist will remove the temporary crown and check the fit, shape, and colour of the new crown. Any necessary adjustments will be made before the crown is permanently cemented onto your tooth.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
A dental crown requires similar care to your natural teeth. Good oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day and flossing daily, is essential to prevent decay and gum disease around the crowned tooth.
Avoid chewing hard foods, ice, or objects that can damage the crown. Regular dental check-ups allow your South Yarra dentist to monitor the condition of the crown and surrounding teeth.
With proper care, dental crowns can last 10 to 15 years or even longer.
Signs You Might Need a Dental Crown
You should visit your dentist if you notice any of the following signs, as they may indicate the need for a crown:
- A large filling that weakens the tooth structure
- A cracked or broken tooth
- Tooth sensitivity or pain when biting
- A tooth that looks worn or misshapen
- Discolouration that does not respond to whitening
- After root canal treatment
Your South Yarra dentist will assess your tooth and recommend the best course of action.
Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
Dental crowns offer several advantages, including:
- Restoring the function of damaged teeth
- Protecting teeth from further damage
- Improving the appearance of teeth
- Providing a long-lasting and durable solution
- Supporting dental implants or bridges
By choosing a reputable South Yarra dentist, you ensure that your dental crown fits well and looks natural.
Dental crowns are a versatile and effective solution for many dental problems. Whether you need to protect a weak tooth, restore a broken one, or improve your smile, a crown can help you achieve a healthier, stronger, and more beautiful smile.
Taking care of your crown and maintaining good oral hygiene will help you enjoy your restored smile for many years. If you have concerns about a damaged tooth or want to improve your dental health, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice today.
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