A dental crown is a cap that is designed to be placed on a damaged tooth. It is made from various materials such as porcelain and metal. When considering getting a crown, there are a few factors that need to be considered. These include durability, strength, and cost. Getting dental crowns allows you to achieve a natural appearance. If you want to get dental crowns, it is crucial to first discuss your options with a dentist to ensure that you opt for the option that suits your needs best.
Types of Dental Crowns
Before the dental crown procedure can be explained, it is a good idea to learn about the different types of materials that are used for making crowns. These are mentioned below.
- Composite Resin
- Metal
- Zirconium
- Ceramic
- Porcelain
- And a combination of different materials.
For instance, you can opt for a metal-fused porcelain crown instead of a crown that is made entirely of porcelain. The following factors should be considered when selecting a material for the crown.
- The color of the surrounding teeth.
- How much of the natural tooth remains.
- The function of the tooth that is getting a crown.
- Position of the gum tissue.
- How much of the tooth would be visible when you smile.
- The tooth’s location.
However, you can always speak with the dentist about what material you prefer.
Dental Crown Procedure
When it comes to the dental crown procedure, the process depends on whether the dentist decides to opt for the same-day procedure or multi-day procedure.
Same-Day Procedure
A same-day procedure allows you to skip getting a temporary crown. The procedure is explained as below.
- Digital pictures of the mouth would be taken by the dentist.
- This digital scan would be used by the dentist to create the crown at the office. Hence, one would need to wait for about an hour or two until the crown has been made.
- Once the crown is prepared, the dentist would cement it into the desired place. It would take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours for the entire process.
Thus, once the procedure is completed, you can even head back to work or you could get things done while you wait for the dentist to make the crown. However, you should keep in mind that not every dentist has the technology for making crowns on the same day. Ask the dentist if the procedure is offered and its estimated cost. If you do not have dental insurance, you should always ask for an estimation.
Multi-Day Procedure
Unlike a single-day procedure, a multi-day procedure requires a temporary crown. When getting a traditional crown, you would have to visit the dentist twice. The procedure is explained below.
- The tooth that requires a crown would be examined and prepared by the dentist. An x-ray of the tooth might be needed. A mold of the tooth might also be taken.
- The outer layer of the tooth would be filed down and removed by the dentist.
- An impression of the trimmed tooth and surrounding teeth would be made.
- A temporary crown would be placed by the dentist over the tooth in order to protect it.
- The impression will be sent to a lab where the crown would be made. It might take a few weeks for the crown to be made.
- Once the crown comes in, you would go for a second visit where the dentist would remove the temporary crown and cement the new crown.
Dental Crown Care
Make sure to take good care of the crown once it has been placed. When you take care of the crown, you can prolong its life. The following dental crown care tips will prove useful.
- Avoid Eating Hard Foods: One of the most important tips that you should keep in mind is avoiding hard foods. Do not chew ice or any hard food as it would cause the crown to crack. It is especially true if your crown is made of porcelain.
- Floss Daily: When you flossy daily, you get to keep your teeth in perfect condition.
- Careful Brushing: Brush your teeth two times a day if you are not doing so already. Get a toothpaste that is designed for sensitive teeth.
Conclusion
The process and procedure of getting a dental crown have been thoroughly explained to help prepare you. It is important that you choose an experienced dentist.
