(Dental Crowns abroad, Ceramic Crown, Crown Placement, Tooth Crown, Dentistry in Poland, Painless dental treatment)
A dental crown is a type of dental restoration. A tooth-shaped cap encircles the tooth or a dental implant. It covers the tooth to strength it, forms the shape of the teeth and improves its appearance. When the crown is cemented into place it looks like a natural tooth.
1. When shall I use a dental crown?
- When a tooth is weak the crown can prevent it from breaking.
- When the tooth is broken already you can restore and strengthen it with a crown.
- When a tooth with large filling needs a cover and support.
- To cover a dental implant.
- To fasten a dental bridge.
- To cover discoloured teeth or make other cosmetic correction.
2. What are the types of dental crowns?
- Ceramic crowns – Usually they are used for restoring the front teeth. Made from porcelain-based material they blend perfectly with the natural tooth colour.
- Porcelain on Metal – a really durable combination.
- Gold alloys – The material is a mix of gold, copper and other metals. It does not fracture and wear away the tooth.
- Metal alloys – extremely durable, probably the longest wear down term in all crowns.
The colour is the main drawback. Less tooth structure needs to be removed before placing the metal crown comparing to other types.
3. Preparing a tooth for a crown
Preparing a tooth for a crown usually, takes two steps performed during two in-clinic visits. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared and examined. Then the dentist makes a proper crown and on the second visit performs the placement. Prior to making a diagnosis, the dentist takes a few X-Rays in order to check the condition of roots and of the surrounding bone. It is very important to treat the tooth from the decay and other problems before the crown is placed to minimise the risk of infection.
Before the procedure you will get the tooth and gum regional anaesthesia, you will feel numbness and the process will be absolutely painless. The tooth needs to be filed down to make a room for the crown. The thinner the crown is, the less tooth structure needs to be removed. If the large part of your tooth is missing, for instance, due to damage or decay, your dentist will first rebuild the tooth.
Your dentist will use a special paste to make an impression of the tooth in order to prepare a perfect – size crown, which will not affect your bite and feel comfortable. The colour is also very important – if the crown is made of porcelain the shade must match with the side teeth. In the dental lab the crown will be manufactured, but before you will receive it, on your first visit you will be given a temporary acrylic crown. During the second visit, your temporary crown will be replaced by the permanent one. If the colour, shape and size are acceptable it will be cemented in place.
There are also partial crowns called Onlays. In the onlay technique, the smaller part of the tooth is covered.
4. How long will the dental crown last?
The dental crown usually lasts up to 15 years, but it may break earlier such as natural teeth when you accidentally bite for example a walnut shell. It depends on the exposure of tearing, oral hygiene and personal mouth habits such as grinding, clenching and biting nails or using teeth as a package opener. It is very important to keep a good oral hygiene as the crown does not protect your teeth from decay – remember about brushing your teeth, flossing and rinsing.