Dental Crowns - The Ultimate Tooth Protectors
A smile is often the first thing we notice about someone, but maintaining that radiant smile is sometimes a task that requires help. When teeth become damaged due to decay, injury, or other factors, their strength and appearance can be compromised. In such cases, dental crowns emerge as a saviour. Serving as a protective helmet for vulnerable teeth, crowns not only preserve a tooth’s function but also restore its aesthetics. Let’s delve into the intricacies of dental crowns: what they are, when they’re needed, and the variety of materials available.
Understanding Dental Crowns
Dental crowns, as the name suggests, sit atop the entirety of a tooth, much like a crown rest on a monarch’s head. These cap-like structures cover a tooth from the gum line upwards, encapsulating the damaged or weakened structure beneath. Crowns are custom-made to match the shape, size, and often the colour of the patient’s teeth, ensuring they blend seamlessly into the smile.
When is a Dental Crown Needed?
Crowns serve multiple purposes in dentistry:
Protection
Teeth that have been significantly weakened by decay, large fillings, or fractures can be safeguarded against further damage with crowns.
Restoration
Following procedures like root canals, where the tooth’s nerve and pulp are removed, a tooth can become fragile. A crown helps restore its strength and function.
Aesthetics
Crowns can cover stained, discoloured, or misshapen teeth, enhancing the overall appearance of one’s smile.
Support
For dental bridges, crowns are often used on the adjacent teeth to support the bridge and hold it in place.
Replacement
In conjunction with dental implants, crowns replace missing teeth, restoring both function and appearance.
Types of Dental Crown Materials
There’s no one-size-fits-all in the realm of dental crowns. Several materials are available, each with its advantages:
- Porcelain or Ceramic: These crowns offer the best aesthetic match to natural teeth, making them a popular choice for front teeth. They're also a good option for those with metal allergies.
- Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM): These crowns offer a good blend of durability and aesthetics. The metal provides strength, while the porcelain exterior offers a natural appearance. However, over time, the metal can sometimes become visible along the gum line.
- Gold Alloys: Comprising a mix of gold, copper, and other metals, these crowns are highly durable and bond well to the tooth, ensuring a tight seal. Their noticeable colour, however, makes them a preferred choice for out-of-sight molars.
- Base Metal Alloy: Made of nonnoble metal, these crowns are highly resistant to corrosion and require the least amount of healthy tooth removal prior to fitting.
- Resin: Often the most affordable option, resin crowns are less durable than their metal or porcelain counterparts and are more prone to fractures.
The Procedure for Getting a Dental Crown
Getting a dental crown typically requires two visits to the dentist
The journey to a complete bridge usually spans a few visits:
- Examination and Preparation: The dentist starts by taking X-rays to assess the tooth's roots and surrounding bone. If extensive decay or risk of injury or infection is noted, a root canal may be required first. The dentist then anaesthetises the tooth and gums and reshapes the tooth to accommodate the crown. Impressions of the tooth are made, which are sent to a laboratory to create the crown. A temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth.
- Placement of the Permanent Crown: On the second visit, the dentist removes the temporary crown, checks the fit and colour of the permanent crown, and cements it into place.
Maintaining Your Crown
With good care, crowns can last between 5 to 15 years or even longer. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are crucial. It’s also advisable to avoid hard foods, ice, or using teeth as tools to prevent damaging the crown.
Conclusion
Dental crowns are invaluable assets in restorative dentistry, offering a blend of strength, protection, and aesthetics. Whether preserving a weakened tooth or enhancing the smile’s appearance, crowns play an integral role in maintaining Wirral dental health and confidence. If you believe you need a crown or want to learn more about the procedure, consult with your dentist. They can offer insights tailored to your unique dental profile and needs, ensuring your smile remains radiant and robust.
