A dental crown is a custom-made appliance that restores a compromised natural tooth. Dental crowns cover and protect broken, decayed, or severely discolored teeth. A crown can restore a tooth's chewing ability and attractive appearance.
Many patients need to know whether their damaged teeth have enough structure left to hold a dental crown. In general, a tooth needs about two millimeters (or one-fourth) of its natural surface to attach a dental crown.
This blog explains how dental crowns work, shares their benefits, and gives a step-by-step breakdown of the crown process.
About Dental Crowns
A dental crown preserves and protects the structure of a natural tooth. It works like a custom-fitted cap that covers the damaged tooth and restores its natural shape.
Crowns can restore teeth in these situations, among others:
- Chipped or cracked tooth due to dental trauma
- Severe decay that a filling cannot repair
- After a root canal
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Restores Chewing Ability
With a dental crown, you will not need to chew around a problem tooth. A properly placed dental crown should match natural chewing ability.
Creates an Attractive Result
A tooth-colored dental crown can improve your smile, giving your tooth a healthy and brilliant appearance.
Durable and Long-Lasting
Dental crowns tend to last about 5 to 15 years and may last decades with proper care.
Choice of Materials
Patients can choose from multiple material options, including same-day ceramic crowns, porcelain, metal, and gold.
The Dental Crown Process
Getting a crown is an easy, non-invasive procedure. The first step is taking digital impressions of the existing tooth and its neighbors to create a perfect fit.
Next, the dentist numbs the area using a local anesthetic to prevent any discomfort. The dentist then prepares the tooth by removing any broken or decayed areas. Another set of digital impressions follows.
If you have opted for a same-day ceramic crown, the dentist will design and fabricate it using a sophisticated CAD/CAM system located in their office. Your dentist can place a CAD/CAM crown in the same appointment.
The dentist will send specifications for other crown types to a laboratory for manufacture. When your crown comes back from the lab, usually in one to two weeks, you will receive a call to schedule another appointment.
Placing a crown is a trouble-free process. The dentist adjusts the crown to ensure a perfect fit and fine-tune your bite. Finally, they cement the crown in place.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
What happens if I do not have enough tooth surface for a crown?
You may be able to undergo crown lengthening, a simple procedure that removes a small amount of gum tissue to expose more tooth surfaces.
Does every root canal require a crown?
In some cases, a dentist will restore a root canal-treated tooth with a filling, but crowns last longer and better protect the natural tooth.
Call Bisson Dentistry
If you have a broken or damaged tooth, visit your dentist for a consultation and discover whether you can receive a crown. Please call our Guelph, ON, office at 519-821-3561 to explore your options today.