WHAT ARE DENTAL CROWNS?
Dental Crowns are a tooth-shaped cap which is placed on the tooth to restore the shape, size, and appearance of the tooth.
WHEN IS A DENTAL CROWN NEEDED?
Dental crowns are used as caps on missing or fractured teeth to protect the life of your teeth. Dental Crowns are needed to:
- Protect or restore a tooth from fracturing due to accident or trauma
- Replace a tooth that is too large for a filling
- Get a cap over the Implant placed
- Restore the tooth on which RCT was performed
- Cover discolored, misshaped, or badly formed tooth
- Require a bridge in that case crowns are a must
In addition, Dental Crown gives your tooth strength, shape, and size and helps to improve the appearance of your tooth. If your dentist has advised, you to get a crown and you are delaying the process then there are chances that you can damage your tooth to the extent that extraction is the last resort.
Moreover, not getting a dental crown can wear down other adjacent teeth causing damage.
WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS TYPES OF DENTAL CROWNS?
Metal Crowns
If someone is looking for a long-term and durable solution then metal crowns are to the rescue. The gold crowns in these are the most used and bond well with the tooth. These can even withstand hard chewing forces and bites. Being stronger they last longer and do not wear down easily. The only drawback is that they are visible from a distance hence, suitable only for molars.
Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal
If you have aesthetic concerns and also wish to have metal crowns inserted then these are the best option available. The inside of the teeth is made up of metal and the outer portion of the crown is made of porcelain, as a result, it has the dual advantage – a metal that provides strength, and porcelain that matches the color of the teeth making it look like natural teeth. They look the most like natural teeth.
Ceramic Crown
If you do not want to have metal inserted inside your mouth but want the strength to match metal crowns then ceramic crowns are the best option available. Not only is the strong but blends more naturally with your tooth color making it unnoticed. It does not have any aesthetic concerns and is the best option for the front, back, and even bridges. The problem of porcelain wearing down and metal being visible is solved by this Dental Crown. They may not be considered an option for molars because forces applied while biting can wear down your teeth.
DO’S AND DON’TS WITH DENTAL CROWNS
DO’S
- Since the natural teeth are still beneath the crown and are vulnerable to decay, therefore, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene therefore brushing, rinsing and flossing should be followed regularly.
- If you clench your teeth, then it is advised to use a mouthguard to protect your crown and this also does not allow your teeth to wear down.
- Get crowns only from a dental expert who is trained in placing dental implants. Poor placement of crowns can reduce longevity of crowns.
- Do visit your dentist every 6 months to ensure that your oral health is in the best care.
DON’TS
- Do not use your teeth as tools as this will put pressure and will damage the crown
- Do not bite your nails and chew pencils
- Do not chew ice or candy which is hard
- Do not eat sticky food
- Do not consume too hot or too cold food as this might cause sensitivity
MYTHS ABOUT DENTAL CROWNS
Dental Crowns Do Not Look Natural
There is a misconception that dental crowns do not match your teeth hence giving the impression of an artificial tooth. However, with changes in technology crowns come in various material which looks exactly like your natural teeth. And even metal crowns are a good and viable option because they are used as molars and are never seen.
Crowns Last Forever
Though the crowns are now stronger and have longevity, they cannot last a lifetime. It also depends on how well they are taken care of. To ensure they last longer visit your dentist after every 6 months, your dentist will monitor your crown and will replace it in a timely.
Food And Beverage Stains The Crown
The biggest myth that people carry. They believe that food and beverages can stain their teeth with time but in reality, the crowns are made of porcelain and ceramic which do not stain easily.
Only Used For Restorative Dentistry
People believe that one gets a crown only if they have a fractured tooth, have undergone root canal treatment, or have broken or chipped a tooth. But the truth is they are used in cosmetic dentistry as a way to enhance appearance and to have a whiter and more beautiful smile.
Dental Crowns Do Not Break Or Chip
Though ceramic and porcelain are harder substances yet if you bite on something extremely hard, or face an accident or trauma then your crown may break.
You Cannot Get Cavity With Crowns
Because the crown covers your tooth, therefore, they become vulnerable to decay. Though crowns, as they are artificial, have no chance of decay yet the part below them can decay. It is, therefore, required to keep your teeth and the area around them clean to prevent a cavity.
HOW MUCH DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR DENTAL BRIDGES AND CROWNS?
The price of dental bridges and crowns depends on the type chosen by the patients. For example, you’ll have to pay more for an all-porcelain bridge than for a metal bridge However, it is an affordable option and patients can also choose to pay the price in EMIs at Krupavathi Multispeciality Dental Clinic.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q1. What Is The Cost Of Dental Crowns?
Dental Crowns may be more expensive than fillings, but they have the advantage of actually lasting longer as well. At Krupavathi Multispeciality Dental Clinic, we ensure that our patients always get the best quality and value for their money. Visit Krupavathi Multispeciality Dental Clinic for more information.
Q2. How Long Does A Dental Crown Last?
Depending on several factors that include the case specifics, material, and compliance with oral hygiene routines, dental crowns may last anywhere between 5 to 15 years. We advise our patients to maintain their oral hygiene after the implantation of dental crowns.
Q3. Do Dental Crowns Hurt?
Before the procedure, dentists administer a local anesthetic. Therefore getting dental crowns may not hurt. However, once the anesthetic wears off, feeling soreness and sensitivity in the gums is usual, and it usually goes away in a few days.
Q4. Does One Needs A Dental Crown After RCT?
Root Canal Treatment means that the pulp inside the tooth will be cleared out. Therefore to provide strength after filling up the cavity, crowns are usually used. Adding a crown to the tooth after RCT is a must.