When a tooth has severe decay or a deep crack, a regular filling may not be enough. Restorative dentistry helps protect and save your natural teeth.
If you visit a dentist in Livonia, you may learn that dental crowns are a reliable way to restore damaged teeth and avoid extraction. A crown fits over the visible part of the tooth, strengthening it and restoring its shape and function.
This treatment helps prevent further damage and keeps your smile and bite healthy over time.
Determining the Necessity of a Restoration
Recognising when do you need a dental crown is essential for maintaining a functional bite and avoiding more invasive surgeries later.
Unlike a filling that sits inside a tooth, a crown covers the exterior to provide 360-degree reinforcement.
- Severe Decay: When a cavity is too large for a filling to stay secure, a crown provides the necessary structure.
- Fractured Teeth: Teeth with large cracks need a crown to prevent further splitting.
- After a Root Canal: Following root canal therapy, teeth often become brittle; a crown is used to seal and protect the tooth.
- Aesthetic Correction: Crowns can be used to cover misshapen or permanently discoloured teeth, creating a uniform appearance.
The Mechanism of Structural Protection
To appreciate the value of this treatment, it helps to understand how dental crowns work mechanically. The primary goal is to redistribute the forces of chewing so that the weakened internal part of the tooth is no longer bearing the full load.
- Encapsulation: By surrounding the tooth, the crown holds the remaining natural structure together like a protective sleeve.
- Bite Alignment: Crowns are custom-carved to fit your opposing teeth perfectly, keeping your jaw aligned.
- Bacterial Shield: A well-fitted crown creates a seal at the gum line, preventing bacteria from seeping into the vulnerable interior.
- Material Strength: Modern crowns are made from materials such as zirconia, which can withstand high pressure for many years.
Steps Involved in the Restoration Journey
While the idea of a “cap” sounds simple, the actual dental crown procedure is a precise clinical process designed to ensure a perfect fit. Most cases require two visits to achieve the final result.
- Tooth Preparation: The doctor removes a thin layer of enamel to create space for the restorative material.
- Impressions: Digital scans or physical moulds are taken to ensure the laboratory can create a crown that fits your unique anatomy.
- Temporary Placement: You will wear a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth while your permanent one is being handcrafted.
- Final Bonding: Once the permanent crown is ready, it is checked for fit and colour before being permanently bonded with high-strength cement.
Selecting the Right Materials for Longevity
When consulting a dentist near you, the choice of material will depend on the tooth’s location and your personal aesthetic goals. The material plays a significant role in how the tooth feels and looks in your mouth.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): Offers a blend of strength and aesthetics, often used for molars where biting force is high.
- All-Ceramic or Porcelain: These provide the best colour match to natural teeth, making them ideal for front teeth.
- Zirconia: Known for its extreme durability, this material is virtually indestructible and highly aesthetic.
- Gold Alloys: While less common for aesthetic reasons, gold is incredibly biocompatible and wears similarly to natural enamel.
Maximising the Lifespan of Your New Crown
Once your tooth is restored, maintaining the health of the surrounding gums is the most critical factor in the crown’s success. Even though the crown itself cannot decay, the natural tooth underneath it still can.
- Daily Hygiene: Brushing twice a day and flossing around the base of the crown prevents plaque buildup at the margins.
- Avoid Hard Objects: Biting on ice or using your teeth as tools can chip even the strongest porcelain restorations.
- Nightguards: If you grind your teeth, a nightguard is essential to prevent your crown from wearing down.
- Routine Exams: Professional cleanings allow the dental team to ensure the bond remains secure and the gums stay healthy.
Preserving Your Natural Smile for Life
Investing in a dental crown is a proactive way to save a tooth that might otherwise be lost. By restoring both function and aesthetics, crowns allow you to eat, speak, and smile with absolute confidence.
At Majestic Dentistry, we are dedicated to providing high-quality restorative care in a comfortable environment. Our team uses advanced technology to ensure every crown is durable and perfectly fitted to your needs.
If you have a damaged tooth or are experiencing discomfort, we are here to help you find the best solution. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a dental crown typically last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular professional checkups, a high-quality dental crown can last 10 to 15 years or longer.
Is the process of getting a crown painful?
The area is thoroughly numbed with local anaesthesia during the preparation phase, so you should feel no pain during the actual procedure.
Can a crown be whitened once it is placed?
No, dental porcelain does not react to whitening gels, so it is important to choose the correct shade before the crown is finalised.
What happens if a dental crown falls off?
You should see a professional immediately; keep the crown clean and bring it with you, as it can often be re-cemented if the underlying tooth is healthy.