A dental crown may be fitted with or without a root canal. However, most dental cap procedures do not require a root canal crown.
Your dentist prepares your natural tooth or teeth to accommodate the crown which is prepared in a dental laboratory after your teeth impression is taken during your first session.
The crown your dentist attaches to your existing tooth will completely conceal it.
Your dentist normally recommends a crown after examining your teeth and discussing your cosmetic goals with you.
WHAT IS A TEMPORARY CROWN PROCEDURE?
A temporary crown is a type of tooth cap that is fitted by your dentist and left for only a short length of time.
Your dentist uses a non-toxic adhesive to bond the crown to your natural tooth.
This adhesive can be weakened with ease whenever the crown is due to be removed which could be in 2 to 3 weeks from the day the crown is fitted.
This type of crown procedure is recommended by your dentist when you need to fit a permanent crown at some point in time.
A temporary tooth cap only stays on your tooth until your permanent tooth crown is ready to be fitted.
WHAT IS A PERMANENT DENTAL CROWN?
Your dentist will perform a permanent dental crown procedure using strong, durable tooth cap materials.
A permanent crown can be made from porcelain, ceramic, gold and stainless steel materials.
You normally get to decide which material you want, but your dentist will make recommendations based on their examination of your teeth, professionalism, and experience.
The duration of use all depends on the type of crown fitted and your general oral hygiene. But on average, permanent caps can last for a period of between 5 to 15 years.
Before installing permanent caps, your dentist examines your gum line to know if you require gum surgery for example.
DENTAL CROWN FITTING PROCEDURE
A dental crown procedure normally involves a visit to your dentist office. In your first session, your dentist may fit a temporary cap to conceal and protect your existing tooth after it has been prepared by the dentist.
The temporary cap is installed while you wait for the permanent cap to be ready. But before you leave the clinic, your teeth impression is taken.
Your dentist prepares your permanent crown in a dental laboratory using your teeth impression.
On your second scheduled session your dentist will remove the temporary cap and install the permanent cap. This crown procedure is normally completed in 50 to 90 minutes.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF DENTAL CROWN
There are different types of dental crowns that a dentist can attach to your natural teeth. But the most common types of crowns include:
- Gold crowns: This crown is made from a combination of metals, such as; copper and chromium or nickel. Gold crowns are strong, tough, and durable.
- Porcelain crowns: A porcelain crown is a very popular type of tooth cap. This crown is made entirely of porcelain material in a dental laboratory.
- PFM crowns: Porcelain fused-to-metal crowns or PFM is also hugely popular these days. This crown combines a porcelain outer coating with a metallic inner structure to give a very solid, rugged and long-lasting tooth cap.
- Zirconia crowns: You have layered and translucent zirconia crowns. This type of dental crown also gombines the aesthetics provided by porcelain material with the toughness of a metallic material. Zirconia crowns are also a popular option in cosmetic dentistry.
- E-Max (lithium disilicate crowns): This is a new form of crown that is made entirely from ceramic (lithium disilicate) material. This is a predominately thin and lightweight material.
GETTING A DENTAL CROWN
The process of getting a dental crown may differ slightly for each type of crown. However, there are general similarities in the process and these include:
- Examination: Your dentist examines your teeth and asks questions before deciding on the type of crown to recommend.
- Preparation: Your dentist prepares the problem tooth or teeth. This normally involves filing the tooth or teeth to a stub. A teeth impression is also taken and used in fabricating your permanent cap in a dental laboratory.
- Temporary crown fitting: A temporary cap will be fitted to conceal and protect the prepared tooth or teeth. This temporary cap is left on until the day you are scheduled for the installation of a more permanent cap.
- Permanent cap fitting: On your scheduled permanent cap installation session, the temporary crown is removed and the tooth is cleaned and prepared for the permanent cap fitting.
FULL MOUTH ZIRCONIA CROWNS
Zirconia crowns are made in a dental lab and from a ceramic material called zirconium dioxide. This material comes in a powdered form that hardens to create a thin, lightweight, monolithic oral prosthetic. Zirconia crowns can be used for your entire front teeth and this permanent tooth cap can be used for upwards of 20 years with good dental care.
BEST DENTAL CROWN FOR FRONT TEETH
Zirconia crowns are perfect for your front teeth. They are light and thin with very good chewing and bite strength. Your dentist can match the color of your natural teeth. You can have a full mouth of zirconia crowns without anyone knowing it. This crown has very good durability and resistance to a number of chemical reactions.
DENTAL CROWN RECOVERY
After a dental crown procedure, you may need a few days to recover from any discomfort caused by pain, inflammation and irritation.
You are advised to sew your dentist if you experience extreme pain, irritation and discomfort.
Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications may also be prescribed by your dentist.
FAQ ABOUT DENTAL CROWN
Q1: How do I care for my crown?
A1: You can care for your dental crown by avoiding hard and sticky foods. You should also avoid bad habits like smoking cigarettes.
Q2: How long does it take for a dental crown to settle in?
A2: The installation of a new crown may seem bulkier than surrounding teeth at first. However, within a 14 day period, you should be fully adjusted to your new crown.
Q3: What happens to your tooth when you get a crown?
A3: Your new crown will protect the tooth on which it is fitted by completely covering the outer layer of the natural tooth.
Q4: Can you eat normally with crowns?
A4: With a permanent crown fitted, you will be able to eat normally by offering excellent chewing capabilities and bite strength.
VISIT DENTALAND DENTISTRY FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF DENTAL CROWNS IN HOUSTON, TEXAS
If you want to get any of the different types of crowns mentioned in this post, you can visit Dentaland Dentistry.
Dentaland Dentistry is home to some of the most talented, experienced and professional dentists in Houston, Texas.
You can give our clinic a call to schedule a session with a dentist or you can book online today if you prefer. We are available on a 24/7 timescale online.