Dental Crowns 101: Everything You Need to Know

Dental crowns in Burlington, ON, are the common restorative procedures that are performed to restore the teeth’ appearance and strength. Although these restorations have been around for decades, most people do not have an idea of what they are and how they work. In this post, we answer some of the common dental questions about dental crowns.

What are Crowns?

These are commonly referred to as dental caps because they encase the teeth and cover the whole area. They are customized to your specific dental structure at the lab. These caps are cemented in place to correct dental imperfections.

When Are They Used?

The dentist in Burlington, ON can recommend dental crowns to address various conditions such as:

• Cover dental implants. The dentist will fix the dental crowns to complete the implant treatment and create a seamless look.
• Hold the dental bridge in place
• Restore the strength of the teeth after the root canal treatment
• Correct the misshapen teeth
• Cover the discolored teeth
• To save teeth from decay

Will They Ruin the Teeth?

Teeth crowns repair your teeth and improve the smile. However, for the crowns to be fixed, the dentist will have to reshape the teeth. This is an irreversible process because once the enamel has been trimmed, it doesn’t grow back. It is important to consult the dentist before you settle on the crowns.

What Options are Available?

Dental crowns are available in different materials and you can choose one based on the location of the teeth and cost.

• Stainless steel crowns. These crowns are prefabricated and are mostly used as a temporary measure. The dentist may also recommend stainless steel for children who are at risk of developing cavities on their primary teeth. They are ideal for kids because they do not need much preparation to be fixed.
• Porcelain crowns. These are the most commonly used crowns because they have a tooth-colored shade. They are durable and can last for ten to 15 years with proper care.
• Metal crowns. These are also durable but a bit expensive compared to the rest of the crowns. The metal crowns, mostly in gold and silver, can withstand chewing pressure, and thus they can be used on the back teeth.
• Resin crowns. They are affordable, but they less durable and prone to stains.

How Are the Crowns Fixed?

You will need at least two to three dental visits to have the dental crowns. After examination and teeth preparation, the dentist will take a cast of your reshaped teeth to make the crowns. It can take a few weeks to get the permanent teeth caps, so in the meantime, the dentist will cover the teeth with temporary crowns.

On the second dental visit, the dentist will replace crowns. The permanent crowns are examined for the correct color and shape. The dentist will use a block of cement to fix the teeth and harden them with laser light. The teeth are polished for a final look to match the rest of the teeth.

What Problems Can Develop?

Although the crowns are durable, they can develop a few problems such as:

• Tooth sensitivity

After the enamel is trimmed out, your teeth can develop sensitivity. This is a common problem with dental crowns, but this can be addressed with tooth-sensitive toothpaste.

• Tooth decay

The teeth underneath the crowns can still decay when tiny food particles sneak in and affect the teeth. If you don’t have good practice good hygiene after getting the dental crowns, plaques may build up at the place where the crown and teeth meet. Although the crown cannot decay, the teeth will decay and can get damaged.

• Loose crown

Using sharp objects or eating sticky foods can cause the teeth to become loose. When this happens you need to visit the dentist immediately for treatment.

• Chips and fractures

Porcelain crowns are durable, but they can chip and crack, and when they do, you need immediate treatment. This will keep the teeth from developing cavities and decay.

• Schedule an Appointment

Visit Harbour View Dental for more information about dental crowns and how they are fixed.