You recently had to go for root canal therapy to treat an infected tooth, and your dentist is asking you to get a dental crown. You are now wondering whether it is necessary to pay for an additional treatment. Patients often have many questions about restorations, including dental crowns. While your NW Albuquerque dentist will explain aspects that are unique to your case, let’s talk about crowns in detail through commonly asked patient questions.
What is a crown?
In plain words, think of a dental crown as a cap for a tooth. If you have a weak or decayed tooth, placing a crown can help restore its shape and function. Crowns are often necessary after root canal therapy, as the procedure leaves the treated tooth vulnerable and prone to cracking and chipping. Crowns are also used to restore a broken, cracked tooth, for holding a dental bridge, as a restoration over an implant, and to correct an extremely discolored or stained tooth.
What are the different types of dental crowns?
Various materials are used for making dental crowns. The first one is a metal crown, which is extremely durable, doesn’t require removing a large part of the enamel, and offers incredible functionality. However, many patients don’t like the metallic color of such crowns. Another option is a porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown, which combines the durability of metal with the natural tooth-like appearance of the enamel. There are also all-resin, ceramic, or porcelain crowns, which can be considered.
What is the procedure like?
You will usually need two appointments to get a dental crown. Your dentist will start by preparing the tooth, for which they will remove a part of the enamel to make room for the crown. If the tooth is broken or chipped, they may use a filling material to build the tooth. Next, they will take impressions of your teeth. Some clinics rely on digital impressions, while others use special materials. The impressions are then sent to the lab to get a custom crown. You may have to wait for at least two weeks for the crown to get ready, and in such cases, dentists may recommend getting a temporary crown. During the next appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary crown (if you had one) and cement the new crown after checking the fit, shape, and color.
What are the advantages of getting a crown?
Dental crowns address both functionality and aesthetic issues of broken, worn, or decayed teeth. Because the crown covers the entire tooth, it prevents further damage caused by erosion and restores chewing function. Many patients also like the appearance of a crown for a discolored tooth. Crowns are also extremely durable and can easily last for up to 15 years.
Are there any disadvantages?
Getting a crown requires removing a part of the enamel, which is irreversible. Patients may experience some sensitivity after having a crown placed, and like most restorations, crowns are not permanent and will need replacement.
How are crowns different from veneers?
Veneers are used for cosmetic reasons, especially if you have chipped, stained, or gapped teeth. Crowns are more like restorations and fix both aesthetic issues and functionality concerns. There are things veneers can fix, but the eventual goal is to get a whiter smile.
Can a crown come off?
Yes, it is not unusual for a crown to come off. If that happens, preserve the cap in a clean container and see your dentist immediately. They may fix the same one or order a new crown from the lab. If the crown is broken, you will need a replacement.
Check with your Albuquerque dentist to know more about the procedure, options, and other details.
