Different Types Of Dental Crowns And Why They Are Important

Jan 4, 2022

Dental crowns are one of the most effective treatments for several dental procedures. As one of the well-known modern restoration procedures, it is used in cosmetic dentistry to protect a tooth from damage or decay. While multiple choices are available besides dental crowns, many opt for a crown since it is an excellent long-term option due to its durability. Before considering it the best possible option, here’s almost all you need to know about dental crowns.

What Are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is a custom-designed cap that sits above the gum line and is part of the visible portion covering a patient’s tooth. It is meant to restore a tooth’s shape and size to increase its strength or enhance performance. After a successful procedure, the crown is cemented to encase the entire tooth, protecting it from possible injury or decay.

Why Do You Need A Dental Crown?

  • Protecting a weak tooth to prevent decay, breaking or cracking
  • Restoring parts of a damaged or worn-down tooth
  • Covering and supporting a tooth when not much of the tooth remains
  • Keeping a dental bridge in the proper position
  • Covering a severely discoloured tooth
  • Acting as the visible top portion of a dental implant
  • Casing a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment
  • For large cavities that can’t be filled
  • In cases of extreme dental decay or damage in paediatric dentistry

Is A Dental Crown Necessary?

After procedures like the root canal treatment, where the nerve and pulp tissue of the tooth is removed, the tooth tends to become weaker after the drilling and extraction of the pulp. The tissue can get dry and become brittle, so it needs a crown. However, there is no point in placing the crown if the tooth requires additional procedures.

Types Of Dental Crowns

    • 1. Permanent: The tooth may be shaved down to create a proper foundation to cement and adhere to the permanent crown. A temporary crown is placed while the permanent one is developed with more sturdy materials and shaped to perfectly fit the patient’s mouth.They may be built from ceramic, resin, porcelain, or fused with metal to last longer and provide additional support. When the permanent crowns are finished, the final appointment involves replacing the temporary crown with the permanent one with a strong adhesive after a thorough cleaning.

 

    • 2. Temporary: Once the tooth is shaved, temporary crowns are made from the mould of the patient’s natural teeth. It helps to protect the shaved-down teeth and prevent damage to ensure normal function until the permanent crown is installed. Temporary crowns are made from less expensive materials like acrylic or certain metals since they only require a few weeks.

 

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

The lifetime of the dental crown depends upon the material it was made of, the lifestyle of the recipient, and the dentist’s expertise in performing the procedure. Generally, dental crowns have a lifetime that spans anywhere from five to fifteen years. Gold and porcelain infused with metal last the longest, while only porcelain and ceramic have the shortest lifespans.

Proper dental hygiene is essential for prolonging the lifespan of your crowns. It includes brushing twice daily, flossing, and getting timely checkups and cleaning appointments. Avoid any hard foods to protect your crown and prevent chipping. By sticking to the dentist’s recommendations, you can expect them to last a while.

Treatments involving dental crowns tend to have a higher success rate than other treatment options or untreated teeth. As a multi-speciality dental clinic in South Delhi, Kamal Dental Clinic offers various crowns as part of our comprehensive treatment plan. If you require a treatment that involves dental crowns, feel free to contact us to learn more.