What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that restores a damaged tooth to its original form and function.

It encases the entire visible portion of the tooth, enhancing its appearance and protecting it from further damage.

While unsuitable for all dental issues, tooth caps are a common and effective solution for strengthening weakened teeth and restoring a natural-looking smile.

With care, dental crowns can last as long as 15 years.

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When do you need a crown?

Here are a few reasons why you might need a dental crown:
 

    • Strengthen a weak tooth: Dental crowns provide an extra layer of protection for teeth weakened by extensive decay or large fillings. They help prevent fractures and prolong the tooth’s lifespan.
    • Protect and support a cracked tooth: A crown can stabilize a cracked tooth, preventing further damage and potential tooth loss. It encases the tooth, shielding it from biting forces and reducing the risk of the crack spreading.
    • Restore a worn-down or broken tooth: Dental crowns are ideal for rebuilding teeth that have suffered significant wear and tear or have broken due to injury or trauma. They restore the tooth’s original shape and function.
    • Hold a dental bridge in place: Crowns serve as anchors for dental bridges, which replace missing teeth. The crowns are cemented onto the adjacent teeth, providing a stable foundation for the bridge.
    • Cover a severely stained or discolored tooth: If teeth are discolored due to medications, age, or other factors, a crown can mask the discoloration and restore a natural-looking smile.
    • Cover a root canal-treated tooth: Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment often become brittle. A crown reinforces the tooth, preventing fractures and restoring its strength.
    • Cover a dental implant: A crown is the final component of the dental implant process. It is attached to the implant post, providing a realistic and functional replacement tooth.

procedure dental

Types of dental crowns

Here are some common types of dental crowns prescribed by dentists:

    • Metal crowns: Metal crowns can be made of nickel, palladium, or gold. They are extremely strong and durable. However, they are not aesthetically appealing because of their metallic color. Metal crowns are best suited for molars.
    • Porcelain Crowns: Porcelain crowns are the most aesthetic among dental crowns, as they closely mimic the natural appearance of teeth. Their durability, resistance to staining, and ability to be customized for a precise fit make them a popular choice for visible areas and front teeth.
    • Ceramic Crowns: Ceramic crowns share similar aesthetic qualities with porcelain and are crafted from strong and visually pleasing dental ceramics. Ideal for individuals with metal allergies, these metal-free crowns offer durability, biocompatibility, and excellent color matching with adjacent teeth. Ceramic crowns are also the most cost-effective.
    • Zirconia Crowns: The strongest and most durable of the lot, zirconia crowns are constructed from zirconium oxide, a biocompatible material that replicates the natural color of teeth. Their exceptional resistance to fractures and ability to withstand substantial biting forces have made them popular with patients. However, they are also the most costly among dental crowns.
    • Resin crowns: Resin or acrylic crowns are fragile. They are used to make temporary crowns to protect a prepared tooth before the final crown placement.
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What to expect when you are getting a crown

A dental crown typically requires two appointments to complete.

First Appointment:

  • The dentist prepares the tooth by removing a layer of enamel and shaping it to place the crown. Your dentist might also use filling materials to strengthen parts of your tooth. This step ensures that the crown has a strong foundation before placement.
  • To ensure an accurate fit, the dentist takes impressions of your teeth, either with an impression material or digitally through a handheld scanner, which is then sent to a dental laboratory.
  • While the custom crown is being created (usually takes two to three weeks), a temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth. Temporary crowns are typically made of acrylic or resin.

Second Appointment:

  • The dentist removes the temporary crown and carefully assesses the permanent crown for fit, color, and overall appearance.
  • Any necessary adjustments are made to ensure a perfect match.
  • Once satisfied, the dentist cements the crown using a strong dental adhesive.

If you are looking for dental crowns near you, don’t hesitate to contact Galaxy Dental.

In addition to providing you with high-quality dental crowns, we have a team of TMJ dentists in Calgary who can perform several dental procedures with ease and expertise.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Which dental crowns last the longest?

 
Metal crowns last the longest, with gold crowns lasting nearly 30 years.

Can dental crowns cause cancer?

 
There is no scientific evidence that dental crowns cause cancer. They are made of biomimetic materials and usually don’t cause any adverse reaction in the mouth.

Can you wear dental crowns with Invisalign?

 
Your custom-made Invisalign will fit easily over your crown, and you can wear both together safely.

Can you whiten a dental crown?

 
Whitening treatments don’t work on porcelain or ceramic crowns. However, you can remove surface stains from them.

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Calgary, AB. T2A 7A7
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Seton Office

Address
#19651 Seton Way SE #125,
Calgary, AB T3M 2L3, Canada
Dental EMERGENCY?
Immediate Appointments Available
Call / Text Us 587-848-4858
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