Dental crowns are caps, made from porcelain or any other metal, that cover the tooth to save it from damage, restore its shape and strength, and improve the general appearance of the teeth. It is one of the most commonly used procedures therefore, it is important to know about it.
These crowns cover the visible part of the tooth and almost perfectly match your natural teeth while protecting your damaged tooth. In this article, we will understand dental crowns in a better way.
Why do I need a Dental Crown?
The reason that you might need a dental crown could be
* Your tooth is cracked and the whole tooth or parts of the tooth need to be held together
* Your tooth is severely worn down
* Your tooth is weak and needs to be held together
* Your tooth needs a large filling and the size of the tooth itself isn’t enough to support the filling.
* To protect a tooth after a root canal
* To cover a dental implant and to hold a dental bridge in place
* To improve the appearance of a tooth due to damage, decay, or discoloration
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are classified on basis of their material. These materials are
* Porcelain
* Ceramic
* Metal like gold or stainless steel
* Composite resin
* Combination of the above materials
Based on the duration of their life, they are classified as
* Temporary crowns
* One day crown
* Onlay crown
What to Expect During my Dental Procedure
The procedure involves two vital steps. The first visit to the dentist involves a thorough examination of the teeth, planning the route of treatment, and preparing the teeth for the crown. The second visit involves the actual placement of the dental crown.
During the first step, the dentist will examine your oral cavity and take x-rays to see the amount of damage that your teeth have. The next step is planned accordingly where the dentist will modify the shape of your tooth to fit the crown. There might be some filling done depending on the extent of the damage your tooth has. Finally, an impression of the tooth is taken with the help of a paste to make your permanent crown. Meanwhile, a temporary crown (made up of acrylic) is put in place to protect your affected tooth.
During the second visit, the dentist will place the permanent crown in place and will check to see if the crown is placed correctly and if the size and color are correct. After assuring that everything is in place there will be follow-up visits to your dentist in Lahore to check the status of the new crown.
Post Temporary Dental Crown Care
There are a few precautions that need to be considered right after the temporary crown has been placed. This is until it is replaced by the permanent one. These are
* Be gentle while brushing and flossing your teeth
* Avoid sticky and chewy food that could pull out the temporary crown
* Avoid using the side of the mouth where the temporary crown is placed
* Avoid eating hard food like hard candy and raw vegetables.
Complications of Dental Crown
Possible complications of dental crowns are
* Allergic reaction to the material of dental crown
* Discomfort with the crown or sensitivity
* Chipped or loose crown if not placed properly or if the manufacturer is faulty
* Gingivitis or gum disease
* In rare cases, swallowing the crown accidentally in case it chips or loosens causing choking
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
The average lifespan of a dental crown is between 5-15 years depending on the type of material and the quality of the crown. This also depends on how well the crown has been taken care of and how frequent and timely the dental follow-ups have been.
Conclusion
Dental crowns are caps made up of porcelain or any metal that covers the damaged or discolored tooth. They provide to protect the problematic tooth and also have cosmetic benefits. They may last up from 5-15 years and have proven to be very successful in dental practice. For any concerns regarding dental crowns you can consult Dr. Naseer Ahmed Malik.
