I’ve heard of dental crowns, but what are they exactly?

Sometimes referred to as a ‘cap’, a dental crown is used to protect a damaged tooth and keep it functional. They are very useful tools in the world of dentistry, because they often eliminate the need for an extraction and they are a very reliable long-term solution to lots of dental problems that may arise. There are several different types of crown that can be used during treatment, this depends on the nature of the problem and is generally left to the discretion of the dentist.

How are they used?

Without being aware of it, you probably know a lot of people who have crowns fitted to fix a range of problems with their teeth, here are some fairly common complaints that might require a crown:

Broken teeth – Broken or severely worn down teeth can still be used to bite and chew, but their strength is usually significantly decreased due to the damage, a crown is used to re-enforce the structure of the tooth and give it back some stability. It may be that there are several sections of the tooth missing, but the innards remain intact, the majority of dentists would rather place a crown over the damaged tooth than extract it.

Weakened teeth – Most of the food and drink we put in our mouths is capable of harming our teeth in some way – particularly if the debris isn’t washed away properly afterwards – so it shouldn’t be too surprising that if you don’t stick to a decent hygiene routine, they will start to decay and eventually break into pieces in your mouth. If the tooth isn’t completely rotten, your dentist may choose to remove the decayed areas and fit a crown to protect from further deterioration. Teeth can also be weakened by cracks or fractures, in a lot of cases the inner pulp will have to be removed via a root canal treatment, and then a crown fitted over the top to keep the remaining pieces from breaking apart.

Misshapen teeth – Badly shaped or discoloured teeth can really dent a person’s confidence, and if you’re familiar with this condition, you may be of the opinion that it’s better off being removed. However, where they can, dentists will try to preserve the natural teeth and will always opt for a crown before extracting for aesthetic reasons. Not all ugly, stained teeth are useless; they may be functioning fine, just looking awful. A perfectly shaped, natural-looking crown can change an entire smile, without the need for surgical enhancement such as veneers or implants.

What are the different types of crowns?

Crowns can be manufactured from resin, ceramics, metal, or porcelain fused with metal. What sort you are fitted with depends on the condition of your teeth, the cost of the treatment, and often the preference of your dentist. Staff at the Pearl Dental Clinic will be able to advise you on what treatment is best for your individual circumstances.

Porcelain fused with metal – These crowns can be used for either the front teeth or the molars, making them a versatile choice. The porcelain shell provides a natural shade for the tooth and can be mistaken for real teeth if correctly matched. Although the materials are built to last, they can chip or crack, much like normal teeth, so it’s worth considering how much wear and tear your teeth are put through on a daily basis. Compared to other types of crowns, porcelain/metal fixtures can cause more wear to teeth on the opposite jaw, because the materials are so hard.

Metals – There are a variety of metals used to construct crowns in modern dentistry, from gold alloys to nickel or chromium, if they are made from a quality piece of metal, crowns like this tend to last the longest when compared with other types. Although they don’t look as natural as other materials, they can stand up to biting and chewing well and there’s little chance of them chipping. Most patients who choose metal crowns do so for molars or for other teeth that won’t be seen when they talk.

Resin – This is the cheapest material used to make crowns, so they are typically the lowest priced option. However, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for; resin crowns may seem like the cheaper alternative, but they are prone to fractures and wear significantly more than their counterparts. They may be suitable for teeth that aren’t used much when biting or chewing – but unfortunately, most people don’t have many of those.

Ceramic – Although they look the most natural, all-ceramic crowns aren’t as solid as the porcelain/metal fixtures; they can also wear down the opposing teeth further than other kinds. More often than not, ceramic teeth will be used for the front teeth, where less pressure is applied during chewing, they are also utilised with patients who have metal allergies.

What kind of problems can occur?

Dental crowns don’t come without their risks, but thankfully they come mainly in the form of chips or cracks, and not severe pain or life-threatening conditions. The most discomfort you’re likely to feel with a crown will be during the first few days after you return from the dentist’s office, there may be some tenderness or sensitivity, this should disappear after a few days  – a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth could help.

Chips in porcelain teeth are easily fixed with a type of composite bonding and shouldn’t be painful. However, more structural damage may cause the crown to come loose around the tooth, it’s important that you see a dentist to get this rectified immediately, because without treatment, food particles and bacteria can start to build up underneath the crown, leading to decay and even gum disease. If it falls off completely, you should wash the tooth and the crown and contact your nearest surgery – this may be an emergency clinic if it happens out of office hours – they will be able to fix the crown more firmly in place with dental cement, or fit you with a new one if the original was unsuitable.