Dental Crowns: All You Need to Know

Dental Crowns: All You Need to Know

February 1, 2021

Broken, cracked or severely decayed teeth can affect your appearance and teeth functionalities. If the dental issues are left untreated, you might be at risk of developing complications, such as gum disease, root canal infection and tooth loss.

To prevent the complications above, your dentist might recommend a tooth crown. A dental crown is just a cap for damaged teeth. The tooth caps cover, protect, restore shape and enhance the functionalities.

Why Do I Need a Dental Crown?

There are several reasons why you would need a dental crown, which include:

  • Protecting a weakened tooth from breaking and keep the cracked ones together
  • Restore a broken or severely-decayed tooth
  • Cover a tooth that has a large dental filling and not much tooth is left
  • Enhance the shape of damaged teeth
  • Covering a tooth that has undergone a root canal treatment
  • Act as tooth caps after getting dental implants
  • Hold dental bridges in place

Different Types of Dental Crowns

A tooth crown can be temporary or permanent. However, dental crowns might vary depending on the material. When getting dental crowns in SW, Calgary, the dentist might recommend the following types:

Metal Crowns

If you are looking for tooth restorations that are strong and durable, your dentist might recommend metal crowns. Metal crowns can be made of alloys of gold, palladium, nickel and chromium.

However, dental crowns don’t provide smile aesthetics since they don’t mimic your teeth’ natural colour. Therefore, the dentist will recommend them for the back teeth since they can withstand chewing.

Ceramic Dental Crowns

Ceramic or all-porcelain dental crowns mimic the natural colour of your teeth. Porcelain material is relatively durable but not as metal ones since it is prone to chipping. When getting dental crowns in SW, Calgary, AB, the dentist might recommend porcelain ones on the front teeth since they can withstand pressure when biting.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are the most suitable types of dental crowns when you are getting for any part of your mouth. Metal helps the tooth caps withstand pressure when biting or chewing while the porcelain provides smile aesthetics. However, the porcelain material is prone to chipping.

All-Resin Dental Crowns

Composite resin material mimics your teeth’ natural colour. However, the material is prone to cracking and chipping. Therefore, all-resin tooth caps are only suitable for the front teeth and are the cheapest among the different types of dental crowns.

Tooth Crowns Procedure

When you decide to restore your tooth using a dental crown, your dentist will first examine your teeth to identify tooth decay progression or damage. If you have an infected root canal is infected, your dentist might recommend endodontic therapy first.

Next, the dentist will prepare your tooth for the dental crown’s placement by shedding some parts of the enamel. Before preparing the tooth, the dentist will administer local anaesthesia to numb the site of treatment.

After preparing the tooth, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental lab to make your permanent tooth caps. Meanwhile, the dentist will place a temporary crown on the prepared tooth. When the permanent dental crowns arrive from the dental lab, the dentist will schedule another appointment.

During the second appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary tooth cap and replace it with a permanent one. Next, the dentist will check the fit, bite and make the necessary adjustment. Finally, your dentist will place cement the tooth crown in place and polish it.

Dental Crowns Aftercare

Do you want your dental crowns to last longer? If so, you should take care of them. Below are some of the dental crown aftercare tips:

  • Good oral hygiene that entails brushing and flossing your teeth regularly to prevent the accumulation of place and tooth decay
  • Regular dental visits for cleaning and exams
  • Avoid biting or chewing on hard foodstuffs such as ice or opening bottles using your teeth
  • Wear a protective mouthguard when playing contact sport to avoid injuries that might damage your dental restoration

Dental Crowns Near You

Are you looking for a dentist in Calgary who offers dental crowns? If so, you can visit our dentist at Dental at the Met and get to enjoy new tooth restorations.

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