A dental crown works as a protective cap that covers cracked or decayed teeth. It can also repair a cavity that’s too large to be filled. A dental crown can add extra support to teeth that have undergone a root canal. It is also often done as part of a dental bridge or implant-supported restoration.
Dental crowns are made of various materials such as metal, porcelain, ceramic, resin, or a combination of these. The material chosen for your dental crown depends on a few factors. These can include the location of the affected tooth, the gum tissues, the function of the targeted tooth, and the color of the existing natural teeth.
There are also many different types of crowns. A temporary crown is only used for a short period when patients wait for their permanent crown. Dentists place the temporary crown onto the tooth using an easily removable adhesive. The temporary crown is removed during the second appointment. Dentists then put in the permanent crown. The one-day crown only requires a single sitting. They are designed and made from a ceramic block with CAD/CAM in the dental office in a short time. The onlay or ¾ crown is mainly used on teeth that only need a portion of the tooth covered.
The procedure for a dental crown can either take a few appointments to complete or can be done in just one day. During the multi-day procedure route, you will need at least two visits to the dentist. The dentist first files down the teeth and takes X-ray scans to measure the targeted tooth. They then make a mold of the mouth to build a customized crown. The process of crafting a dental crown can take several weeks. While waiting for the permanent crown, patients can get a temporary crown to protect their teeth. Dentists only install the permanent crown during the second appointment. During this time, patients may need anesthesia.
Patients who opt for a same-day procedure don’t need to wear a temporary crown. The dentist takes digital images of their mouth, and a crown is immediately made using these scans. The process takes 1-2 hours, and once the crown is ready, the dentist will cement it into place.
Patients must care for the permanent crowns by brushing and flossing regularly. Crowns can last 5-15 years or more, but this depends on multiple factors including diet, habits, cavity activity, and more. While ceramic and porcelain look most natural, they may not last long as metal.
