Dr. Ash Sagar 
Think about the last time you had a toothache. What did you do? Chances are, you took some over-the-counter pain medication and hoped it would help.
If the pain didn’t go away or worsened, you probably made an appointment with your dentist. Unfortunately, by that point, the tooth may have been so damaged that it needed a dental crown.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at why dental crowns are so important, how they address unsightly teeth, and how this form of dental restoration can benefit your oral health.
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What Are The Benefits Of Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns offer many benefits for those needing to restore their smile. While some may not be familiar with dental crowns, they are an excellent option for repairing and protecting damaged or decayed teeth.
Aside from the cosmetic advantages, here are more benefits of choosing dental crowns:
Dental crowns can help to protect natural teeth.
Traditional crowns are made from metal, porcelain, or a combination of both. They fit over the natural tooth, providing an extra layer of protection. This can be especially beneficial for patients who have weak or brittle teeth.
Dental crowns can provide support for dental bridges.
A bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. Traditional bridges are attached to the natural teeth on either side of the gap, and it relies on these teeth for support. Dental crowns are placed over natural teeth, providing support to the dental bridge.
Dental crowns can help improve the appearance of teeth.
Cosmetic dental crowns are made from porcelain or ceramic, and the fake tooth is designed to match the natural tooth colour. This makes them an excellent option for those seeking to improve their smile’s appearance. If you have a tooth that is discoloured, misshapen, or chipped, or you have minor gaps between teeth, a dental crown can help restore the tooth’s natural appearance.
Dental crowns can be used to address tooth decay.
Tooth decay can damage tooth enamel. If left unchecked, it can eventually lead to cavities. Dental crowns can be used to address dental decay or cavities by covering the damaged tooth and restoring its structure.
Dental crowns can be used to improve bite.
Another benefit of dental crowns is that they can help to improve your bite. If you have a misaligned bite, placing dental crowns on your teeth can help realign your bite and improve your oral health.
Dental crowns are an option for people with metal allergies.
Dental crowns are an excellent option for those allergic to traditional metal fillings or metal crowns. Metal-free options such as porcelain or ceramic are available to provide you with a beautiful, safe smile without any worries about allergies.
Dental crowns offer many benefits for those in need of restoring their smile to its full glory. From preventing further damage to improving the appearance and overall oral health, dental crowns are an excellent option for many people.
What Are The Signs That You Might Need A Dental Crown?
If you are experiencing any of the following signs, you may need a dental crown:
- Your tooth is cracked or chipped: A small crack or chip might not seem like a big deal, but it can leave your tooth vulnerable to further damage. A dental crown will protect your tooth and help keep it from deteriorating.
- You have a large cavity: A cavity is a tooth hole caused by decay. If the cavity is large, it can weaken your tooth and degrade the natural tooth structure. A weak tooth is more susceptible to breaking. A dental crown will seal off the cavity and help restore your tooth’s strength.
- You have a tooth that is worn down: Teeth can become worn down due to years of use or due to certain medical conditions. A dental crown can help to restore the tooth to its original shape, size, and function.
- Your tooth is misshapen or discoloured: If you have discoloured teeth or a misshapen tooth, a dental crown can improve its appearance. Crowns are available in different types and colours, so you can choose one that closely matches the colour of your normal teeth.
- You have a tooth that is decaying: If a tooth is decaying, it will need to be repaired to prevent further damage. A dental crown can help to repair the tooth and restore its strength and stability.
- You have had a root canal procedure. A root canal treatment removes infected tissue from inside the tooth. After root canal therapy, your tooth will be weaker and more susceptible to damage. A dental crown will protect your tooth and help it to stay strong.
These are just a few signs that you might need a dental crown. If you are experiencing any of these problems, talk to your dentist to see if a dental crown is a right option for you.
Is It Right For You To Get A Dental Crown?
When natural teeth are severely damaged or decayed, a dental crown may be suitable for you.
A dental crown is a “cap” that covers the visible portion of your entire tooth above the gum line. It effectively makes your damaged tooth look and function like a healthy tooth again.
There are different types of crowns, but traditional crowns are made of porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) or ceramic that are colour-matched to your adjacent teeth. PFM crowns have a metal substrate with porcelain layered on top, while all-ceramic crowns are made entirely from high-strength ceramic material.
Your dentist will recommend the suitable crown type for you based on the location of the tooth being restored, functional requirements, and esthetic considerations.
How Successful Is Dental Crown Surgery?
Dental crowns have a success rate of 90-95%. However, several factors can affect the success of the treatment, including the type of tooth damage and the patient’s overall health.
The success of dental crown surgery depends on careful planning and execution by both the dentist and the patient. A temporary crown will be used in the meantime until the final one is ready. With proper oral care, dental crowns can last for many years.
Final Thoughts
A dental crown procedure is a common treatment used to restore the function and appearance of damaged teeth. While its success depends on several factors, proper care can help make dental crowns last for many years.
Traditional crowns are viable options for restoring the function and appearance of damaged teeth – and the benefits far outweigh the risks. If you are considering dental crown treatment, discuss your options with your dentist so that they can develop a personalised treatment plan for your needs.
At Narre Warren Dental Care, we specialise provide high-quality dental care solutions, and we would be happy to help you choose the right option for restoring your beautiful smile. For your dental concerns and other cosmetic dentistry services, please book an appointment online or call us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Despite its high success rate, it is important to remember that the dental crown procedure does come with risks. These include:
- Allergic reactions to the materials used
- Restoration failure or failure of the crown to bond to the tooth
- Risk of infection at the site
- Pain or sensitivity in the tooth
- Recurrent decay under the crown
- Root canal treatment failure
- Swallowing or inhaling the crown
However, dental crown treatment is generally considered a safe procedure with a high success rate.
Dental crowns are an excellent option for repairing damaged teeth, but they’re not the only choice. There are several dental treatment alternatives to dental crowns, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
- Veneers: Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or composite resin bonded to the natural tooth’s front surface. They are an excellent option for repairing damage such as chips, cracks, stains, fractured teeth, and broken teeth. However, they are not as durable as dental crowns and may need to be replaced more often.
- Bonding: This option is less invasive than a dental crown and can be completed in a single appointment. While bonding can be a cheaper option, it’s not as durable as a dental crown and is more likely to require repairs over time.
Several factors affect the longevity of dental crowns. These include:
- The quality of the materials used
- The skill of the dentist
- Your oral hygiene practices
- How often you go for dental visits
- Habits such as jaw clenching and nighttime grinding
Generally speaking, dental crowns can last between 5 and 15 years with proper oral and dental care.
Dental crown costs vary depending on the type of crown, the materials used, and the dentist you see. For example, porcelain crowns tend to be more expensive than metal crowns. However, dental crown prices can generally range between $1,600 and $2,200.
