Dr. Ash Sagar 
If you’ve ever experienced chipped, cracked, or severely damaged teeth, you know how frustrating and painful it can be. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers an answer in the form of a dental crown procedure. These tooth-shaped caps are designed to fit over natural teeth, providing a durable and long-lasting dental restoration for many dental issues.
Dental crowns are essential for restoring fractured teeth and offer a natural appearance, allowing you to restore your beautiful smile. They are an ideal option for those who want to improve the appearance of their tooth structure or have a weak tooth due to decay or injury.
In short, dental crowns are an essential cosmetic dentistry tool for providing a healthier smile and improving dental health.
Content Navigation
- Summary of the Article
- What Are Dental Crowns?
- Factors that Make Someone a Good Candidate for Dental Crowns
- Does a Dental Crown Provide an Appropriate Treatment for Teeth Damaged by Decay?
- Does Age Impact Dental Crown Eligibility?
- Are Certain Individuals Unsuitable for Dental Crowns?
- What Health Conditions Make a Patient Ineligible for Dental Crowns?
- Signs that You May Need a Dental Crown
- Risks and Potential Complications of Dental Crowns
- Are There Alternatives to Dental Crowns?
- Final Thoughts
Summary of the Article
- Dental crowns are popular for addressing issues like broken teeth or severe decay.
- A good dental crown candidate is someone who has a damaged or weakened tooth that cannot be addressed with a filling or other treatments.
- People with large cavities or tooth loss can also benefit from dental crown services as they can help restore the shape and function of the tooth.
- Dental crowns are also an ideal choice for individuals who have undergone root canal therapy, as they help protect the tooth and prevent further dental damage.
- Individuals with poor oral hygiene habits or who grind their teeth may not be suitable candidates for dental crowns as they may cause additional damage to the crown.
- Ultimately, it’s important to have a dental crown consultation with your experienced team of dentists to determine if a dental crown treatment is a right option for your specific dental needs.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns, or caps, are protective coverings for damaged or weakened teeth. They are custom-made to fit over the entire tooth and are often used to restore a tooth’s shape, size, strength, and aesthetic appearance.
Dental crowns serve several purposes, including protecting a tooth that has a large dental filling, has undergone root canal treatment or is cracked. They can also cover discoloured or misshapen teeth or attach a dental bridge.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns
- Made of a metal base covered in porcelain for a natural-looking appearance
- Durable and long-lasting
- Can cause wear on opposing teeth
- Ceramic crowns
- Made entirely of ceramic material for a highly natural-looking appearance
- More resistant to wear and staining than porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns
- It can be more expensive than other types of crowns
- Gold alloy crowns
- Made of a mixture of gold, copper, and other metals
- Highly durable and long-lasting
- Less tooth structure needs to be taken out compared to other types of crowns
- Can be more visible in the mouth due to their colour
- Base metal alloy crowns
- Made of non-noble metals, such as chromium or nickel
- Highly resistant to corrosion and wear
- Require less tooth structure to be eliminated than other types of crowns
- It may not be suitable for patients with metal allergies.
- Zirconia crowns
- Made of a strong and durable ceramic material called zirconia
- Highly resistant to wear and fracture
- It can be made to match the colour of natural teeth for a natural-looking appearance
- Need less tooth structure to be taken out than other crown types.
- Composite resin crowns
- These crowns are made from a tooth-coloured composite resin material
- They are less expensive than other types of crowns
- Are a good option for restoring front teeth
The process of placing a dental crown involves several steps:
- Examination:
Your dentist will examine the affected tooth to determine if teeth crowns are necessary and what type of crown suits your needs. - Tooth preparation:
Your dental professionals will prepare the tooth by taking out any dental decay or damage and shaping the remaining tooth structure to make room for the crown. - Impressions:
Your friendly team of dentists will take impressions of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth to create a mould for the crown. - Temporary crown:
While the new crown is being made, your dentist will place it on the prepared tooth to protect it. - Crown placement:
Once the new crown is ready, your dental team will take out the temporary crown and place the new crown on the tooth, securing it with dental cement.
Factors that Make Someone a Good Candidate for Dental Crowns
- Sufficient tooth structure remaining.
A dental crown is designed to fit over a natural tooth, so there must be enough tooth structure left to support it. If there’s not enough tooth structure remaining, the crown won’t be able to stay in place, and the tooth may need to be extracted instead. - Good oral hygiene.
Crowns can only be successful if the tooth and gums are healthy. Good oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice daily, flossing, and regular dental check-ups will help keep the tooth and gums in good condition. A crown will not manage underlying oral health problems and may even exacerbate them if not addressed first. - No severe teeth grinding or clenching. Someone who grinds or clenches their teeth puts excessive pressure on their teeth and may not be a good dental crown candidate. Crowns can be damaged or even dislodged by this kind of pressure, causing additional problems.
- No active gum disease.
Periodontal disease is a common condition that can lead to tooth loss if left unaddressed. A patient with active gum disease should have the gu disease under control first before a crown can be placed and qualify for dental crown eligibility. Gum disease can cause the gums to recede, affecting the crown’s fit and making it lose or even fall out.
Does a Dental Crown Provide an Appropriate Treatment for Teeth Damaged by Decay?
Dental crown eligibility is often recommended for teeth severely damaged by decay but still have a healthy root and a strong enough foundation to support the crown. It’s important to note that dental crowns are not always the right treatment option for every case of tooth decay. Sometimes, a filling or root canal may be a more appropriate dental treatment. It’s important to have a dental crown consultation to determine your eligibility and the appropriate course of action for each case.
Does Age Impact Dental Crown Eligibility?
According to dental professionals, the general recommendation is to wait until the patient is at least 18 years old before considering dental crowns. This is because younger patients’ teeth are still developing and may not be fully formed, making it challenging to predict the appropriate size and fit of the crown.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. If a patient under 18 has enough teeth experiencing decay or chipped, porcelain crowns can still be applied to protect the original teeth. In such cases, your dentist will assess your unique circumstances during the dental crown consultation and determine whether you are a good dental crown candidate.
Are Certain Individuals Unsuitable for Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are an effective treatment for many dental issues. However, certain individuals may not be the ideal candidate for crowns. Here are some reasons why:
- Poor oral hygiene:
Individuals who do not care for their teeth and gums may not be suitable for dental crowns. Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues that can affect the success of the crown. Patients need to have good oral hygiene habits before considering a crown. - Tooth decay:
If a tooth is severely decayed, it may not be able to support a crown. In some cases, the decay may have spread too far, and the tooth may need to be extracted instead. In other cases, a root canal may be necessary before the crown can be placed. - Bruxism:
Individuals who grind or clench their teeth (bruxism) may not be suitable for dental crowns. The constant pressure and force can damage the crown and cause it to fail. Individuals with bruxism need to discuss their options with a dentist. - Gum disease:
If an individual has gum disease, it may not be possible to place a crown until the disease is under control. This is because the gum tissue needs to be healthy to support the crown. - Tooth sensitivity:
Some individuals may have tooth sensitivity that makes it difficult to tolerate a crown. This sensitivity may be due to various factors, including decay, cracks in the tooth, or exposed tooth roots. - Allergies:
Individuals allergic to certain metals may not be suitable for dental crowns. Crowns are made from metal, porcelain, or both. If an individual has a metal allergy, alternative materials may need to be used.
What Health Conditions Make a Patient Ineligible for Dental Crowns?
Regarding dental crowns, some health conditions can make a patient ineligible. It’s essential to consider these conditions to prevent further harm or complications. Here are some of the health conditions that can affect a patient’s eligibility for dental crowns:
- Heart conditions:
Patients with a history of heart disease, heart attack, or stroke may not be eligible for dental crowns. This is because getting dental crowns involves local anaesthesia and may cause stress on the heart. Patients with heart conditions should inform their dentist about their medical history before undergoing any dental procedure. - High blood pressure:
Patients with high blood pressure may also face complications during dental crown placement. High blood pressure can cause excessive bleeding, increasing the risk of infection. Before the procedure, the dentist will check the patient’s blood pressure to determine if it’s within a safe range. If it’s too high, the procedure may be postponed until the patient’s blood pressure is under control. - TMJ disorder:
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can make dental crown placement challenging and painful for the patient. The TMJ is responsible for the movement of the jaw, and any problem can cause severe pain and discomfort. Before recommending dental crowns, the dentist will assess the patient’s TMJ to check it’s functioning correctly. The dentist will recommend a different treatment option if there are any issues.
It’s important to note that these health conditions do not automatically disqualify a patient from getting dental crowns. Instead, discussing your medical history with your dentist is crucial to determine whether dental crowns are safe and suitable.
Signs that You May Need a Dental Crown
- Pain or sensitivity in a tooth:
If you experience pain or sensitivity in a tooth, especially when chewing or biting down, it may be a sign that you have a crack or decay that has reached the nerve. A dental crown can help protect the tooth and prevent further damage or infection. - Visible damage or decay:
If you can see visible damage or decay in a tooth, such as a large cavity or a crack, it is important to address it as soon as possible. - Large fillings:
A large filling in a tooth may weaken the tooth over time and increase the risk of fracture or further decay. A dental crown can provide additional support and protection for the tooth and help prevent the need for future dental work.
If you experience these signs, scheduling a dental appointment as soon as possible is essential. Your dentist can examine your teeth and determine if a dental crown suits you. A dental crown can protect your teeth, restore your smile, and enjoy improved oral health.
Risks and Potential Complications of Dental Crowns
- Tooth sensitivity:
It is common to experience tooth sensitivity after placing a dental crown. This may occur due to the removal of a portion of the tooth’s enamel or due to the adjustment of the crown’s fit. The sensitivity should subside in a few weeks, but you should contact your dentist if it persists. - Discomfort or pain:
After the placement of a dental crown, some patients may experience discomfort or pain. This is often due to the manipulation of the tooth during the preparation process or due to the placement of the crown itself. The pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. - Crown damage or displacement:
Although dental crowns are designed to be durable and long-lasting, they can still become damaged or displaced. This can occur due to trauma to the mouth, grinding or clenching of teeth, or simply wear and tear over time. - Allergic reactions:
Some patients may experience an allergic reaction to the materials used in the dental crown, such as metal or porcelain. This is rare but can occur. Patients who have had an allergic reaction to dental materials should inform their dentist before undergoing treatment. - Continuing complications:
Patients may sometimes experience complications after placing a dental crown. This can include infection, decay, or damage to the surrounding teeth or gums. Patients should maintain good oral hygiene practices and attend regular dental check-ups to monitor the health of their dental crowns and neighbouring teeth.
While these risks and potential complications can be concerning, patients should not let them deter them from seeking dental crown treatment.
Are There Alternatives to Dental Crowns?
If you’re looking for an alternative to dental crowns, here are some options to consider:
- Dental bonding:
This procedure involves applying a tooth-coloured resin to the tooth’s surface and sculpting it to restore its shape and function. Bonding is a less invasive and expensive option than dental crowns, but it may not be as durable and require more frequent maintenance. - Porcelain veneers:
These thin porcelain shells are custom-made to fit over the front of the teeth and improve their appearance. Veneers can be a good alternative to dental crowns for cosmetic purposes, but they may not be suitable for teeth with extensive damage or decay. - Inlays and onlays:
These are custom-made restorations placed on the tooth’s surface to restore its shape and function. Inlays and onlays are a more conservative option than dental crowns, as they require less removal of healthy tooth structure. - Dental implants:
If a tooth is missing or needs to be extracted, a dental implant can be a good alternative to a dental crown. An implant involves surgically placing a titanium post in the jawbone and attaching a replacement tooth to the post. Implants are a more lasting restoration than dental crowns, but they can be expensive and require more invasive surgery.
Final Thoughts
Dental crowns could be the right treatment to restore your smile’s beauty and functionality if you’re dealing with a damaged or broken tooth. But remember that not everyone is a good candidate for this procedure.
If you think you might be a good candidate for dental crowns, talk to your friendly dentist at Narre Warren Dental Care. We can evaluate your oral health and help you decide if a dental crown procedure suits you. Don’t let a damaged tooth ruin your smile and confidence any longer, and consider dental crowns to restore your teeth and transform your smile.
Remember, a healthy smile is a happy smile!
