Dental Crowns

This is a cap worn by the tooth to improve its general appearance. It is tooth-shaped and covers every part of the tooth above the gum line.

Dental crowns are used in the following situations:

• Restoration of a worn down or broken tooth
• Holding a dental bridge firmly
• Protect a weak tooth or to hold a cracked one together
• Cover a severely discoloured tooth
• Cover an irregularly shaped tooth
• Protect a child from tooth decay
• Save a tooth damaged by decay.

Stainless steel​

They are usually used temporarily to protect the teeth while a permanent one is being designed. In children, they are used for the primary tooth, and when the primary tooth comes off, the crown too comes off with it. Thus, it is cost-effective than custom made crowns in protecting children from tooth decay.

Porcelain and metal

These crowns can be matched to your teeth colour making it appear as a natural tooth. It is best used for teeth that require strength such as the front or back teeth due to the metal within it. However, the porcelain can get chipped, and metal below the porcelain can show as a dark line, especially when gums recede.

All resin

They are less expensive but are not durable. They are prone to fracture and wear down.

All ceramic

This is Best used by people allergic to metals. Their colour matches that of the teeth the most and they are suitable for both from and back teeth.

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The Procedure

Examination​

The dentist examines the tooth, usually using an x-ray to look at the root and surrounding bone. Where the tooth is infected, decaying, or there's a risk to the pulp, a root canal therapy will probably be performed.

Preparation

This is done with the application of the anaesthetic. The tooth receiving the crown is prepared by reshaping it make room for the crown, or where there's decay, filling it so it can hold the crown. An impression of the tooth is made at this stage, and this impression is used to create a permanent crown while the patient wears a prefabricated temporary crown.

Fixing​

This happens at the second appointment. The temporary crown is removed and the permanent, once it satisfies necessary specifications is fixed with an adhesive.

Dental crowns last between 5-15 years, depending on the material and how they are used. Any complications such as a loose crown, chipped crown, allergic reaction, etc. should be reported to the dentist and post-procedure tips should be adhered to.

Contact us to make further enquiries.