Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped devices placed over a broken or chipped tooth. They are also known as dental caps. They are useful in restoring the size, shape and strength of a tooth. Dental crowns make your smile look better, and a major plus about them is that they look like natural teeth. They are also very strong and durable, restoring the functionality of your smile.

A dental crown can last between 5 – 15 years depending on the amount of wear and tear it is exposed to, how well it is cared for, and what habits it is exposed to.

Who Needs A Dental Crown?

Over time, the teeth become prone to wear and tear. Any of the following conditions may need dental implants.

• To protect decaying teeth or hold cracked parts of a tooth.
• For cosmetic modification.
• To hold a dental bridge.
• To cover a dental implant.
• Restore a broken tooth or a severely worn down tooth.
• To cover a deformed or discoloured tooth.
• To support or cover a tooth that has large filling especially when the tooth left is small.

Children may also need dental crowns on their baby teeth for the following conditions:

• To protect a baby tooth with an increased risk of decay, especially when the child finds it difficult to maintain oral hygiene.
• To reduce the frequency of using general anaesthesia for children unable to get proper dental care due to behaviour, age or medical history.
• To support a tooth that is decayed and unable to support filling.

Types Of Dental Crown

There are majorly two types of crowns— temporary and permanent crowns. They are mostly made of an acrylic-based or stainless steel materials.

Permanent crowns are constructed in the dental laboratory from stainless steel, ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, resin or metal (gold or other alloys) materials.

How Is A Dental Crown Fitted?

Fitting a dental crown requires a series of appointment. The first step to fit a dental crown is to prepare the tooth so that the crown will be fitted on. Your dentist will take an x-ray of your teeth to check the bone surrounding the tooth and its root. You may have a root canal treatment if the tooth is severely decayed or is at risk of having an infection.

The next step involves the dentist taking the impression of your teeth. The colour of your teeth would also be taken to make sure the crown blends with your natural teeth. Before the onset of this process, the dentist will administer an anaesthetic then the tooth, and chewing surfaces will be filed down to create space for the crown or built up with filling material to support the crown if a large area of the tooth is missing. After reshaping the teeth, the impression will be taken with a digital device or using a paste or putty. The crowns are usually available in two or three weeks.

You may be given a temporary crown to protect your teeth before the permanent fittingwhile you wait for a permanent crown to be constructed in the dental laboratory with the impression or scan that was taken.

The next and last appointment will be to remove the temporary crown to fit the permanent dental one.

Problems That Could Develop From Fitting A Dental Crown

The following problems may develop with a dental crown

• Discomfort or sensitivity.
• Loose crown.
• Chipped crown.
• Allergic reactions especial when metal materials are used to make the crown.
• Dark lines close to the gum line of the crowned tooth.

Generally, dental crowns are an option for those who want to improve the aesthetics of their smile.

You can always trust our dentist to provide you with a lasting solution for your smile through dental crowns when you visit us at Ryan Dental at Harley Street London.

Contact us today for more information or a no-obligation consultation!