Tooth Crown: Types, Procedure, and Care

Are you aware that tooth crowns are among the most common restorative procedures dentists perform today? Crowns have been around in dentistry for a very long time. Hence, most individuals are familiar with what a tooth crown does and how it can protect a damaged tooth. It can also serve as a substitute for tooth fillings. 

However, you need to understand that some cost is associated with dental crown. Even though the insurance may pay only a portion of it, this cost often makes some wonder – if they need to get crowns or if the dental filling is sufficient. 

Note that your dentist will always recommend the best for your teeth, whether a crown, filling, or dental implant. Therefore, it is vital to understand why you may need a crown and what purpose it may serve.  

What is a Tooth Crown?

Over time, your teeth may slowly get damaged due to several reasons. The damage might happen for a variety of reasons. It could be due to tooth injuries, decay, or even tooth use. As a result, the natural tooth can lose its size and shape. Note that the design of the crown will be such that it often covers your damaged teeth.

Just relax. The crowns are generally tooth-shaped “caps” that your dentist will fit over your tooth. You can think of them as a hat placed on your teeth. It helps restore not only your teeth’s size but also their shape, strength, and appearance. While preparing the tooth crown – your dentist will usually take care of all the necessary parameters.

Towards the end of the procedure, your dentist will cement the crown on your tooth. It fully encapsulates the visible portion of your tooth that lies just above the gum line.

Benefits of Tooth Crown 

You can understand that a dental crown is similar to a cap-like structure placed on top of your damaged teeth. The height can protect, cover, and restore the shape of your original teeth when dental fillings can not solve the problem. 

The crown is usually made of resin, metal, porcelain, and ceramics. Moreover, you will not require special care over time other than regular oral hygiene.

In a scenario when your natural tooth has an undesirable appearance due to shape, color, or spacing between teeth – then crowns can make it look beautiful and realistic.

When to Choose Dental Crown or Dental Filling?

The next question then arises, when should you have a crown, and when can it be done with just a filling? Yes, the ultimate decision to get a crown belongs to the dentist and the patient. 

Your dentist will give you all the necessary info and advice to help you make an educated decision. At the same time, they will also examine your damaged tooth’s condition and suggest the crown’s pros and cons. 

In the end, you need to remember that protecting the teeth, and keeping them in the best condition, is the most healthy choice. Your dentist may suggest a crown, especially after a root canal procedure or RCT, to protect your tooth’s integrity. Root canal teeth often become brittle and weak because the nerve is no longer viable, and the teeth do not have a blood supply.

When Do You Need Tooth Crown?

You may need a teeth crown, especially when you encounter any of the following situations:

• Your dentist will use a crown to restore a tooth that might have been severely worn down.
• If you have a weak tooth – a crown can protect it. For example, a decayed tooth from breaking down.
• Your dentist may use the crowns to hold together parts of your cracked tooth.
• They may opt for it – to hold a dental bridge in place.
• They will also use a tooth crown to support a tooth that might have a large filling. Especially when the tooth has not much portion of the tooth left.
• Crowns can also cover – severely misshapen or discolored teeth.
• You might also need a crown for a cosmetic dental procedure.

You should note that the anatomy of the human teeth is such that the crown is the only visible section of the teeth. A false crown is necessary to restore your tooth if the natural crown is destroyed.

In addition, it has functional benefits too. There might be various reasons you need the tooth to be restored with a crown. 

What are the Types of Tooth Crown Available?

You can choose from a variety of permanent crowns these days.

They are often made of different substances such as porcelain-fused-to-metal, stainless steel, all resin, metal (such as alloy or gold), or ceramic.

1. Stainless steel crowns – Your dentist might use a stainless steel crown on your permanent teeth. But it is only a temporary step. A temporary crown will protect your tooth temporarily during the period when the permanent crown is under preparation.  
2. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns – You can choose porcelain-fused metal crowns to match your adjacent teeth’ color. Such crowns have a natural tooth color and hence are pretty popular. One can choose these crowns both for your front as well as your back teeth. Your dentist might choose porcelain fused metal crowns for long bridges where the metal provides support and strength.
3. Metal crowns – These days, different metals are used to make crowns. They may include gold, nickel,  palladium, and chromium. The crowns are often made from metal alloys with a high content of gold or platinum. Some crowns also use base-metal alloys like nickel-chromium and cobalt-chromium alloys. These metal crowns are designed to withstand your biting and chewing forces in the mouth. They rarely break and often last longer in terms of wear down.
4. All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns – People opt for this type of crown as it provides a better natural color match. In addition, individuals who are allergic to metal also prefer these crowns.
5. All-resin crowns – You may also choose them as they are less expensive than the other types. The crowns made from resin usually wear down over time and may likely break.

What are Onlays and 3/4 Crowns?

As you may know, there are different dental crowns your dentist might use on your teeth. Onlays and 3/4 crowns are also categories that your dentist uses to partially cover much of your underlying tooth, similar to traditional crowns. 

A traditional crown will cover your entire tooth. On the contrary, onlays and 3/4 crowns are perfect – especially when you still have a left solid tooth structure. 

You can opt for traditional methods to cover your teeth if you want your teeth to be restored. They will remove the affected section and perform a reshaping of your tooth to fit the crown perfectly.

Problems You May Develop with a Tooth Crown

You might start to experience several issues over time with your crown, which includes:

1. Discomfort or sensitivity: 

The newly placed tooth crown might be sensitive just after the procedure. Once the effect of the anesthesia begins to come down, the crown tooth may still have a nerve in it. There could be chances you may experience some heat and cold sensitivity. 

Your dentist will recommend using toothpaste specifically for sensitive teeth. If you experience sensitivity or pain when you bite down, your dentist will fix the problem.

2. Chipped crown: 

Sometimes you may notice porcelain crowns chip off. Your dentist will repair such chips, and the crown can remain in your mouth.

If your chipped tooth is large enough, your dentist may replace the crown. 

3. Loose crown: 

At times, the crown’s cement may wash out from underneath the crown. If any such thing happens, the crown will become loose, allowing bacteria to leak in. In the long run, it may also cause decay in your remaining teeth. If your crown feels loose, contact your dentist at the earliest.

4. Crown falls off: 

Yes, it can happen. It happens due to an improper fit or a lack of cement. When it happens, visit your dentist’s office immediately to fix the problem. In such a scenario, your dentist will give you specific instructions on caring for both the tooth and the crown. In addition, they will re-cement your crown in place. They may also make a new crown if they can not return your tooth crown.

5. Allergic reaction: 

Crowns are made from several metals. Therefore, you might have an allergic reaction after the procedure because of the porcelain or metal used in the crown. Though, the chances of any allergic reactions are pretty scarce.

How to Take Care of Your Tooth Crown?

After the procedure, you should take special care of your treated teeth. It is necessary to note that your crowned tooth is not protected from tooth cavities or gum disease. 

Therefore good oral hygiene practices become compulsory – especially regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash. Additionally, you should also visit your dentist every six months. Especially for the examination of your crowned teeth and their adjoining area.

If you follow a few easy tips, it can prolong the life of your crowned teeth. In general, try avoiding hard food, especially after the procedure. Hard food may cause your crown to crack. Especially if you have a porcelain crown.

If you have the habit of grinding your teeth at night, your dentist may recommend a night guard. It protects your crown and teeth from the damaging effects of grinding.

How Long Does a Tooth Crown Last?

On average, your crowns last for 5 to 15 years. Moreover, it depends on oral care and oral health. You should also note that the lifespan of a crown may depend on the amount of wear and tear. 

Furthermore, it is also linked to your mouth-related habits. It might include biting your fingernails, grinding your teeth, chewing ice, and using your teeth to open the packaging. All these activities may harm the crown in one way or the other.

Nowadays, most dentists manufacture the crown on their premises instead of sending it to dedicated labs. Hence you can easily opt for same-day crown placement procedures. It is beneficial as it saves on the number of visits to your dental clinic.