Understanding the Dental Crown Procedure

August 22, 2024

A cracked, decayed, or root canal treated tooth doesn’t have to mean losing it. The dental crown is a special cover for your teeth designed to make it strong again. If you have undergone a root canal treatment or need a crown to strengthen a weakened tooth due to large fillings, knowledge of how crowns work will definitely come in handy.

In this guide, we’ll walk through why crowns are recommended, the different types available, what happens during the procedure, and how to care for your crown so it lasts for years.

Why Your Dentist May Recommend a Dental Crown Procedure

There are several reasons why your tooth may be better off with a dental crown.

  • Large Decay or Filling:

    When a large portion of your tooth becomes decayed, or you have a large filling where the decay is developing around it, the strength of the tooth gets significantly reduced.

    As a result, the tooth finds it difficult to cope with regular chewing activity, particularly the sideways movement that occurs naturally during the chewing process. The weakened tooth may develop cracks due to the pressure being applied to it.

  • Post-Root Canal Treatment: 
    If there has been root canal treatment done, this means that there is a hole inside the tooth right through the middle up to a point. If there is no crown placed on top of the tooth that has undergone root canal therapy, it becomes much more likely to fracture over time and will require removal from the mouth.

  • Fractured or Cracked Tooth:
    If your tooth is cracked and is giving you sharp pains while you are biting on food, then you might need to restore that tooth using a crown. Cracked teeth happen when there is grinding or clenching of the teeth and may also result from biting on foods like bones or hard candy. You will know that you need a crown if you have sharp pains when you are biting on the tooth.

Types of Dental Crowns: Which is Right for You?

Not all crowns are the same. Each type offers a different balance of strength, looks, and cost, so the right one depends on which tooth needs it and what matters most to you.

Here’s a quick breakdown of your options.

  • Porcelain Crowns:
    They are very common owing to their aesthetics. If your worry is about the aesthetics of your teeth, then porcelain crowns are the right option for your front teeth, as they are translucent just like your natural teeth. However, they are not an option for molars as they can easily break when put under pressure.
  • Metal Crowns:
    Despite not being the prettiest solution, metal crowns are very strong and durable. They can be made out of metals such as gold, platinum, or alloy. Suitable for molars as they withstand biting forces.
  • Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crowns:
    If you want a crown that will offer strength but looks good at the same time, PFM crowns might be just what you need. You should consider the aesthetics of the gum area where the porcelain is fused to metal crowns, since the metal might show from beneath the porcelain.
  • Zirconia Ceramic Crowns:
    Ceramic crowns can be used effectively in case people have metal allergies. Zirconia crown construction is such that they form a good esthetic alternative to metal crowns in that they have metal-like strength but esthetic properties similar to those of porcelain.

The Dental Crown Procedure: Step-by-Step

Here’s our step-by-step procedure for a dental crown.

  1. Area Numbness
    Before beginning, the dentist will numb your tooth and also the gums around your tooth.
  2. Removal of Old Filling Material and Decayed Tooth Structure
    Once the tooth is numb, all the old filling material that has been used previously on the tooth will be removed along with the decaying part of the tooth. Only the healthy parts of the tooth, such as enamel and dentin, will remain intact.
  3. Build-Up Placement and Tooth Shaping
    The gap thus created will be filled up with some durable material called the build-up. This will result in the reshaping of the tooth, after which the tooth’s enamel will be removed.
  4. Taking Impressions
    The dentist will now make an impression of your reshaped tooth in order to make a crown that will fit perfectly. At times, digital scanning technology may be used in making the mold of the tooth.
  5. Temporary Crown
    To prevent further damage to your tooth, a temporary crown will be fitted to your tooth until the final crown arrives.
  6. Placement of Permanent Crown
    When the final crown is ready, you will visit the dentist in order to have it placed.
  7. Removal of Temporary Crown
    During your visit, your temporary crown will be removed, your tooth will be cleaned, and your permanent crown will be placed into position.
  8. Cementation of Crown
    Your dentist will check whether the permanent crown fits perfectly into your mouth and matches the color of your teeth. After this step, your crown will be cemented to provide you with proper occlusion. Any required adjustments will also be made by your dentist during the crown procedure.

Aftercare: How to Maintain Your Dental Crown

After getting a crown, you might be wondering how to properly care for it. Luckily, looking after a crown is quite similar to taking care of your teeth.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  1. Maintain oral hygiene:
    Brushing and flossing regularly will help avoid any damage to your crown, as you should remember that your crown is not a real tooth.
  2. Take care of your eating habits:
    Don’t bite things like candies and ice that might affect your crown. Stay away from sticky foods too.
  3. Regular visits to the dentist:
    Visiting your dentist regularly will help maintain the health of your crown and your teeth.
  4. Wear a Night Guard:
    The chewing force that occurs every day may have an effect on your teeth. The normal wear and tear may result in the entry of bacteria into the small gap between your crown and your teeth; the teeth under the crown may then start to decay once again. Such a scenario could be prevented by ensuring that you do not grind your teeth by wearing a night guard. A night guard would also ensure that the porcelain of your crown is not chipped.
  5. Be Aware of Pain:
    In case you are feeling pain after the application of the crown, do not wait to contact your dentist. Mild sensitivity for a few days is common, but persistent pain should be evaluated by your dentist.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns are quite resilient. On average, most crowns last for at least 10 to 15 years, but can even last longer if cared for properly. Crowns made from metal last the longest, whereas porcelain crowns may wear out sooner when there is continuous grinding and chewing of foods.

Good oral hygiene practices will increase the life of your crown. This includes brushing and flossing, getting regular checkups at your dentist’s office, and avoiding things such as nail biting and opening packages with your teeth.

What Happens If You Delay Getting a Crown?

If your dentist has recommended a crown and you choose to delay the treatment, there are potential risks. The tooth that has already been weakened by decay or injury can continue weakening; this may eventually result in:

  • Cracks or fractures that might make the tooth unrepairable.

  • Infection, requiring a root canal or even extraction.

  • Increased sensitivity or pain.

  • Higher costs due to more complex treatment later.

In short, postponing a crown can transform a simple fix into a more expensive dental issue.

Conclusion: Strengthen and Preserve Your Smile with a Dental Crown

Having a dental crown doesn’t mean the end of the world. It may be quite the contrary, since wearing a dental crown can be an advantage, as you will have a chance to retain your tooth for many more years. If you have any concerns regarding damaged teeth, visit a qualified dentist to discuss your options.

FAQs

No. Your dentist will numb the area, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure. Mild sensitivity in the first few days after the procedure is expected.

Usually two visits are required; the first one lasts about 60-90 minutes, while the second one lasts about 20-30 minutes.

This is unusual, but it can happen when the bonding agent is worn out, there is decay beneath it, or you bite down on something hard. You should see your dentist immediately if this occurs.

This depends on several factors and may cost from $800 to $2,500 per tooth. Dental insurance covers a part of this fee in many cases.

You can eat, but avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods on that side of your mouth to prevent dislodging the temporary crown before your permanent one is placed.

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Dr. Catherine Mentesana, DDS
With 24 years of experience, Dr. Catherine Mentesana, DDS, delivers compassionate, advanced dental care to help patients achieve lasting healthy smiles.