dental crowns

Dental crowns are used to restore severely damaged teeth that are unsuitable for white fillings or veneers, ensuring the tooth’s integrity when there is insufficient enamel for inlays or onlays. Essentially, a crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire upper part of the tooth, sitting on the gum line while the roots remain in the jaw.

Designed to blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth, dental crowns provide both aesthetic and functional benefits. They help maintain the integrity of the bite and overall oral health by covering and protecting damaged or decayed teeth.

Crowns are crafted from various materials, we mainly work with Emax and Zirconia crowns.

Emax Crown

Emax crowns are made out of a lithium disilicate glass ceramic and have exceptional strength, translucency and durability properties. They do very well at imitating natural enamel, being strong enough to be made into very thin layers and still easily withstand biting and chewing forces. The translucent dynamic helps them to look just like a natural tooth, blending in with the adjacent teeth.

Zirconia Crown

Zirconia is a type of crystal that is extremely durable and virtually indestructible, making it one of the hardest and strongest types of ceramic crown available. Although they are not as translucent as Emax due to their opaqueness, they can be perfectly colour matched to the adjacent natural teeth. These crowns are long wearing and a sensible choice for those with heavy bites.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A CROWN APPOINTMENT?

We want you to feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible during every treatment, so local anaesthetic will be available if necessary to ensure there is no pain/sensitivity. There is also an option for sedation for those with dental anxiety.

The dentist may want to take an impression of the tooth prior to preparation so that they can make a temporary crown to be worn in the interim period whilst your new crown is being made at the lab.

The tooth is then prepared to size, allowing room for the new crown to sit comfortably and in uniform with adjacent teeth. A digital scan is then taken of the whole mouth and bite and sent to the lab for the crown to be made.

A temporary crown is placed on the tooth to keep it safe from sensitivity and potential damage.

A second appointment is made for around 10 days later, where your new crown will be fitted. Small adjustments can be made to ensure the perfect fit and bite.

Dental crown aftercare

Anything new in the mouth can take a while to get used to or may feel alien for a while, here is some advice and tips to follow after you have had a crown preparation/new crown fitted:

If you have had local anaesthetic, it may take up to 4-6 hours for the effects to wear off. During this time, please ensure that you refrain from chewing your lip, inner cheek, tongue or soft tissues and drinking hot drinks to avoid unwittingly causing trauma to the area.
Your mouth has been worked on, so there may naturally be a small amount of tenderness, bruising and sensitivity to the area for a couple of days. If there are still worsening symptoms of pain after 7 days, contact the practice for advice.
Sensitivity to hot and cold is relatively normal for a short period of time after a white filling, and you should find that this settles after a few weeks. However, if you experience a prolonged period of sensitivity to temperature, or if it worsens, please contact the practice for advice.
Your temporary crown is designed to be just that, temporary! This is to ensure the ease of removal for when it is time to place your permanent crown. Because of this, sometimes the temporary crown can come off prior to your second appointment. If this happens, call the practice for advice - we can normally see you within the day to place it back on and keep your tooth protected.
Once your crown is fitted, the dentist will carry out some tests to ensure your bite is unaffected and adjust accordingly. Sometimes, it can take a few days for it to become apparent, and you may experience tenderness, like bruising, when chewing. If you experience this, the dentist can see you to adjust the crown a little more.
In the unlikely event your permanent crown de-bonds and comes off, we can usually see you within 24 hours to assess what has happened and re-cement your crown back on.

DENTAL CROWN FAQS

Why might I need a dental crown?

You might need a dental crown to restore damaged teeth and protect them from further harm. Dental crowns are often used for a worn down tooth, teeth that are chipped, cracked, or severely decayed. They can also be necessary after treating gum disease, which can weaken teeth. Additionally, crowns can replace missing teeth when used with dental implants, providing a strong and durable solution for a damaged or weakened tooth.

What materials are used for dental crowns?

Dental professionals use various materials for dental crowns, each suited to different needs. Porcelain crowns are popular for their ability to closely mimic natural tooth enamel, making them ideal for visible front teeth. These types of dental crowns help maintain the natural tooth structure while providing the necessary protection and functionality. We mainly work with Emax and Zirconia Crowns.

How do I care for my dental crown?

To care for your dental crown, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, paying extra attention to the area where the dental crown meets your gum line. Floss daily to remove plaque and debris from around your dental crown and between your teeth. Regular dental check-ups will ensure your crown and the surrounding teeth remain healthy and well-maintained.

Can a dental crown be repaired if it gets damaged?

Yes, dental crowns can often be repaired if they become damaged. The ability to repair a dental crown depends on the extent and type of damage. Minor issues such as small chips or cracks may be repairable by a dental professional using composite resin. However, more significant damage might require the crown to be replaced entirely. It’s essential to consult with your dentist promptly if you notice any damage to your tooth-shaped cap to determine the best course of action and maintain the function and aesthetics of your dental crowns.

Is getting a dental crown painful?

Getting a dental crown typically involves minimal discomfort rather than pain. Before the procedure, the dentist will numb the area around the tooth and gums to ensure you feel little to no pain during the preparation of the tooth and placement of the crown.