Dental Crown :

TYPES OF DENTAL CROWNS

There are different kinds of dental crowns available, each with different materials, costs, procedures, and patient needs. Here are some of the most common types:

1. Gold crowns are strong and durable and require minimal removal of natural tooth structure. However, they lack aesthetic appeal and may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
2. Porcelain or ceramic crowns offer a natural look, match surrounding teeth, and are biocompatible. They are ideal for front teeth restorations but are less durable than metal crowns and require careful maintenance. Patients with bruxism should consider gold or PFM crowns. Porcelain crowns may be more expensive than metal crowns.
3. PFM (porcelain-fused-to-metal) crowns offer strength and aesthetics due to their metal structure and porcelain coat. The advantages of PFM crowns include excellent aesthetics, durability, and cost-effectiveness compared to all-porcelain crowns. However, they may cause a grey line at the gumline and wear down more easily for teeth clenchers.
4. Zirconia crowns combine metal strength with porcelain aesthetics. They offer excellent aesthetics, durability, and fewer chances of chipping or breaking. Additionally, cutting and shaping zirconia crowns can be done at the dental office, saving time without the need to send them to a dental lab. Zirconia crowns are highly durable and less prone to wear and tear. Additionally, they are biocompatible, meaning they are unlikely to cause any allergic reactions. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Firstly, their strength can lead to the wearing down of the opposing teeth. Secondly, adjusting solid Zirconia crowns can be challenging.
5. Stainless steel crowns are typically used in children. The premature loss of baby teeth can cause various complications that can ultimately affect the permanent teeth. Therefore, stainless steel crowns protect baby teeth until they are naturally lost.
6. E-Max crowns, made of lithium disilicate, provide excellent aesthetics and can withstand significant force, making them suitable for front and back teeth. However, there are a couple of disadvantages to be aware of. E-Max crowns may be more expensive, particularly for the dentist, who may pass on that cost to the patient. Additionally, some dental professionals have reported failures when using E-Max for multiple units on posterior teeth.

WHO NEEDS A DENTAL CROWN?

Dental crowns are necessary in various situations.

• They can be used to safeguard a weak tooth from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth.
• Dental crowns are also employed to restore a broken or severely worn down tooth.
• They can cover and support a tooth with a large filling when minimal tooth structure remains, such as after a root canal.
• Additionally, dental crowns are utilized to secure a dental bridge in place.
• Dental crowns can be used for cosmetic modifications, such as covering misshapen or severely discolored teeth or concealing a dental implant.
• In the case of children, a crown may be used on primary (baby) teeth to save a tooth that is extensively damaged by decay and cannot support a filling.
• Dental crowns can also protect a child's teeth at high risk for tooth decay, especially when they struggle with maintaining proper oral hygiene.
• Lastly, dental crowns can be used to reduce the need for general anesthesia in children who cannot fully cooperate with dental care due to their age, behavior, or medical history. In such instances, a pediatric dentist will likely recommend a stainless steel crown.

PROCEDURE FOR CROWN PLACEMENT

If your dentist has recommended a crown placement, the process usually requires two visits to complete.

During the first visit, the dentist will examine and prepare the tooth in question. They may take X-rays to assess the condition of the tooth's roots and surrounding bone. If there is deep decay, risk of infection, or a pulp injury, a root canal treatment may be required before the crown placement.

The dentist will numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue using local anesthesia, which is usually necessary for dental procedures to target the specific area of interest. The tooth receiving the crown will then be reshaped, and if necessary, a filling material will be used to rebuild the tooth structure and support the crown.

The dentist will then take an impression of the tooth or use a digital scanner to create a digital image, which will be sent to the dental lab to manufacture the permanent crown. In the meantime, a temporary crown made of acrylic will be placed to protect the prepared tooth. Temporary crowns are typically held in place using temporary cement.

The second visit will take place once the dental lab has created your permanent crown, which usually takes around two to three weeks. During this visit, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and assess the fit, color, and bite of the permanent crown. If everything is satisfactory, local anesthesia will be administered before cementing the permanent crown in place.

CARE AFTER CROWN PLACEMENT

Care after the Temporary Dental Crown : the name implies, the temporary crown needs certain precautions to be considered. These include:

• Refrain from consuming sticky and chewy foods, such as gum and caramel, as they can dislodge the temporary crown.
• Avoid eating hard foods, including bones, raw vegetables, and whole fruits.
• Minimize the usage of the side of the mouth where the temporary crown is placed while chewing.

The dental crown is designed to endure the regular forces exerted during biting, chewing, and grinding. However, one should still be careful after the crown placement.

• Refrain from consuming sticky and hard foods for 24 to 48 hours.
• Maintain a strict oral hygiene routine involving brushing, flossing, and regular professional crown cleanings.
• Maintain a strict oral hygiene routine involving brushing, flossing, and regular professional crown cleanings.
• Make sure to schedule regular visits to your dentist.

COMPLICATIONS ENCOUNTERED WITH DENTAL CROWNS:

Even though the crown is designed to endure the regular forces exerted during biting, chewing, and grinding, certain rare possible complications are

• encountered with dental crowns.
• Sensitivity after the preparation step
• Altered speech while adjusting to the new shape of your teeth
• Infection or inflammation of the area
• Crown fracture or loose placement screws
• Cementing failure
• Chipping, especially with veneered zirconia materials and bridge units
• Discoloration of the tissue near the crown

HOW LONG DOES A CROWN LAST / LIFE SPAN OF THE CROWN

When it comes to the lifespan of dental crowns, they typically last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. However, the durability of a crown depends on various factors such as your adherence to proper oral hygiene practices and habits related to your mouth. It is advised to avoid habits like teeth grinding or clenching, chewing ice, biting fingernails, or using your teeth to open packages.

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE A SURGEON AND HOSPITAL FOR A DENTAL CROWN

Choosing a healthcare professional for dental crown placement involves considering several factors. Choosing a surgeon with experience, proper training, certification from a reputable dental association, and positive reviews and references is best. Additionally, it's important to find a clinic equipped with advanced technology and conveniently located to minimize travel time. However, for dental aligner treatment, it is recommended to consult a Prosthodontist.