Everything You Need to Know About Dental Crowns

This blog offers an in-depth exploration of dental crowns. Whether you're researching options for tooth restoration or considering getting a crown, we hope you'll find this information valuable.

This blog offers an in-depth exploration of dental crowns. Whether you're researching options for tooth restoration or considering getting a crown, we hope you'll find this information valuable. At Bakery Hill Dental, we offer both laboratory-fabricated and same-day CEREC crowns at our modern clinic in East Gosford on the Central Coast.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a customized, permanent dental restoration. It resembles a tooth-shaped "cap" and is placed over a prepared natural tooth. When securely bonded, crowns cover the entire visible part of the tooth above the gum line.

Crowns are also utilized in implant procedures to replace missing teeth resulting from disease, decay, or accidents. A dental implant serves as an artificial root inserted into the jawbone to support and secure the crown in cases where there's no natural tooth or root structure.

Why Is a Dental Crown Necessary?

The primary objective of a crown is to restore a tooth's strength, function, size, and shape while enhancing its appearance. 

Situations where a crown may be required include-

1. Protecting a weakened tooth (e.g., due to decay) or a cracked tooth to prevent further damage.
2. Replacing an old, damaged, or failing tooth filling.
3. Restoring a broken tooth.
4. Adding length to worn-down teeth (e.g., from grinding).
5. Providing support to a tooth with substantial filling when natural tooth structure is limited.
6. Addressing cosmetic concerns like closing gaps between teeth or reshaping and repositioning teeth.
7. Securing dental bridges in place.
8. Covering a dental implant.
9. Strengthening a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy.

In addition to enhancing a tooth's appearance, a crown shields it from further wear and deterioration.

In cases of a missing tooth, leaving gaps in the mouth can lead to surrounding teeth shifting or rotating into the empty space, resulting in malocclusion (improper bite), which can affect one's diet. It can also contribute to bone loss in the jaw and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. Hence, it's advisable to discuss tooth replacement options with your dentist, such as an implant and crown, rather than leaving gaps in your dental structure.

What Types of Crowns Are Available and How Do They Differ?

Permanent dental crowns can be crafted from various materials, including:

• All-metal.
• All-ceramic.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal.
• Stainless steel.
• All-resin materials.

Here are concise descriptions of the different types of dental crowns:

All-Metal Crowns:

All-metal crowns, often referred to as ITEM 618 in dental plans, consist entirely of metal. They are the strongest type of crown, requiring minimal tooth removal and offering excellent durability. While they lack aesthetic appeal due to their metallic appearance, they are ideal for molars, spaces with minimal room, or individuals prone to teeth grinding.

All-Ceramic / All-Porcelain Crowns:

All ceramic crowns (ITEM 613) consist entirely of ceramic material, offering a highly lifelike appearance that mimics natural teeth. They come in two forms: dental laboratories create some using multiple porcelain layers for superior color matching and light reflection, while CAD/CAM machines produce others as monolithic crowns that are less translucent but still closely match in color. These crowns are suitable for front teeth and those with metal allergies.

Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal (PFM) Crowns:

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns, also known as ITEM 615, combine metal and porcelain. The metal core provides strength, while the porcelain outer layer offers a natural appearance. They are a balanced choice for both strength and aesthetics, making them suitable for front and back teeth. However, the metal core can sometimes show as a dark line as gums recede over time.

Stainless Steel Crowns:

In fact, stainless steel crowns (ITEM 576) are typically used for temporary purposes, especially in children. They cover and protect teeth until permanent crowns are ready. They are cost-effective and require minimal dental visits.

All-Resin Crowns:

All-resin crowns (ITEM 611) are made entirely of resin material and are often used temporarily. They offer an aesthetic alternative to stainless steel crowns, but they wear down easily and are less durable. They may require significant tooth removal for permanent placement, making them best suited for front teeth.

Dental Crown Procedure Overview:

A dental crown procedure varies based on your specific case, but here's a general overview of what to expect:

The dentist begins with an initial examination, including x-rays, to assess your tooth and overall oral health. If there's severe decay or infection, a root canal might be necessary. In some cases, if there's insufficient natural tooth structure, a core or post-and-core procedure may be needed.

For CAD/CAM CEREC single-appointment ceramic crowns, the process occurs in one visit. When you undergo the procedure, your dentist will numb your tooth, remove any decay or old fillings, and reshape your tooth to prepare it for the crown. They will then take a 3D image and use digital technology to design and mill the crown before placing it on your tooth.

In the case of dental laboratory-made crowns, it typically involves two appointments. During the initial visit, your dentist will numb your tooth, reshape it, and take impressions. During this process, you will be provided with a temporary crown, while the impressions are forwarded to a dental laboratory for the individualized fabrication of your permanent crown. In the subsequent appointment, the temporary crown is exchanged with the permanent one, ensuring it fits precisely and harmonizes in color with your natural teeth.

Partial Crowns - Onlays:

When a tooth sustains damage that exceeds the suitability of a filling but falls short of requiring a full crown, onlays, also known as partial crowns, provide a viable solution. Onlays retain a greater portion of the natural tooth structure and can be crafted from a variety of materials.

There are two types of onlays: Indirect and Direct. 

Dental labs craft indirect onlays, requiring two appointments. In contrast, dental offices create direct onlays in a single appointment, often utilizing CAD/CAM technology.

Moreover, onlays can be made from metal, composite resin, or ceramic, matching the natural tooth color. They are a compromise between fillings and full crowns, providing effective restoration while preserving tooth structure.

Inlays are similar to onlays but cover different areas of the tooth. Inlays fill the space between the cusps, while onlays cover both the middle area and one or more outer cusps. Also, onlays are often referred to as "partial crowns" due to their extensive coverage.

The Way Forward:

Finally, dentistry has gone a long way from the days of bare metal crowns. While they still have many valuable applications, we can now provide a wide range of solutions to fit your specific situation. At BHD's best dental crown clinic, we can custom-create a crown to blend smoothly into your smile, whether you want longevity, strength, or the most natural aesthetic look. Crowns are quite useful in their use. One of their most essential tasks is to allow patients to restore their natural teeth and maintain them. They may also perform the most remarkable cosmetic makeovers. If you'd like to learn more about how a crown might help your smile, please contact us for a consultation.

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