What Are Dental Crowns and When Do You Need One?

One of the most frequently used dental restorations, dental crowns provide a solution to a whole lineup of dental problems. From repairing a cracked tooth to creating a more appealing look to a smile, or protecting a tooth severely compromised by previous decay or repeated dental procedures, crowns play a crucial part in modern day dentistry. In this article, you will learn what dental crowns are, when they are needed and how they can benefit your oral health.

What Are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is a custom made cap, placed over a damaged or decayed tooth. It then returns the tooth to its normal shape, size, strength, and appearance, or gives it a second life. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, each suited for specific needs:

1. Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns: But these look the most natural so are the most appropriate for visible teeth — those in the front of the mouth.
2. Metal Crowns: They’re durable and strong, used typically for teeth at the back of the mouth that won’t be seen as often.
3. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: These provide a nice aesthetic and good strength, and so can be a good choice for back teeth.
4. Zirconia Crowns: However, zirconia crowns are becoming increasingly popular especially because of their tendency to look natural and last long.
5. Temporary Crowns: They are placed while you wait for the permanent crown to be created.

Dental crowns have a purpose of restoring function, protecting weakened teeth and improving the appearance of your smile. Properly cared for, they can last for many years.

But when do you need a dental crown?

Best dentist in Karachi may recommend dental crown in some of the following situations: Here are some of the most common reasons:

• Restoring a Severely Decayed Tooth: A dental crown is required when a cavity is too large to fill a tooth and the tooth is too damaged to function properly and avoid more harm.

• Protecting a Weak or Cracked Tooth: A crown benefits a tooth that is weak or cracked from wear and tear, trauma, or grinding.

• After a Root Canal Treatment: A tooth after being prepared with a root canal tends to be more brittle and prone to fracture. It may help save the tooth by protecting it with a crown so it does not break.

• Replacing a Large Filling: A crown may be needed if the tooth has become too large or has become damaged.

• Covering a Dental Implant: A dental implant then has a dental crown placed over it to replace the look and function of a missing tooth.

• Improving Tooth Appearance: Discolored, misshapen or damaged teeth can be covered with crowns, restoring your smile.

• Restoring Worn Teeth: Crowns have to be used to restore the shape and function of teeth that have worn down from grinding or other means.

The Dental Crown Procedure

Generally, getting a dental crown is a two visit process. At your first visit, the dentist will determine the condition of the tooth and make it ready for the crown. It entails altering the shape of the tooth so as to hold the crown before taking an impression of it which is sent out to a dental lab to hand make a custom crown.

In other cases, a temporary crown will be placed on the tooth and will be replaced when the doctor puts the permanent crown in place. Your best dentist in Lahore will remove the temporary crown during the second visit, and then take measurements and make an impression of the tooth. Using the information he or she has gathered, the permanent crown will be fitted. The crown is then firmly cemented in place with everything in place.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns offer numerous benefits, including:

• Restoring Function and Appearance: When installed, crowns permit the natural function of the tooth, so you can once again bite, speak, and smile with confidence.
• Long-Lasting: Dental crowns are a durable option for fixing problem teeth, and if taken care of properly, can last many years.
• Protecting Teeth: Crowned teeth are weakened teeth that require more protection (and evidence of such) or, if damaged severely enough, would otherwise need to be removed with root canals or extractions, so the crowns protect the remaining crown from damage or decay and they help preserve your natural teeth for as long as you can manage them.
• Improving Self-Confidence: In addition to giving you a smile you can be proud of, crowns can improve the aesthetic appearance of your teeth.

How to Care for Dental Crowns

We wanted to write to you about proper care of your dental crowns, since they are essential to the longevity of your dental crowns. Here are some tips to keep your crowns in great shape:

• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Plaque doesn’t need to build up in this area, as you brush and floss regularly, by keeping plaque buildup around your crown and the surrounding teeth under control.
• Avoid Hard Foods: Do not chew hard objects such as ice or pens which will harm your crown.
• Wear a Mouthguard: If you find yourself grinding your teeth in your sleep, get a mouth guard to safeguard your crowns and natural teeth.
• Regular Dental Check-ups: Don’t forget to commit to visits to your dentist for cleanings and checkups — these help keep crowns in good condition.

Conclusion

Dental crowns are a versatile and very effective treatment to fix a myriad of dental issues varying from protection of damaged teeth to increasing the appearance of smile. If you have a tooth problem that might need a crown, you should consult your dentist to see what’s best for you. Taking good care of your dental crown can pay off in the long run, and help you keep a healthy, healthy smile.