Dental crowns

A dental crown restores the normal shape, size and function of a tooth whose structure has suffered significant losses and can no longer be restored by other means (for example with an esthetic filling or an inlay / onlay / overlay). The crown also restores the aesthetic aspect because it covers it completely.

When do we need a dental crown?

When tooth destruction is too advanced and cannot be restored in another way.
Restoration of a fractured or heavily worn tooth.
In case a tooth had a root canal treatment: the crown will protect the weakened tooth and will correct its discoloration.
Improving the smile by obtaining a homogeneous color and shape throughout the arch.

What is a dental crown made of?

Crowns can be made of several types of materials, but there are mainly two types of crowns, depending on how long they are kept on the arch: temporary dental crowns and permanently fixed dental crowns.

Temporary dental crowns are made of acrylate or composite resin and we use them only for a limited time period, in order to keep the of the tooth’s function until the final crown is ready.

In our clinic we offer several options for permanently fixed dental crowns: the all-ceramic crown, the zirconia crown and the metal-ceramic crown.

All three will imitate the color of natural teeth, but each is indicated in different situations, depending mostly on the position of the tooth that needs to be covered, its visibility in the smile, degree of destruction, but also various local particularities and patient preferences. Before choosing a suitable material for our patient, we will discuss all the possibilities together.

Here are the main steps of this procedure:

We usually need two sessions for a crown. When it is placed on a natural tooth, we can describe a few general steps:

During the first visit we will discuss all the treatment options in detail. After that, we have to make sure that the tooth supporting the crown is stable, this means that any destruction or decay is thoroughly cleaned and restored.
If the tooth has had a root canal treatment, we might first recommend a core build-up with a root canal post (most often we use fiberglass posts) that will strengthen the tooth core.
When the tooth is stable and the structure is restored, we can prepare it for crown placement by removing its outer layer. All procedures will take place under local anaesthesia, so there is no need to worry about feeling pain.
At the end of the preparation, we will take the impressions, which will be sent to the dental laboratory for study and work.
Here comes the “medicine meets art” part of the work. Focusing on biological function and aesthetic demand, our dental technician will create a unique piece for each patient, that will fit comfortably and be in harmony with their smile.
Until the permanent crown is ready, the tooth will be covered and protected by a temporary crown. During this time, a sensitivity to heat and cold may occur. It is also advisable to avoid chewing gum and eating extremely hard or sticky foods.
After about a week, the crown is ready. Sometimes small adjustments to interdental or bite contacts are required. When everything fits perfectly and the patient is satisfied with the result, the crown is permanently fixed to the tooth (through cementation).

Caring for dental crowns

Just like natural teeth, crowns need to be cleaned and cared for.

If dental hygiene is not ensured, the tooth under the crown may still have cavities and the gums may develop inflammation. They must also be used properly.

To prevent cavities or crown damage:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day (morning and evening) and clean between your teeth with floss and / or a waterpik every day.
Use the oral care products recommended by our doctors to ensure that they meet the appropriate safety and efficacy standards for your particular case.
As with natural teeth, it is advisable to avoid extremely hard foods, chew ice or other hard objects, such as pencils or fruit kernels.
Be sure to schedule regular check-ups and professional teeth cleanings at our clinic.

Implant supported crowns

A dental implant can be used to support a crown. The steps of this procedure are the same, except for those that entail preparing the anchoring tooth. These are no longer necessary, as the crown will be equipped at the dental laboratory with a dental abutment that mimics a prepared tooth.

Whether the crown will be screw-retained or cemented to it, remains to be decided to each particular case.