What are dental crowns?

Dental crowns are used to protect or replace problem teeth. Crowns can be used to cover teeth that are chipped, broken, cracked or badly discolored. Crowns are also used to protect large fillings and allow worn out teeth to be functional again. Dental implants are covered and bridges are held in place by crowns.

Crowns are also used to cover teeth that are aesthetically unappealing, and improve a smile. Weak teeth that are susceptible to cavities can be protected by placing a crown over them. For children crowns can be used to hold a filling in place when the tooth is too small to support it on its own.

How do you

get a crown fitted?

Your dentist will be the best person to advise you on whether or not you are a good candidate for a dental crown. At Devon Neighbourhood Dental Dr. Laheeb Quddusi will first give you a full oral examination and then explain to you all your options. If you are a good candidate for a crown the dentist will tell you about the different types and which one suits you the best. Dr. Quddusi will listen to all your questions and answer them openly and honestly.

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What are crowns made of?

Dental crowns are made of different types of materials:

  • Metals: Metal crowns are made from alloys of gold or platinum. Some other alloys made from non reactive metals can also be used for making crowns. While metal alloy crowns are extremely durable and withstand wear and tear very well they do not match the color of the teeth. These crowns are mostly used for the molars at the back of the mouth that are not very visible.
  • Porcelain-metal fused crowns:Crowns that are made of porcelain fused to the metal can be made to match the color of the teeth. These crowns however are not as durable as the all-metal crowns as the porcelain can chip or crack with prolonged use. Sometimes the metal can be seen under the porcelain and makes the tooth appear darker than the others.
  • Composite resin crowns:These crowns are made of a mixture of silicon dioxide and plastic. They are made to match the color of the teeth perfectly. Composite resin crowns are a good option for aesthetic purposes and are the cheapest type of crown. The main drawback of composite resin crowns is that they wear out more quickly than any of the other types.
  • Ceramic and porcelain crowns:While not as durable as the all-metal crowns these types of crowns are still very strong and long lasting. Ceramic and porcelain crowns match the color of the teeth well and can be used for teeth in front that are visible as well as teeth at the back of the mouth.

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What is the procedure to get a dental crown?

To get the crown fitted first the tooth needs to be prepared for the crown. To do this the dentist will first take an x-ray of the tooth to check the condition of the roots and supporting bone. If everything looks alright he will then go ahead with preparing the tooth. The tooth first needs to be filed down to make place for the crown to fit over it. The filing will be done under local anesthesia so that you do not feel any pain or discomfort. In cases where the tooth is badly worn out or damaged the dentist might need to add a filling material so that the crown can be supported.

Next an impression of your tooth will be taken so that the crown can be made to fit perfectly. An impression of the opposing tooth will also be taken so that the crown can fit well with the tooth above or below it. A temporary crown will be fitted over the tooth for about two weeks till the permanent crown is prepared. The crown will be made at a dental lab using the impressions of your teeth.

At your next visit which will be after two or three weeks the dentist will fit the crown over your tooth. The crown is fitted by first removing the temporary crown and then checking if the permanent crown fits well. If the fit and color of the crown are perfect then the crown is cemented to the tooth under local anesthesia. The cement hardens and holds the crown firmly in place.

Dr. Quddusi will give you a set of aftercare instructions which you need to follow to ensure that your crown lasts for a long time.

Devon Neighbourhood Dental

Situated conveniently in the heart of Devon, Devon Neighbourhood Dental is a newly renovated facility with all the latest equipment. Dr. Quddusi is highly qualified in fitting dental crowns and treats each patient with the utmost care. Contact us for an appointment if you are looking to have a dental crown fitted.