What is a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are synthetic caps that your dentist places on the top of a damaged tooth to help restore its function and protect it from any future damage.
You may need a crown if you have had a root canal, or have a large filling or broken tooth. They can help correct bite issues, improve your speech, and reduce the risk of gum disease.
If your dentist determines you need a dental crown, they will give you a local anesthetic, then gently file down your tooth to reshape it and make room for the crown.
Next, they will take an impression of your tooth so a custom crown can be made to fit your mouth. Your dentist will then place a temporary crown over the tooth for protection until the final crown is ready to replace it.
Caring For Dental Crowns
With the proper care, dental crowns can generally last for over 10 years. Be sure to practice good oral hygiene and attend regular checkups and exams at your dental office.
Types of Dental Crowns in SE Calgary
The following materials are used to make crowns:
- Metal Crowns
Metal crowns are made of gold. They generally last a long time, won’t chip or break, and tend to not wear down your surrounding natural teeth.
- Composite Crowns
Composite crowns are tooth-coloured. They won’t chip easily, but they tend to wear more quickly from chewing. Over time, tooth brushing may remove the polished surface of composite crowns causing them to stain more easily.
- Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are tooth-coloured and look like natural teeth. They are more brittle than metal or composite crowns and may chip more easily. Porcelain crowns can be reshaped and polished by your dentist.
- Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns look natural and are stronger than porcelain or composite crowns so they won’t chip as easily.
FAQs About Crowns
Get answers to our most commonly asked questions about dental crowns.
- How long before a crown feels normal?
Crown sensitivity is common and usually goes away within one or two weeks after the procedure. If you notice pain when you bite, contact your dentist, as the crown may need to be adjusted.
- Can crowns be adjusted?
Dental crowns can be adjusted. The reason for the adjustment and the material your crown is made from will determine how your dentist will remove it.
- When should a dental crown be replaced?
The decision to replace a crown depends on a number of factors. The most important reason is if the tooth has decay underneath the crown. Over time, crowns may also need to be replaced due to general wear and tear.
- Will I have tooth pain after a crown?
Once the crown is placed, you shouldn't feel pain around the treated tooth.
Some people may feel sensitivity from the surrounding teeth or the tooth that the crown bites against, but this should resolve within a few weeks. If it does not, contact your dentist.
- What can you not eat with a temporary crown?
It is recommended to avoid hard or sticky foods that may dislodge temporary crowns.