Accidents happen that can damage your teeth, and poor oral hygiene can lead to decay and enamel erosion. To repair damaged teeth, your dentist may recommend a dental crown.
A dental crown is a tooth-coloured cap used to fully enclose a damaged tooth to restore strength or improve the aesthetic appearance. To know if dental crowns are right for you, it is important to know the types of dental crowns available and how the dental crown procedure is performed.
When You Need Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth restoration treatment used to repair and strengthen teeth. You may need a dental crown if you have:
- A broken or severely chipped tooth
- Teeth weakened by deep decay that cannot be restored with a filling
- Had a root canal procedure and need to seal the tooth root
- To replace a large tooth filling
- Damaged tooth cusps
- Severe enamel wear due to acid erosion or bruxism
Dental crowns are also an important component of dental implants and attach to the implant post via an abutment to provide a strong, stable chewing surface.
Types of Dental Crowns
Although there are several materials used for dental crowns, including gold or metal alloys, at Bright Dental Group, we offer two types of dental crowns: All-ceramic and porcelain-fused to metal (PFM).
Ceramic crowns are made entirely from ceramic porcelain, which has a naturally opalescent luster that matches the shade of your remaining teeth.
They also require less tooth preparation and are a suitable hypoallergenic option for patients with metal allergies. They are exceptionally durable, often lasting over 15 years, and the smooth texture ensures that they suffer minimal wear-and-tear from regular chewing.
PFM crowns are constructed with a metallic frame that is covered with a thin porcelain coating. Unfortunately, they don’t offer the same translucence as an all-ceramic dental crown, but they have a high resistance to intense bite force, making them suitable for premolar and molar restorations. They are also more affordable than all-ceramic crowns.
What is the Dental Crown Procedure?
The dental crown procedure is straightforward; however, your tooth often requires significant preparation before the dental cap is fitted.
Your dentist begins by applying a local anaesthetic to numb the affected area. If you have had a root canal or a fractured tooth, the dentist needs to build up the area with composite resin to create a stable foundation for the crown. The dentist shaves and shapes the tooth to accommodate the crown, then applies dental putty to take impressions. Your dentist may also use a shade guide to find the perfect hue so that your new crown matches your natural teeth.
These impressions are sent to an off-site lab where your dental crown is fabricated. Your dentist fits you for a temporary crown made of acrylic or resin to protect your prepared tooth while you wait for the permanent crown to be made.
Once the dental crown is ready, you need to come in for a second appointment, during which the dentist removes the temporary crown and places the crown, making any adjustments as needed. They then cement the permanent crown in place.
Visit Bright Dental Group to Restore Your Smile
Dental crowns are a simple way to restore your smile if you have suffered dental trauma, deep decay, or following implant or root canal procedures. If you want more information about the dental crown procedure, call the experienced team at Bright Dental Group on (02) 4708 9691 to book your consultation.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
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