Dental Crown Process: Everything You Need To Know

Dentists have long been known for their incredible skills in restoring teeth. But what many patients might not know is that dentists also have a unique skill set when it comes to dental crowns. A dental crown is a special type of restoration that helps protect the tooth against further decay and fractures. And if you’re considering getting one, you need to be aware of the whole process from start to finish. Explore everything you need to know about the dental crown process, from the types of crowns available to the various steps involved in getting one installed.

What is a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are a type of dental restoration that are customarily used to cover or restore areas of decayed, missing or damaged teeth. Crowns are made out of various materials, including metal, resin and porcelain. They’re usually placed on top of the original teeth and look a little bit like a cap. Crowns can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years and typically require very little maintenance.

Different Types of Dental Crowns

There are a few different types of dental crowns, and each has its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

Crowns made from natural tooth material (gum tissue) are often considered to be the most aesthetic type of crown. They’re generally less visible and feel more natural than other types of crowns, which can make them popular among people who care about appearance. However, they tend to last shorter than other types of dental crowns, typically lasting around six months before needing to be replaced.

Metal dental crowns are the most durable type of dental crown. They can last up to 10 years or more with proper care. They also tend to be less aesthetically pleasing than other types of crowns, and may require additional restoration work if damaged or eroded over time.

Dental veneers are thin shells of plastic that are bonded to your teeth using a strong adhesive. They look similar to regular teeth but have a slightly rough surface that helps them grip the underlying tooth structure. Veneers can be fitted in just minutes in our office and provide a long-term solution for cosmetic problems such as uneven teeth or gaps between teeth. However, veneers do not offer any structural support like metal or gum tissue dental crowns do, so they may eventually need to be replaced if they experience significant wear and tear.

Crown Types: Fixed or Removable

There are two types of dental crowns: fixed and removable. Fixed crowns are made to be attached to the tooth permanently, while removable crowns can be removed either by a dentist or by the patient themselves. Here’s what you need to know about each type:

Fixed Crowns: Fixed crowns are made of a variety of materials, including metal, ceramic, and plastic. They’re most commonly used on teeth that have been damaged beyond repair or those that need extensive restoration work. To install a fixed crown, a dentist will first make an impression of your teeth using digital technology. From this impression, he or she will create a custom-made crown that will fit your individual mouth perfectly.

Removable Crowns: Removable crowns are usually made of porcelain fused with resin. They come in two varieties: thin-shell and thick-shell. Thin-shell removable crowns require minimal anesthesia for installation; however, they tend to wear more quickly than thicker-shell removable crowns. Thicker-shell removable crowns offer greater protection against decay and breakage but may require more anesthesia during installation. To remove a removable dental crown, simply rinse it off with warm water and mild soap followed by brushing and flossing.

How a Dental Crown Is Made

Dental crowns are one of the most common dental treatments. They are used to restore a natural tooth that has been lost, damaged, or destroyed. Crowns are made from different materials, including porcelain, metal, and plastic.

The process of making a dental crown starts with an impression of the teeth that is taken using a digital scanner. This impression is then used to create a 3-D model of the teeth. The model is used to make a custom dental crown that will fit the person’s jaw perfectly.

The next step in the process is to create the dental crowns out of different materials. Crowns made out of porcelain are usually the most expensive and last the longest but they may be susceptible to chipping or cracking if not treated properly. Metal crowns are less expensive but may require more maintenance than porcelain crowns. Plastic crowns are generally easier to repair if they break but they can also become brittle over time and need to be replaced more often than metal or porcelain crowns.

After choosing which type of crown best suits their needs, the dentist will then prepare the teeth for installation by removing any existing dentures and implants, clean and polish all surfaces on which the new crown will sit, and make sure there is enough room between adjacent teeth for it to fit snugly. The final step in the process is to install the new crown by bonding it into place with special adhesive or by placing it on top of the teeth using a dental cement.

After the Dental Crown Procedure

After the dental crown procedure is complete, you may experience some pain and swelling. This is normal and should go away within a few days. You may also need to take antibiotics before the dental restoration process can begin, as sometimes there is an infection present. If any of these things persist or become too bothersome, speak with your dentist.