Dental Crown Information

A dental crown is a hard, tooth-shaped cap that fits over an existing tooth. There are several reasons why a person might need a dental crown, although most people opt for one to protect a damaged or decaying tooth. Once in place, a dental crown looks like a real tooth and should last for several years, perhaps even decades. This dental procedure can improve a patient's dental health and self esteem by providing a protective, attractive cover for a tooth.

Purpose

A patient is often fitted with a dental crown to cover a damaged or decaying tooth. The hard, protective cap can prevent a weakened tooth from breaking or decaying any further. A crown can also be used to secure a dental bridge in place. For aesthetic purposes, a crown is sometimes utilized to cover a malformed tooth or an unsightly dental implant

Types of Crowns

Dental crowns can be made for temporary or permanent use. While temporary dental crowns can be created in a regular dental office, permanent crowns are typically made in a dental laboratory. A temporary crown, which is often used before a permanent one is installed, is made from acrylic materials or stainless steel. Permanent crowns can be constructed from metal, porcelain, resin or ceramic materials. Although metal crowns are the most durable, the other listed materials can make a tooth-like cap appear more realistic.

Procedure

Being fitted for a dental crown requires more than one trip to the dentist. Patients who need a cap to cover a decaying tooth may require extensive work, such as a root canal to remove the tooth's nerves, before the dental crown is installed. The tooth will also require some reshaping with a file. This will make room for the crown. An impression must also be taken of the tooth so the crown can be perfectly fitted.

After an impression is taken, the dental crown will be created in a laboratory. The patient will wear a temporary crown while it is being constructed. Once the permanent crown is complete, the patient will return to the office to be fitted. Cement is used to permanently fix the crown in place. Local anesthetic is used, as necessary, to relieve the patient of any pain during the procedure.

Cost

Dental crowns can vary in cost, although most dental insurance policies do cover part of the expense. Doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Dentistry estimate that a crown costs $500 to $900 each. The most affordable type of dental crown is one made with porcelain fused to metal.

Aftercare

A temporary dental crown is very fragile and often made from delicate materials. While wearing a temporary crown, patients should avoid chewing with that particular tooth. Hard, sticky foods should also be avoided until a permanent cap is fixed in place.

For the most part, permanent crowns should be treated like normal teeth. They require regular cleaning and should not be used to bite down on very hard objects. Patients may experience some tooth sensitivity after being fitted with a permanent dental crown, although special toothpaste can help alleviate the problem.

Metal crowns are the most durable, while all-porcelain crowns are known to chip on occasion. According to Colgate, crowns can last for decades if cared for properly.

References

• The Cleveland Clinic on Dental Crowns
• Colgate on Dental Crowns