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About this treatment
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown, also called a ‘cap,’ is a restoration used to cover or reinforce a damaged or aesthetically flawed tooth. There are two types: temporary and permanent. Permanent crowns are crafted in office, can be made and placed in a single appointment. Occasionally a crown needs to be made in a lab, this is when a temporary crown will be used until the permanent crown is ready.
When are Crowns used?
A dental crown, also known as a "cap," is used to cover or reinforce a tooth that is damaged, weakened, or cosmetically imperfect. It may be recommended in various situations, including:
- After a Root Canal: Following root canal, a crown may be placed to protect and strengthen the treated tooth.
- Large Fillings: When a tooth has a large filling that compromises its structural integrity, a crown can provide additional support.
- Cracked or Fractured Teeth: Teeth that are cracked, fractured, or otherwise structurally compromised may require a crown to prevent further damage.
- Cosmetic Enhancement: Crowns can also be used for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of, discolored, or poorly aligned teeth.
- Implants: Crowns are placed on top of dental implants to replace missing teeth, restoring both function and appearance.
- Protection of Weak Teeth: Teeth weakened by decay, trauma, or other factors may benefit from the added strength and protection provided by a crown.
General procedure:
Getting a dental crown entails several steps. First, your dentist examines and prepares the tooth by removing decay and shaping it to fit the crown. An impression is then taken to create a model. If needed, a temporary crown is placed for protection. Once the permanent crown is ready, it's checked for fit and alignment before being cemented. Your will dentist ensures comfort and functionality with final adjustments.
Before your appointment
- Before your Crown appointment at Ironwood Dental, take steps to prepare for a smooth experience. Ensure your oral hygiene is top-notch by brushing and flossing, reducing bacteria and discomfort during the procedure. Follow the dental team's instructions about eating and drinking before your appointment, particularly if sedation or anesthesia is planned. If you feel nervous, feel free to bring along a supportive companion who can also assist with transportation if needed. Dress comfortably for the occasion, especially if you expect a longer visit.
- Prioritize discussing any concerns with the Ironwood Dental team beforehand for reassurance. Lastly, practice relaxation techniques to stay calm and remember that Ironwood Dental's experts are here to alleviate your discomfort and preserve your dental health effectively.
How long will the appointment be?
If undergoing the placement of a porcelain crown in-office, the procedure can typically be accomplished within a single appointment, lasting approximately two hours (potentially longer for multiple crowns). During the initial and final thirty minutes of this appointment, your presence in the chair is necessary as a 3- dimensional scan will be taken and the crown will be positioned to ensure proper alignment. However, during the intervening hour, your presence in the chair is not mandatory, affording you the flexibility to engage in activities such as reading, watching television, or temporarily leaving the office if necessary.
What will the procedure look like?
- Preparation of the Tooth: The dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decayed or damaged areas and shaping it to accommodate the crown. This process may involve numbing the area with local anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
- Impression Taking: Once the tooth is prepared, the dentist will take impressions of the tooth and surrounding teeth. These impressions are used to create a custom-fit crown that matches the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth.
- Fabrication Crown: The impressions taken during your appointment are used to fabricate your permanent crown in office. This process is completed in one hour and the crown can be placed in the same appointment.
- Crown Placement: Once the permanent crown is ready, the dentist will carefully fit the permanent crown onto the tooth. They will check the fit, shape, and color of the crown to ensure it blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.
- Crown Bonding: Once the fit and appearance of the crown are satisfactory, the dentist will permanently bond it to the prepared tooth using dental cement. They will then make any final adjustments to ensure proper bite alignment and comfort.
- Aftercare Instructions: After the crown is placed, the dentist will provide you with instructions on how to care for your new crown, including proper oral hygiene practices and any dietary restrictions.
In the case that your crown must be made out of office, these steps will be completed in two appointments. At the first you will come in and have the impressions made to be sent off to the lab, when they have made the crown you will return to the office on a later date to have it placed and bonded.
Will the procedure hurt?
- The experience of getting a crown can vary from person to person, but generally, here's what you might expect:
- Pressure: You may feel pressure as the dentist works on preparing the tooth and fitting the crown. This sensation is common but should not be painful.
- Cold Sensation: There might be a sensation of coldness due to the materials used during the procedure, such as water or air from the dental tools.
- Numbness: If local anesthesia is used to numb the area, you may experience temporary numbness in your lips, tongue and/or cheek
- Minimal Discomfort: While the procedure should not be painful, you might experience some minor discomfort, especially when the dentist is shaping the tooth or placing the crown.
- Sound and Vibrations: You may hear noises from the dental tools and feel vibrations as they are used to prepare the tooth.
- Slight Tension: As the crown is placed and adjusted, there may be a slight sensation of tension or tightness in the mouth, but it should not be painful.
- Relief: After the procedure is complete, you may feel relieved that the treatment is over and that your tooth is restored.
After-care & recovery
Diet
A soft foods diet is recommended for the rest of today and tomorrow. Avoiding any sticky or chewy items, including gum and candy.
Daily oral hygiene
Do not floss around the crowned tooth as the cement will continue to set in the next 24 hours. Flossing around the tooth could dislodge the crown. Otherwise, you can brush this tooth as you would with other teeth.
Glue
You may feel excess glue around the crown, we attempt to remove as much as possible during your appointment but do not want to dislodge the crown while still setting. This will continue to flake off over time and can be removed at your next cleaning appointment.
Sensitivity
If the tooth was not previously root canaled, you may feel sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. This should settle in the next 1-2 weeks.
Gums
The gums around your new crown may be sensitive, you can rinse with a warm salt water to improve healing.
Pain
You can use over-the-counter pain medication for slight discomfort and sensitivity. If pain or sensitivity increases or does not decrease please contact the office.
Bite
Bite may feel slightly different from before the crown, this will settle over time. If after 2-3 days your bite still feels uneven or if you feel discomfort when chewing on the tooth, please call the office.
Ongoing oral hygiene after the first 24 hours
You can brush as usual, but make sure to be gentle around the treated area. Take care by brushing, flossing, coming in for regular checkups and cleanings
Follow up
A follow-up visit is usually arranged for approximately one week; contact the office to confirm your appointment. At that time, your bite and any sensitivity will be checked. If you find that you need adjustments before this date, please give our office a call at (519)763-1488 and we are more than happy to move up your appointment.
Common questions
How long will my dental crown last?
The lifespan of a dental crown varies based on factors like the material used, oral hygiene, and wear and tear. Generally, they last 5 to 15 years or more with proper care, including regular check-ups and avoiding habits like teeth grinding. Your dentist can offer personalized advice on maintaining your crown's longevity.
Will my insurance cover this?
Dental insurance plans can vary in coverage, deductibles, and limitations. Some plans may cover part or all of the cost, while others may not. A dental estimate will be submitted to your insurance company/companies prior to treatment to confirm the covered amount and determine any out-of-pocket expense prior to your appointment.
What are the different types of crowns?
Ironwood offers three different materials which your crown can be crafted with, porcelain, porcelain fused to metal and gold. Please keep reading to learn about the positive and negative aspects of each crown type.
1) Porcelain (ceramic): A ceramic crown, also known as a porcelain crown, is a type of dental crown made entirely of ceramic material. Ceramic crowns are popular because they closely resemble natural teeth in both appearance and function. This type of crown is made in office and can be completed in one appointment.
Positive aspects of porcelain crowns:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Porcelain crowns closely resemble natural teeth in color and translucency, providing a more natural-looking restoration.
- Biocompatibility: Porcelain is biocompatible, meaning it is well-tolerated by the body and unlikely to cause allergic reactions.
- Durability: Porcelain crowns are highly durable and resistant to wear, making them suitable for restoring both front and back teeth.
- Stain Resistance: Porcelain resists staining and discoloration, helping to maintain the crown's appearance over time.
- Precision Fit: Porcelain crowns can be precisely fabricated to achieve an optimal fit and alignment with adjacent teeth.
Negative aspects of porcelain crowns:
- Cost: Porcelain crowns tend to be more expensive than other types of crowns due to their aesthetic appeal and fabrication process.
- Potential for Fracture: While porcelain crowns are durable, they may be more prone to fracture or chipping than metal or ceramic crowns, especially if subjected to excessive force or trauma.
- Tooth Preparation: Porcelain crowns require more extensive tooth preparation compared to other types of crowns, which may involve removing more tooth structure
- Limited Indications: Porcelain crowns may not be suitable for all cases, particularly those involving significant tooth damage or functional issues
2) Porcelain Fused to metal: A porcelain-fused-to-metal crown (PFM crown) combines the strength of a metal substructure with the natural appearance of porcelain. It's used for both front and back teeth, offering durability and aesthetics. However, the metal may occasionally be visible near the gumline. This type of crown must be crafted in a lab and therefore completed in 2 appointments, a temporary crown will be needed.
Positive aspects of porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns:
- Durability: The metal substructure adds strength and stability to the crown, making it highly durable.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The porcelain outer layer closely resembles natural tooth enamel, providing a lifelike appearance.
- Versatility: PFM crowns can be used for both front and back teeth, offering a balance between strength and aesthetics.
Negative aspects of porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns:
- Potential for Visibility: The metal substructure may sometimes be visible near the gumline, especially if gum recession occurs over time.
- Wear on Opposing Teeth: The metal component of PFM crowns may cause wear on opposing teeth if not correctly aligned.
- Potential for Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the metal substructure, although this is rare.
3) Gold crown: A gold crown is a dental restoration made of gold or a gold alloy known for its durability and biocompatibility. It requires minimal tooth preparation and is less abrasive to opposing teeth. Though not as aesthetically pleasing as porcelain, it offers excellent longevity, making it ideal for restoring back teeth. This type of crown must also be crafted in a lab and therefore completed in 2 appointments, a temporary crown will be needed.
Positive aspects of a gold crown:
- Durability: Gold crowns are exceptionally durable and long-lasting, often lasting for decades.
- Biocompatibility: Gold is well-tolerated by the body, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or other adverse effects.
- Minimal Tooth Preparation: Gold crowns require minimal tooth preparation compared to other types of crowns, preserving more of the natural tooth structure.
- Less Wear on Opposing Teeth: Gold is less abrasive than other crown materials, resulting in less wear on opposing teeth over time.
Negative aspects of a gold crown:
- Aesthetic Appearance: Gold crowns are highly visible and may not be as aesthetically pleasing as tooth-colored crowns, making them less desirable for front teeth.
- Cost: Gold crowns tend to be more expensive than other types of crowns due to the cost of the material and the fabrication process.
- Conductivity: Gold is a good conductor of heat and electricity, which may cause sensitivity to temperature changes in some individuals.
- Limited Aesthetics: The appearance of gold may not be preferred by some patients, particularly those seeking a more natural-looking restoration for front teeth.
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