Dental crowns are used to strengthen damaged, heavily filled, root filled or cracked teeth.
The treatment involves creating a strong porcelain cap that completely covers the tooth restoring it to its normal shape, colour, size and function.
A crown is a tooth-shaped cover placed over a tooth that is badly damaged or decayed. Many people call it a cap.
Crowns may be placed for several reasons. Usually the tooth has been broken or severely damaged by decay. As a result, a filling can’t replace enough of the tooth or make the tooth strong enough. A crown may hold together parts of a cracked tooth. It also can be used to hold a bridge in place. Crowns can be used to improve appearance as well. They may be placed to cover misshapen or badly discolored teeth.
Crowns can be made ahead of time (prefabricated) or made to order in a laboratory. Prefabricated crowns are made of plastic or stainless steel. They can be used on a temporary basis until a permanent crown is made.
Crowns can be made of:All metal
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- Zirconia
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- Porcelain fused to metal (PFM)
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- Porcelain fused to zirconia
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- Emax
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- CEREC
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- All ceramic
All crowns have advantages and disadvantages. Which type is best for you will be determined in part by your occlusion (how your teeth meet) and whether you grind your teeth. The final choice is up to you, we will offer you advice and guidance.
Crowns usually last around 10 years. In many cases, they last much longer, up to 40 years or so. In many cases the crown is fine, but the tooth underneath it has developed a cavity. Therefore, maintaining good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, will help your crown last longer.
A crowned tooth is protected from decay, except for the gum line so you still might develop decay in that area plus a crown does not protect against gum disease. You should continue to brush twice a day and floss daily.
Crowns sometimes fall out. This can be caused by washed-out cement, excessive biting forces, broken core inside, snap at the root level or an improper fit. If this happens, place the crown in a secure, zip-top plastic bag. Then bring it to us. Most of the time a new crown needs to be made. The old crown can be used as a temporary crown.
If a permanent or temporary crown falls off and you are in no discomfort and your appearance is not affected, don’t try to put the crown back in place yourself. If you do need to put it back in your mouth, clean it well on the inside. Use a toothpick to loosen and remove any cement or debris that is stuck to the crown. A wet cotton swab can finish the cleaning. You can replace the crown temporarily using denture adhesive or temporary cement. This is sold in many pharmacies. Contact us right away and try to schedule a visit for the next day.
A dental bridge is one of the options to replace a missing tooth. A bridge is made up of two crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap and a false tooth in between (all attached together as one piece).
As with implants, the bridge helps maintain optimal dental health and functionality.
Getting crowns and bridges requires at least two visits, The 1st visit is for the preparation of the teeth and covering them with temporary crowns, while the 2nd visit is to issue the final crown or bridge.
Prices for crowns and bridges start from $1300
