Dental Crowns

‘WHAT’ IS A DENTAL CROWN?

A dental crown is an individualised, custom made protective “cap” which replaces the outer surface of a tooth.

The placement of dental crowns helps provide you with a strong, durable and natural-looking surface.

‘WHY’ DO I NEED A DENTAL CROWN?

Over time our natural teeth will experience ‘wear and tear’ and are subject to a variety of damaging external forces eg. Sugar, acid, heavy force, clenching, grinding etc. which commonly results in ‘damage’ over time.

In such instances dental crowns are used to restore and/or improve the ‘shape’, ‘strength’, ‘appearance’ and ‘function’ of the affected tooth or teeth.

‘WHEN’ DO I NEED A DENTAL CROWN?

Common instances where a crown maybe recommended include teeth which are:

- Badly cracked or broken

- Severely worn down eg. Bruxism (grinding), clenching

- Significant acid wear or erosion

- Following root canal treatment

- Repeated breakage or debonding of previous fillings

- Heavily filled teeth with large fillings resulting in small remaining amounts of ‘natural’ tooth structure

- Noticeably discoloured or darkened teeth

- Visibly misshapen or small teeth

‘TYPES’ OF DENTAL CROWNS

The most common types of crowns available include:

Porcelain/Ceramic

- Metal-free

- Highly aesthetic, natural looking

- More suited for front teeth where teeth are subject to less pressure/force and aesthetics are in high focus

Zirconia

- Metal-free

- High strength and white in colour

- Well suited for high stress situations where aesthetics are not as crucial eg. Side and rear teeth, high stress oral environments etc.

Porcelain Bonded to Metal

- A thin layer or porcelain is fused to a metal base

- This type of crown was traditionally one of the most commonly used types (prior to the development of ‘porcelain’ and ‘zirconia’ crowns)

- Over time they have fallen out of favour to the more aesthetic metal-free crowns (porcelain, zirconia).

- The most common issues occur during gum shrinkage where the metal foundation may become visible, or if the porcelain surface chips or wears away over time exposing the dark metal colour underneath.

Gold

- These crowns are composed of a ‘gold alloy combination’

- They are generally well suited for teeth which are frequently subject to high force or stress eg. Grinding, clenching, heavy bite force etc

- The main drawback for some patients can be the ‘aesthetics’ as patients may prefer the appearance of the ‘metal free’ crowns. Recent increases in the cost of gold has also resulted in these crowns being relatively more expensive

WHAT TO ‘EXPECT’ DURING MY DENTAL CROWN TREATMENT?

In a standard ‘straight forward’ case there are a number of appointments involved:

1st Visit – Consultation/Examination, X-rays and Pictures

- The Dentist will assess your situation and suitability for a dental crown(s).

- The best type/material of crowns will be discussed with you as well as the associated costs

- ‘If’ there are any pre-requisite treatment that is required this will be discussed with you eg. active decay, gum disease, noted misalignment, nerve infection etc.

- Any questions that you have will be either discussed with you at the end of the appointment, or at a follow-up appointment (depending on time constraints)

2nd Visit – Preparation/Trimming, Impressions, ‘Temporary’ Crown

- Trimming of the tooth will take place

- ‘Colour selection’ for the permanent crown will take place

- An impression will be taken which is then sent to a local lab in Australia

- A ‘temporary crown’ will be placed over the tooth at the end of the appointment to protect the underlying tooth

3rd Visit – Insertion and Adjustment

- Your individualised, custom-made crown will be ‘inserted and adjusted’ to ensure it is comfortable for your bite/occlusion

- This appointment will take place approximately 2 weeks after the preceeding 2nd visit.

CONCLUSION

At Crown Dental Surgery we offer either Porcelain, Zirconia or Gold crowns. Porcelain and Zirconia Crowns offer a metal-free, which coloured option whilst still providing strength and durability. Gold Crowns maybe considered in certain cases where there is constant high force and stress eg. heavy bite, on-going clenching or grinding habits etc. The type of crown most suitable for your situation will be discussed with you during your consultation appointment. All dental crowns are constructed by a local Sydney based lab in Australia. 

If you need a dental crown or would like to find out if they would benefit you then please call our friendly team at Crown Dental Surgery in Chatswood on (02) 9090 2059 to schedule your consultation.