What is Tooth Crowning: Overview, Benefits, and Expected Results

What is ​Tooth Crowning? Overview, Benefits,​ and Expected Results



Crowns, also known as caps,‌ are a common restorative dentistry procedure ​used to restore ⁢a tooth’s size, ⁤shape, and strength. Tooth crowning is a form of dental restoration that ⁣fits ​over​ the entire visible‌ portion of a tooth, with the goal of improving the appearance and ‌function of the tooth.



A dental crown can be made ​from different ⁢materials,‍ including metal, porcelain, ‍ceramic, composite, and gold. The type of material used to make a crown depends on the needs⁤ of the patient and‌ the preferences of⁤ the dentist. For⁤ those who are concerned about aesthetics, all-ceramic or porcelain crowns provide an excellent natural-looking aesthetic.



In this article, ⁢we’ll take ⁣a closer look at what tooth crowning is, the benefits and expected results, and how you should prepare ⁢for treatment.





What is​ a⁤ Tooth Crown?



A dental crown is a⁢ type ​of dental restoration used to replace ‌or cover an existing damaged or decaying tooth. Crowns are generally made from‌ porcelain, ceramic,⁣ metal, zirconia, ⁢or⁤ a combination of materials. ⁣



The‌ crown‍ is designed to fit the tooth’s shape exactly and covers the entire visible​ portion⁣ of the tooth above ‍the gum line.‍ Dental crowns are custom-made to fit the specific tooth and are cemented​ in place.



The purpose⁤ of a dental crown is to protect and strengthen the tooth, restore the appearance of a ‌tooth, and improve the function of a damaged tooth. The crown may also be used to⁤ fill gaps​ in a‌ smile, ⁢improve the smile, or provide support for ​a dental bridge or denture.



Benefits of Tooth Crowning



The ​primary benefit of tooth crowning is that it strengthens and restores the function of a damaged or decayed ‌tooth. A dental ⁢crown can also improve the appearance of a misshapen or broken tooth.



Crowns are strong, durable, and relatively natural-looking,⁤ making them an ideal solution for restoring and maintaining teeth for⁢ long-term health.



Other benefits of tooth crowning include:



• Protection​ of existing ⁤teeth: Dental crowns can protect and strengthen ⁢existing teeth from further damage due to excessive wear, ​decay, ‌or a traumatic ​injury.



• Prevention of cavities: ‍A crown ​prevents⁣ bacteria, acid, and plaque from further damaging a tooth, which‍ minimizes the risk of decay and cavities.



• Aesthetic enhancement: Dental crowns⁤ can improve the appearance of a tooth​ and provide a natural-looking smile.



• Improved chewing and speaking: Crowns ‍can restore the ‌natural shape ​of a tooth​ and improve its function for ​improved ‌chewing and speaking. ‍



• Improved‍ confidence: Crowns can improve self-esteem by improving the appearance and function of a tooth.



Expected Results of Tooth Crowning



The expected results from tooth crowning depend on​ the material used⁢ and the condition of the ⁢tooth before treatment. Porcelain ‍and other all-ceramic crowns provide excellent aesthetics, while metal crowns and other materials are durable and offer superior protection for the underlying tooth structure.



The goal⁢ of a dental crown is to restore the function ​of ⁤a tooth‍ and improve its aesthetics. Depending on the type of crown used, you can expect ‍the following:



• Improved strength and‍ protection: ‍Crowns protect the underlying⁢ tooth structure from further decay and damage.



• A natural-looking ⁢appearance: Crowns ⁢can be matched to the color of existing⁤ teeth for a natural-looking smile.



• Improved chewing ⁣and speaking: Crowns can ​restore the natural shape⁤ of a⁣ tooth and improve its function for​ improved chewing and speaking.



• Improved self-esteem: Crowns⁣ can provide excellent aesthetics and improved⁤ confidence with a restored and natural-looking‍ smile.



How to Prepare for ⁢Tooth Crowning



It is important to prepare for tooth crowning to ensure a successful⁣ outcome. Before the procedure, ⁤you⁤ should discuss the following with‌ your ‌dentist:



• The type of crown material best suited to your‍ needs

• The‍ cost and duration of the procedure

• Any potential risks or side effects



Before the procedure, your dentist will need to take x-rays ​and impressions of your teeth to ensure an accurate⁣ fit.



Your ​dentist may also recommend a root canal or other dental treatment before applying the crown. This is to ensure the health ⁣of ‌the underlying tooth structure and to reduce the risk of complications after the crown is applied.



Conclusion



Crowns are a common dental restoration used to restore the size, shape, and strength of a tooth.‌ Tooth crowning is a form of dental restoration that fits over the entire visible portion of a tooth and is designed to improve its appearance and function. ⁤



A crown ‌can be‌ made from ‌porcelain, ceramic, metal, zirconia, or a combination⁤ of materials and is custom-made to‌ fit the existing tooth⁢ structure. Crowns are a strong and durable solution for restoring​ and protecting teeth from further‌ damage and decay.



The ⁤expected results of ⁤tooth crowning depend on the material used and the condition ⁢of⁤ the tooth before treatment. ​Porcelain and other all-ceramic⁢ crowns⁤ provide excellent aesthetics, while metal crowns ⁢and other⁣ materials are durable and⁣ offer superior‍ protection for ​the underlying ‌tooth ‌structure.



It is important to prepare for‍ tooth crowning to ensure a successful outcome. Before ⁤the ⁢procedure, you should discuss the type of crown material best suited to your needs⁣ with your dentist. Your dentist may also recommend a root canal or other ⁢dental treatment before applying the⁤ crown to ensure the health of the underlying tooth structure.

Definition & Overview

Tooth crowning is a standard dental procedure that involves covering a damaged tooth with a dental crown, a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over the natural tooth as a method of artificial restoration. It is designed to protect, strengthen, and improve the appearance of the affected tooth. It is used to cover the part of the tooth that is visible above the gum line, which is referred to as the crown.

Who Should Undergo & Expected Results

There are different reasons as to why a dental crown may be required. Tooth crowning is commonly used to:

• Replace large fillings – Dental fillings are typically used to cover small holes in the teeth that are caused by decay or cavity. If about 50% of the tooth has been damaged, dentists typically remove large filling and replace them with a crown to provide adequate protection.

• Restore a tooth after a root canal – A root canal therapy typically leaves the affected tooth prone to fracture and further damage. As such, dentists immediately place a dental crown after the procedure not just for protection but also to restore the tooth’s original appearance.

• Treat broken cusps – Tooth crowning is also often done to repair the cusps, which are parts of the teeth that receive the highest amount of stress when a person chews. Due to this, it is common for the cusps to break off easily or to suffer from fractures, but covering them with a dental crown can keep damage at bay.

• Improve the appearance of the teeth – Consistent stress and pressure can compromise the appearance of the teeth. One of the most common problems that cause unsightly teeth is the breaking down of the natural tooth enamel, leaving only a softer and more vulnerable tooth behind. Other common appearance problems include discoloration, misshapen teeth, and unnatural spacing between each tooth. All of these problems can be resolved with tooth crowning.

• Replace missing teeth – Tooth crowning is widely used in combination with dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots that are made from biocompatible titanium materials. In this procedure, dental crowns are used as artificial teeth to replace the missing ones.

• Restore teeth that have been damaged by wear and tear – Teeth’s appearance and shape can be damaged due to the long-term effects of continuous grinding, chewing, and acid erosion (especially in the case of patients suffering from acid reflux and bulimia). Dental crowns can hide any imperfection regardless of the causes.

• Protect from cracked tooth syndrome – Tooth crowning is ideal for those who have fractured teeth or a condition called cracked tooth syndrome. People with this condition have teeth that are easily broken or fractured, so tooth crowning is necessary rather than optional. The crown can effectively hold each tooth together.

How Does the Procedure Work?

Dental crowns are made from different materials. The most popular are porcelain, porcelain bonded to precious metals, all-ceramic, glass, and gold. Most crowns are made of porcelain bonded to metal wherein the metal serves as the base, while the porcelain is applied as a layer over it. Some crowns are made only of porcelain, but these may not be as strong as those that are bonded to metal. However, porcelain has become quite popular because it offers a very natural-looking appearance. It is for this reason why it is the first option when restoring the front teeth or the teeth that are seen when the person talks or smiles. All-ceramic dental crowns, on the other hand, are ideal for any teeth regardless of their position inside the mouth. These have the strength of a bonded crown and the natural look of the porcelain crown. Another type of dental crown that can be used anywhere in the mouth is the glass crown, which also looks very natural. In the past, gold was also widely used as a material for dental crowns especially when it is bonded to other metal alloys that can increase its strength. Gold-alloy crowns are usually in gold or silver colour. Dentists decide on the materials to use based on the patient’s needs, preference, budget, and dental condition, such as whether the patient had fillings, fractures, or had undergone root canal therapy.

The process of getting a dental crown typically starts with a thorough consultation where the dentist assesses the affected tooth and the extent of the damage. It is at this point where it is decided if a dental crown is the best solution for the problem at hand. If it is, the dentist begins by administering local anaesthesia to numb the tooth. The decayed part of the tooth is then removed and if needed, the affected tooth will be filed down to make room for the dental crown. The remaining structure of the tooth will then be protected using a thin layer of dental filling.

Meanwhile, an impression of the prepared tooth is made using a putty substance, and while waiting for the permanent crown, a temporary crown will be used. This temporary crown is usually made of either resin or acrylic material, and will be placed on the tooth using temporary cement that is easy to take off once the permanent crown is ready. The dentist makes sure that the permanent crown is of the same colour with the rest of the teeth by using a shade guide and taking pictures of the teeth during the session when the temporary crown was placed.

During the second visit, local anaesthesia will again be used to numb the tooth. The temporary crown will then be removed, and the permanent crown will be installed in place. After it has been properly placed, the permanent dental crown will be cemented using dental glue.

Possible Risks & Complications

After the procedure, there is a risk that the patient will experience the following symptoms:

• Discomfort or mild pain
• Sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks
• Allergic reaction to metal

While discomfort and sensitivity may pass eventually, an allergic reaction should be reported to the dentist.

Over time, the crown may also become prone to damage. It may chipped, become loose, or fall off. A dark line near the gum may also appear if the crown used contains metal.

References:

• Academy of General Dentistry. What Are Crowns? Available at: http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=C&iid=301&aid=1204. Accessed 10/29/14

• American Dental Association. Crowns. Available at: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/c/Crowns. Accessed 10/29/14

• Amsterdam, AT. Oral medicine. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 70

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