What Is a Dental Crown? A Simple Guide for Patients
If your dentist has suggested a dental crown, you likely have questions. What is a Dental Crown? Does it hurt? What will it cost? This easy-to-follow guide will simplify all the information that patients need to know about the dental crown procedure, as well as the aftercare, so that you can enter your appointment feeling confident and knowledgeable.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a personalised cap that is fitted over a damaged or weak tooth. It reinvigorates the shape, size, strength and the look of the tooth. Crowns are employed to shield fractured teeth, cover extensive fillings, rehabilitate fractured teeth, or finalize a dental implant. They constitute one of the frequent and solid restorative treatments in the contemporary dentistry.
The Dental Crown Procedure
The dental crowns procedure normally consists of two visits. In the first visit, your dentist numbs the area, reshapes the tooth to allow the placement of the crown and creates an impression. You have a temporary crown as your permanent crown is being prepared in a dental laboratory. The second visit is where the temporary crown is taken off and the permanent crown cemented. Digital scanning and in-house milling technology are now available in some clinics, providing same-day crowns, with the whole process being completed on a single visit.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns come in a variety of types; each of them has its benefits:
- Porcelain crowns – closely matching natural tooth colour, perfectly suited to the front teeth.
- Ceramic crowns– free of metal, very beautiful to look at, especially in patients who are sensitive to metals.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns – are strong and natural looking.
- Metal alloy or gold crowns – very strong and are usually placed on the back teeth.
- Zirconia crown – A strong, tooth-coloured crown that is becoming more and more popular on both front and back teeth.
Depending on the location of the tooth, your bite and aesthetics, your dentist will advise you on the most suitable choice.
Advantages of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns have more than just a cosmetic benefit. They shield frail teeth against additional harm, reinstate complete dental functionality, enhance aesthetic worth of the smile, and may last a number of years with proper attention. In most cases, crowns avoid the removal of teeth, thus allowing you to maintain your natural smile.
Dental Crown Cost
The price of dental crowns in Australia, depends on the type of material and the complexity of the case. Prices will typically be between $1500-$2500 per tooth. Most health funds provided by individuals have a rebate on some of the treatment done on the crown hence it is better to see what is covered by your health fund beforehand.
How long do dental crowns last? Most crowns have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years with proper care and many of them last beyond that. Zirconia and metal crowns are most likely to last the longest.
Dental Crown Recovery Time and Aftercare
Recovery time of dental crowns is minimal. Majority of patients are mildly sensitive several days after placement. To maintain dental crown, it is necessary to brush twice a day, floss around the crown, avoid hard and sticky foods and visit the dental check-ups regularly.
Conclusion
A dental crown is an effective long-lasting remedy to weakened or damaged teeth. Early intervention can save your smile and prevent more complicated treatment in the future in case you believe you might require one.
To have high-quality placement of crowns and personalised dental treatment, book your appointment with us at Springvale Dental Clinic. We have a team of skilled people who are here to walk you through all the steps and make it comfortable and friendly.