Dental crowns; These are restorations used to restore the aesthetic and function of the lost tooth. It prevents teeth from breaking. Teeth that have lost substance can be saved by covering them with special materials and they can be kept in the mouth for a longer time.
Those with missing, broken or discoloured teeth can achieve a healthier and more vibrant smile with alternatives such as dental crowns and porcelain veneers.
When the crown is adhered to the tooth, it stops at the gum line and covers the visible part of the tooth.
In Which Situations Are Dental Crowns Applied?
- Permanent stains on teeth
- Broken or excessively worn teeth
- In Teeth with Developmental Defects
- After root canal treatment, crown application is needed.
- Crown application is applied to prevent the fracture of a weakened tooth due to decay or to keep the broken tooth fragments together.
- In patients who do not have many teeth in their mouth, this method is used for tooth covering and support or in the construction of dental bridges.
How Many Types of Dental Crowns Are There?
Resin dental crowns, are not resistant to abrasion and are more fragile. It is cheaper than other types of crowns.
Porcelain or ceramic dental crowns achieve a natural color match with the teeth. It is suitable for use by patients with metal allergies. But porcelain blended metal crowns are stronger. Ceramic crowns are often used on anterior teeth.
Porcelain Crown (Porcelain Veneer)
A small number of missing teeth are treated with the help of porcelain crowns. In this operation, adjacent teeth are reduced. It is prepared in the laboratory and applied in the form of a fixed prosthesis or bridge. It is more useful than removable prostheses.
There are types such as zircon and metal-supported porcelain crown, and porcelain laminate.
The porcelain crown completely covers the damaged tooth. It can strengthen the tooth by correcting its alignment, shape and appearance. It is placed on the implant and restores the function of the lost tooth.
Even if there is no problem, porcelain coatings, are often preferred for aesthetic purposes; they are also used in cases such as broken, rotten, missing and perplexed teeth.
Adjacent teeth are first prepared for porcelain crowns. If there is caries, it is cleaned. It is made conical and measured. After casting, modeling and firing processes in the laboratory, final rehearsals are carried out.
It is placed in the oven to be polished and brought to a ready state. When the final stage is reached, the porcelain crown is fixedly adhered and the treatment is completed.
How Are Dental Crowns Applied?
The dentist checks the roots of the teeth by taking several x-rays. If there is a risk of injury or infection in the pulp, or if there is advanced tooth decay, root canal treatment may be needed first.
Before the operation, the dentist anesthetizes the tooth environment and the gingival tissue. Space is made for the crown by thinning the chewing surface and edges of the tooth. If a large part of the tooth has been lost due to trauma or caries, the tooth that will support the crown is formed with filling material.
A paste test is applied to ensure that the applied crown does not adversely affect chewing function. The obtained data is sent to the laboratory. The dental crown is ready in about 2 weeks. In this process, temporary crowns are used to protect the prepared tooth.
After the permanent crown is ready, colour and fit control is performed and placed under local anaesthesia.
What Should Be Considered in Dental Crown Treatment?
- Avoid sticky products such as caramel, and chewing gum during this period after temporary dental crowns are installed.
- Try not to use the part where the temporary crown is, eat with the other side of your mouth.
- Avoid hard foods that can cause the crown to break or come off.
- Remember to brush your teeth twice a day.
- It is normal for you to show cold and heat sensitivity when the effect of the anesthetic begins to wane. If your dentist recommends a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth, do not neglect to use it.
- If there is sensitivity and pain when biting, it means that the crown is higher than your tooth. In this case, you should consult your dentist.
- There is a risk of the crowns cracking. While the composite resin is sufficient for small cracks, the crown should be replaced in case of a large crack.
- The lifespan of dental crowns is around 5-15 years. Personal oral habits and oral hygiene play a major role in prolonging or shortening this period. If you have habits such as opening bottle caps and similar things with your teeth, biting nails, chewing ice, and grinding your teeth, you should stop them after getting dental crowns.
In conclusion, dental crowns are restorations that are used to restore the aesthetic and function of lost teeth. They are applied in situations such as permanent stains, broken or excessively worn teeth, and teeth with developmental defects. There are different types of dental crowns, including resin, porcelain, and ceramic. Porcelain crowns, also known as porcelain veneers, are often preferred for aesthetic purposes and can be used to strengthen and correct the alignment, shape, and appearance of a damaged tooth. The application process involves the preparation of the tooth, including thinning the surface and edges, and the use of temporary crowns until the permanent crown is ready. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid habits that can cause damage to the crowns in order to prolong their lifespan.
