When talking about dental procedures, dental crowns are the most commonly chosen solution, as per the International Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dental crowns don’t simply enhance your smile’s appearance, they also improve the functionality of your teeth.
Yet, what precisely is a dental crown and what is there to be expected from the procedure? What is the difference between zirconia and ceramic crowns and which one is the best for you? In this article we have compiled everything there is to know about dental crowns, including what they are, what to expect before and throughout the procedure, what the aftercare is like, and average costs.
What Is A Dental Crown?
A dental crown, referred to as a “cap” in daily jargon, is a tooth-shaped cover that is put over the tooth or sometimes an artificial tooth root (known as a dental implant) by a dentist or dental professional. Dental crowns are employed to cover any misshapen, harmed, or discolored tooth, and are typically a long-lasting solution for the restoration of the tooth to a certain shape or size. Dental crowns can additionally be employed as a hardened shield for a weak tooth because of a filling or any other dental procedure. Consequently, dental crowns can be employed for the improvement of both functionality and appearance of an existing tooth.
Types Of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are created from various different materials, and depending on the material, they can be colored in order to appear just like the teeth you’re replacing. The material selected varies on the basis of the location of the crown, the function of the tooth being replaced, the color of the adjacent teeth, and ultimately, budget. The dentist will be the one choosing the material based on your specific wants and needs.
Reasons For A Dental Crown
The dentist might suggest a dental crown for a wide array of reasons, such as:
- For coverage and support to a tooth with a large filling
- For the protection of a tooth that is weakened or cracked
- For the protection of a restored tooth after a root canal
- For the filling of a gap in a missing tooth
- For the improvement of the appearance of a misshapen or discolored tooth
- For the coverage of a dental implant
- For the holding of a dental bridge in place
Zirconium Crowns
Zirconia crowns are among the most advised kinds of dental crowns nowadays. For those who are looking for artificial teeth with an outstanding appearance, zirconia crowns are the right solution. Such crowns are made up of zirconium oxide or zirconia. Zirconium oxide is a white powdered metal that is frequently referred to as white gold. Patients who desire an aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking tooth mainly prefer the zirconia crowns. Zirconia crowns have the capability to be opaque to X-rays or any other similar radiation.
Moreover, zirconia also provides the closest whiteness to the teeth when compared to other crown treatments. They do not leave any visible gray line behind or reflections, when put side by side to the conventional metal-based ceramic crowns. Zirconia crowns are mostly chosen over traditional dental crowns for the following reasons.
Aesthetic Look
Zirconium crowns are recognized to offer a natural appearance to the crowns in expert ceramist’s hands, so much so that differentiating natural teeth from zirconium crowns becomes almost impossible.
Corrosion Resistant
Different from other crowns that can experience corrosion because of drinks and foods, zirconium crowns are resistant to corrosion and do not get corroded like metals.
Biocompatible
Zirconium crowns are quite compatible with natural teeth and they begin winning their functionality in a couple of days following the treatment.
Cost Effective
Their price is very similar to other simple crowns and provide a diversity of advantages, the reason why dentists suggest them most frequently.
Longevity
Despite their endurance being equal to the other regular crowns, zirconia crowns are recognized for offering the best service when well maintained.
Strength
Zirconia crowns provide amazing strength, and they are generally indestructible when offered as single crowns.
All Ceramic Crowns
All ceramic crowns seem quite lifelike since they do not have any compound of metal, which can block light. As a matter of fact, such crowns are a reflection of light since they are made of pure ceramic. They are an outstanding solution for patients who like the most aesthetically pleasing and high-tech crown accessible. All ceramic crowns are mainly desired by patients because of the wide array of benefits they offer.
Appearance
All ceramic crowns are composed of translucent porcelain and they are able to reflect light just like natural teeth and they appear exactly like them, too.
Fit Perfectly
These crowns are created in accordance with your necessities and requirements and are capable of fitting effortlessly onto the teeth without the need for any alteration.
Strength
All ceramic crowns are covered in pure porcelain frequently with an aluminum oxide ceramic core that offers them quite the resistance to breakage.
Biocompatible
All ceramic crowns are made of soft-tissue material that is friendly and will aid the gums in growing back surrounding the tooth.
Comfortable
These dental crowns are extremely comfortable and they fit best when compared to most metal crowns. Furthermore, they aren’t sensitive to temperature, which is an extremely important detail.
In comparison to zirconium crowns, all-ceramic crowns are more expensive, that’s because of the craftsmanship that is involved in their making. Though dental crowns might be very worth it when fixed by a reliable and experienced dentist, they can sometimes be the deal breaker because of their high price. Moreover, often, their endurance might be less because of the inherent necessity for bigger care against heavy pressures. For their part, the zirconium crowns are very secure and endure much longer.
Dental Crown Procedure: What to Expect
In the majority of cases, a dental crown procedure takes about two visits, though many dentists are capable of fabricating the crown immediately by employing an in-house milling system.
Throughout the initial visit, the dentist will numb the region with the administration of local anesthetic and remove the harmed portion of the existing tooth, or he/ she can build up the tooth to better support the crown. Typically, the dentist will shape the tooth to fit the crown, be it by filing the tooth down or utilizing a filling material to build it back up. Keep in mind that there might be a requirement to undergo a root canal procedure prior to this step in case you have tooth decay or if there is a chance for infection.
The next step would be the taking of an impression, or sometimes mold, of your teeth with the employment of impression materials or 3D scanners. The mold will then be sent to a dental laboratory where the crown will be tailor-made to fit the existing teeth. In the majority of cases, you will be getting a temporary crown throughout this appointment in order to protect the existing tooth while you await for the permanent crown to be prepared.
Dr. Roland Zhuka advises patients to cease eating anything crunchy or solid with the temporary crown, or even anything that is sticky and chewy with the permanent or temporary crown since it can pull them off.
After several weeks, the temporary crown will be removed and the tailor-made crown will be fitted to the tooth and cemented in place. Certain crowns, nevertheless, can be created within the same day. In this instance, there will be no need for a temporary crown, seeing as the permanent crown will be prepared throughout the first appointment.
Caring For Dental Crowns
Caring for your dental crowns is fundamental, just like you would with your natural teeth, including such as flossing daily and brushing twice per day, alongside visiting your dentist for routine check-ups and cleanings.
With the right care, dental crowns can endure for many years. Nevertheless, they are not unbreakable and can be harmed by chewing or biting on solid objects, such as candy or ice. If you harm a dental crown, it is essential to visit your dentist as feasible as possible so he or she can make the proper repairs.
Ultimately, deciding on the type of dental crown appropriate for you depends highly on what’s your oral condition and what are the suggestions of the oral health specialist.
How Much Does A Dental Crown Cost?
The cost for dental crowns varies, generally changing from 500 euros to 2500 euros per crown (dependent on the material that compounds the crown), adding in the price of the X-rays, examination fees, and any other cost that is related to the procedure itself.
The amount that you are accountable for is dependent on various factors such as:
- Location and experience of the dentist
- Type and degree of prep work needed
- Material of crown
- If insurance covers any of the cost
Even though the price of a crown might be something to worry about, they oftentimes provide long-term cost savings. Crowns not only protect the harmed tooth but also cover it and might help in the reduction of the chances of future procedures or complications from more infection or decay.
Have a discussion with your dental insurance provider to establish if they can cover part of the costs related to the dental crown. Dental loans and even third-party financing are accessible to assist in affording dental treatment.
How Long Does A Dental Crown Last?
Dr. Roland Zhuka says that a dental crown can endure somewhere from five to twenty years, depending on how it is taken care of, alongside the diversity of habits and diet of the person. Of course, routine flossing and brushing can aid in maintaining a well-sealed crown, free of cavities. What can cause accelerated wear and failure of the crown is irregular teeth grinding and a diet high in crunchy, acidic, or chewy foods. He adds that dental crowns need replacement in the event that the seal of the dental crown is compromised, which can always happen when the crown is fractured, or chipped, or if the cavities start generating surrounding the crown’s seated margin.
When To See A Dentist
Sustaining routine six-month dental checkups and cleaning is particularly essential if you have a crown. Yet, you should call your dentist right away if you notice a crown is harmed, loose, or even worn down. You should additionally give a call to your dentist if you suffer from tooth pain, increased sensitivity, swelling, or inflammation near the crown, seeing that these can be signs of complications that require an evaluation by a dental professional.
Bottom Line
Dental crowns are among the most common procedures used in cosmetic dentistry. A dental crown, otherwise known as a cap, due to its shape, is inserted over a harmed tooth to bring back its size, appearance, strength, and shape. Crowns are a non-intrusive, swift, and quite cheap approach to helping protect and solidify a tooth.
Here at Dr. Roland Zhuka’s clinic, we provide both zirconia and ceramic dental crowns in Tirana, Albania. Give us a call today at +355 69 70 44 409 in order to schedule an appointment.