Dental crowns play key roles in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Like their close cousin, dental veneers, they can make smiles brighter and more stunning. But crowns are particularly effective in saving a tooth that has seen better days.
Knowing what these dental appliances do and why your dentist may recommend one can save you from unnecessary worries and help you make informed decisions about your dental health.
Dental Crown in a Nutshell
A dental crown is a custom-built cap for your tooth. Crowns serve two purposes: to protect and restore. On one hand, they shield weakened teeth and prevent them from breaking further. These appliances can likewise bring back the original functions and look of a damaged tooth. Unlike dental fillings, which go inside your teeth, a crown covers the section of your tooth past the gum line.
The natural tooth enamel is incredibly tough, but poor hygiene and certain diseases can damage it. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that over 25% of adults 20 to 64 years old have untreated dental caries. Only 20% of the older population experience such, but 13% of them have total tooth loss. It doesn’t help that only 65.5% went to visit dental clinics in 2023. (1)
Left unattended, a minor issue can lead to tooth infection or severe tooth decay. Dentists typically recommend dental crowns for damaged teeth. These protective dental tools restore the tooth’s integrity while preventing further health issues.
So, when does a tooth become too damaged for a standard filling to do its magic? Continue reading to know the most common scenarios.
When Dental Fillings Can’t Do the Job
Regular fillings become a liability, particularly if you have a huge cavity. Your tooth can still get damaged due to the pressure of chewing when there isn’t enough natural structure left to support the filling. Crowns can hold everything together, making them the best solution for tooth decay.
After a Root Canal Treatment
This dental procedure causes your tooth to become hollow and lose its blood supply. Without proper protection, your pearly whites become brittle. A crown is placed on top to prevent it from shattering and keep it functional for years.
Support Dental Bridges and Implants
The market for dental crowns and bridges is forecasted to cumulatively grow by 7.62% from 2018 through 2028, primarily due to a shift in preventive dental care and the increasing number of seniors needing dental restoration procedures. (2)
Without crowns, the bridge wouldn’t have anything to hold onto. Dentists place them on your healthy teeth on either side of the gap. These anchors, also called abutments, ensure proper support of the replacement teeth in the middle.
Losing an entire tooth could also mean relying on a dental implant, which involves placing a titanium post into the jawbone. A crown placement is necessary in such cases to enable patients to chew and not look like a robot. Oral surgeons screw or cement a crown on top of the metal posts to mimic the look and functions of a natural tooth.
Limit the Effects of Certain Health Conditions
These versatile dental appliances can also limit the damage caused by chronic health issues. People who suffer from teeth grinding can rely on a crown to reinforce their tooth and withstand the intense pressure of grinding. Those with thin enamel due to acid erosion from bulimia or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also seek protection from dental crowns.
Hiding Imperfections
Veneers can often do the job, but they can only cover the front surface. This makes dental crowns indispensable in cosmetic dentistry. Dentists rely on them for smile makeovers that involve severely discolored or misshapen teeth.
Crown Materials and Costs
Technology has led to some advancements in dental materials and restoration techniques. Traditional solutions use gold alloys and porcelain fused to metal or PFM crowns for their durability.
Modern practices and consumers, however, also prioritize natural aesthetics, making metal crowns outdated. Enter all-ceramic crowns. Dentists typically combine zirconia or porcelain for a natural-looking smile without compromising an individual’s chewing and speaking patterns. Porcelain crowns are typically used in the front teeth, as they look more natural. Zirconia crowns are placed on molars because of their unbeatable hardness.
Even so, pediatric dentists rely on stainless steel crowns for restoring baby teeth. These metal tooth caps are cost-effective and stay resilient even when used in high-bite areas. They’re hypoallergenic and are less likely to cause adverse reactions in children. (3)
The cost of crowns depends on the material used, the number of teeth, and the complexity of the work required before their installation. In general, resin or composite materials are the cheapest, but they’re not for long-term use. Metal-ceramic crowns are in the middle, with gold alloys being slightly more expensive. Pure dental ceramic materials cost more than metal and require specialized equipment and skilled technicians to achieve a more natural look.
The Procedure
Getting a crown typically takes two visits, although some dental clinics offer same-day dental procedures. Your dentist examines the tooth and takes X-rays, if needed. After ensuring the root is healthy, they’ll reshape the affected tooth to make way for the crown. Dental impressions or digital scans help create crowns that fit perfectly.
You’ll wear a temporary acrylic or resin crown while your permanent crown is being prepared in the dental laboratory. On the next visit, you and your dentist will check the crown’s color and fit. It will be securely held by a dental cement after everything goes well.
Crowns are durable but not indestructible. Maintain oral hygiene practices and enhance overall wellness to make the most out of this investment. Routine dental visits help catch issues early, like loose crowns or gum irritation.
Concluding Thoughts
Unlike bones, the tooth can’t heal itself. A dental crown is the next best thing, as it provides a second chance to save a damaged tooth. It can spell the difference between keeping your natural tooth for another decade or so and paying for costlier tooth replacement options.
Whether you need one to manage tooth decay, support complex procedures, or restore confidence, a crown can safeguard your oral health. The results are long-lasting and reliable. So, if you hear the word ‘crown,’ don’t just think about the costs and discomfort. Think about how it can improve your physical and oral health.
References:
- ‘Oral and Dental Health’. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/dental.htm
- ‘Dental Crowns and Bridges Market Global Industry Trends, Opportunity and Forecast Report 2018-2028: Rising Dental Disorders Fuel Market Momentum’. Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dental-crowns-and-bridges-market-global-industry-trends-opportunity-and-forecast-report-2018-2028-rising-dental-disorders-fuel-market-momentum-302058518.html#:~:text=As%20the%20prevalence,preventive%20dental%20care
3. ‘Stainless Steel Crowns in Primary Dentition’. Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK574547/
