Crowns and Bridges
Why is a crown recommended?
Crowns are usually the best way to save a tooth that is severely weakened. Teeth can be weakened for many reasons, most commonly tooth decay, trauma to a tooth (i.e. a fall), root canal treated teeth, teeth with large fillings and teeth that are worn. Teeth weakened teeth are at risk of “breaking apart”, so your dentist may recommend a crown to you for any of the above reasons.
In these cases, a crown is often the best way to save a tooth and strengthen it. A crown fits over the existing natural tooth and replaced the natural crown, the part of the tooth seen above the gums.
What is a crown made of?
Usually the material of choice is porcelain and gold alloy.
Porcelain is a strong tooth coloured material which can be made to match your natural tooth colour. It is resistant to staining and is commonly used for front teeth and also most back teeth. Gold alloy is used when more strength is required, such as for molars or if you have a strong bite (grinding).
Your dentist will give you the best option for you.
How is a crown or bridge made?
Your dentists will first require x-ray examination of your mouth and a detailed medical and dental history.
Sometimes, before a tooth is fit for a crown, the pre-existing filling may need to be replaced.
Sometimes a root canal treatment and post may required also.
You will need at least 2 visits for your crown to be made.
1st visit
On the first visit, an impression of your upper and lower teeth will be taken. This is done by inserting a jaw shaped tray filled with a soft gel like material over the teeth. This gel like material can take 3-5 minutes to set and is then removed from the teeth.
Preparation for a crown
The tooth that needs a crown is firstly numbed using a local anesthetic.
The dentist will then shape the tooth using a drill, making it smaller on all sides by 1-2 millimeters.
After the tooth is shaped, another more accurate impression is taken from the tooth and surrounding teeth.
This new impression is sent to a dental technician, who will custom make the crown for your tooth.
Your dentist will then make a temporary crown to cover and protect your prepared tooth, and will temporarily cement this crown on. You will need to take care not to eat on this temporary crown, because it is weak and may dislodge.
Inserting the permanent crown
The dentist will first need to remove your temporary crown (usually no drilling is required for this). The new crown is then placed over the tooth and the dentist will need to check its fit and colour. If the fit and colour it right, your dentist will cement the crown onto the tooth with dental cement. This cement sets after 1 hour, and reaches full strength after 24 hours. Your dentist will then need to check the bite and you should let your dentist know if the bite does not feel right.
Taking care of your crown
Crowns usually last for many years. However, there is no lifetime guarantee. How long it lasts depends on factors such as good oral hygiene (how well you look after it), and biting forces. It is advisable to see your dentist regularly for check ups. As with all of your teeth, you will need to brush and floss everyday. Your dentist can help you with the special care of your crown.
Side effects of crowns
Infection of the pulp – Whenever enamel is removed, there is a small risk that the underlying pulp may die and become infected. This can cause pain and discomfort. If this happens to your tooth, a root canal treatment may be needed.
Pain or discomfort – After preparation of a tooth, the tooth or the gum around it may become painful. This pain is usually temporary and should subside within 48 hours. If the pain persists, please speak to your dentist.
Gum Disease – Plaque is more likely to accumulate around the base of the crown or bridge, and this can lead to gum disease. Advanced gum disease and result in receding gums and even the loss of a tooth.
In order to prevent gum disease, you will need to have excellent oral hygiene including flossing your teeth every day, and you are advised to see your dentist for regular check ups.
Breakage of a tooth during preparation – If your tooth is very weak, it may break during preparation. This can be rectified by replacing the existing filling but if your tooth is deemed to be too weak to take a crown, your dentists may recommend extraction.
Providing families in Berwick, Pakenham and Officer with top-quality services
Lakeside Dental Surgery takes pride in providing people throughout the area with the very best in dental care. We work hard to ensure you are comfortable and feel looked after from the start to finish. Our dentists understand that dental check-ups and work can be anxious times for some people, and we have experience in keeping people of all ages calm and happy.
Discover more about our services by getting in touch
To book an appointment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today. We will be happy to discuss your requirements and devise the ideal care plan to suit your individual needs. Regardless of whether you need crown or any of our other quality services, we will be happy to answer your questions and queries. Call us on (03) 5940 0787 to book your appointment, or use our contact form and we will get back to you as soon as we can.