Dental Crowns: Everything You Need to Know

So, your dentist says you need a crown but you’re not sure what that means or what it’s all about. The team at Health Hub Dental clinic are here to break it down for you.

Why would I need a crown?

Our teeth are not only essential for chewing food, but they also contribute to our overall personal appearance, confidence, and speech clarity. We are born with 32 teeth, each with a specific chewing or tearing function in the mouth. Teeth also play a vital role in projecting facial expressions, and missing teeth can alter our personal and emotional appearance.

When teeth become weak, fractured, or lose their function and aesthetics, dental crowns are often the best way to restore them. Crowns protect vulnerable teeth from further damage, increasing the tooth’s lifespan. It is crucial to restore and keep as many teeth as possible throughout life since tooth loss can lead to gaps in our mouths, causing the adjacent teeth to move, leading to gum disease and decay. Multiple tooth loss is often complex and expensive to restore, so early prevention is key!

When do I need a crown?

Crowns are recommended in situations such as trauma to a tooth from a heavy blow, old, weak or fractured fillings, or clenching and grinding teeth particularly during sleep. If early signs of cracks are detected, a crown is often advised to avoid further larger fractures or cracks from progressing.

Crowns are one of the best possible solutions offered to restore strength and function to a deteriorating tooth.

What is the process?

Crowns are made to fit over your existing tooth like a cap and can be made from a variety of materials to provide various strengths and cosmetic outcomes – such as ceramics, porcelain-and-metal, gold-and-porcelain, or resin. A detailed shade guide is taken to ensure the colour, shape, and details match the surrounding teeth.

Before a crown can be made, the tooth needs to be prepared and reshaped. This is done under local anaesthesia. The preparation may use an impression material placed in an impression tray or a computer scanner or wand that captures the information required to make the crown, reducing the need for impressions. Once the crown is fitted into place with the special dental cement, it should feel comfortable to chew on immediately and look as natural as the rest of your teeth.

How do I care for my crown?

Caring for your new crown should be the same as cleaning all the other teeth in your mouth. Bushing the teeth and gumlines and flossing between your teeth and under your gums still needs to continue because the joins or margins where the crown meets the natural tooth structure need to be thoroughly cleaned from plaque bacteria to stop the possibility of gum disease or decay. Sometimes other oral hygiene aids may be needed, and your dentist or hygienist can help you with this.

Feeling more prepared?

If you need a crown, talk to one of our dentists about your options. With proper care, your crown can last for many years, allowing you to maintain your beautiful smile and good oral health!

Book your appointment instantly online.

Prefer to chat?

Call us on 1300 709 076 today to ask any questions you may have, and to book in your dental check up.