The Types, Functions, and Aftercare Tips for Dental Crowns

One of the reasons why dental crowns are fitted is to reinforce and protect weak teeth, and another is to improve the appearance of a tooth by altering their shape, size, or color.

Since crowns are widely used to correct a lot of dental issues, there are high chances that your dentist may recommend it if you have a tooth that needs to be fixed. It would, therefore, be essential for you to understand what they are, the dental issues they correct, the materials they are made out of, and how dentists fit them on the teeth. Furthermore, you ought to know the benefits, risks, and drawbacks of getting a crown.

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Functions of a Dental Crown

Below are the scenarios where getting a dental crown would seem fit:

• Cosmetic modification
• To cover an implant
• When there is need to protect a tooth that’s weak from breaking
• If a tooth has fractured, a crown might be placed to hold the cracked parts together
• When one wants to cover a misshapen tooth or that which is severely discolored
• Holding a bridge in its place

Dental crowns are also used on baby teeth to save a tooth severely damaged by decay or to protect teeth that are at a higher risk of developing dental caries

Factors Considered by Dentists When Choosing Crowns for Their Patients

Since crowns are made in a dental laboratory, the dental technicians customize them in regards to the patient’s problem and also to make sure that they perfectly blend with the patient’s natural teeth. There are different varieties of crowns available, so your dentist has to consider some factors in order for him/her to pick the one that’s best for you. Such factors are:

• The tooth’s locality and function.
• Signs of teeth grinding or clenching. This is one crucial factor because it determines the materials to be used in the making of your crown.
• The extent of the tooth’s exposure when smiling.
• Position of the patient’s gum line and gum tissue.

Types of Dental Crowns

• Stainless-steel Crowns – These crowns are only used in the restoration of baby teeth.
• Ceramic (Porcelain) Dental Crowns – Since porcelain crowns resemble natural teeth in terms of color, they are preferably used in the restoration of front teeth.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal Crowns – Made from a combination of metal and porcelain, these crowns are known to be stronger than ceramic crowns because of the metal structure that supports it.
• All-Resin Crowns – Due to their vulnerability, dentists in Calgary, SW, will rarely recommend this type of crown as an option of restoring permanent teeth as they easily fracture. They are, however, used on decayed milk teeth in children.
• Gold Alloys and Metal Crowns – The strength and fracture-resistant properties of metallic crowns make them a popular choice for most people. They also come in different colors and forms, giving people a variety of options to choose from.

Aftercare Tips

Pain Management

Jaw soreness, tooth sensitivity, and gum sensitivity are common symptoms you are likely to experience for a few days and are mostly felt after the numbness brought about by the anesthesia wears off. Experts recommend that you use simple pain medications to relieve the pain and reduce the discomfort caused by the sensitivity of the tooth and gums during your healing process.

If the symptoms persist for more than 14 days, Wentworth dentists recommend visiting a dentist near you as an underlying condition could be the cause of this.

Food

As you await the fabrication of your permanent crown, your dentist will fix a temporary one that will protect your abutment tooth. During this period, you are to avoid consuming foodstuffs that can break or dislodge your temporary crown. Such foods include:

• Hard foods like nuts, bagels, and chips
• Sticky or chewy foods like gum and candy

When chewing, use the opposite side without the crown and do not floss with your temporary crown still on. Wait until you get the permanent one. And even with the permanent crown, use the unique flossing technique demonstrated to you by your dentist post-op.

Patients can return to their regular eating routine after getting their permanent crown positioned. Still, you must not chew on any sticky food for the next 24 hours after the procedure is completed.

Going for professional dental cleanings and practicing an ideal oral care routine while at home will increase how long your crowns will last.