A crown is a cap like structure that is used to restore a damaged tooth when a filling is not a solution. This type of method is known as fixed dentistry. It is used to cover a tooth permanently without any temporary removal procedure like dentures
Why Crowns?
A crown on your tooth is placed for many reasons. Here are some reasons mentioned:
- Large decay of the tooth where filling can’t work
- Weak tooth
- Large fillings
- Cracked tooth where filling can’t seal the crack
- Broken or fractured tooth
- Sensitive tooth
- Badly discolored tooth
- Badly shaped tooth
- Root Canal Therapy
- Cosmetic dentistry
Benefits of a Crown:
- It returns a damaged tooth’s original form, shape and size.
- It gives a damaged tooth its normal function.
- It improves the appearance of a tooth.
- It helps to support a large filling where there isn’t enough of tooth remaining,
- It protects and restores a weak fractured tooth.
- It covers badly discolored or shaped tooth.
- It protects a root canal filled tooth.
- It's used to cover a dental implant.
- A crown holds a cracked tooth together and prevents further damage.
How long your Crown can last?
The normal longevity of a crown is around 6 to 8 years. However with proper maintenance it lasts for longer period of time.
How can you take care of your Crown?
To increase the longevity and to avoid damage and fracturing of your crown, follow the below mentioned tips:
- Avoid some damaging habits such as teeth grinding, chewing ice, chewing hard foods and fingernail biting
- Visit your dentist at least twice or thrice in a year.
- Carefully follow cleaning, brushing, flossing techniques and other instructions as told by your dentist to avoid plaque build ups.
- Maintain a healthy oral and dental hygiene.
When to contact your dentist after the treatment?
Contact your dentist immediately in case of the following:
- You may experience little sensitivity for some time. If you feel sensitivity and pain when you bite, immediately contact your dentist. Usually this happens when the crown is too highly placed on the tooth. This can be easily adjusted.
- If your crown chips (Especially porcelain ones may chip)
- If you feel loosening of your crown
- If your crown falls out, contact your dentist and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Important Note:
If your dentist suggests you for crowns after your dental check up, be sure to inform the following:
- Inform your dentist if you have any medical condition or if you are taking any drugs.
- Be sure to inform your dentist, if you have any allergies.
- Inform your dentist if you develop any allergies after the treatment.
