Why do I need a Crown?

Crowns are an ideal restoration for teeth that have been broken or have been weakened by decay or a very large filling. A crown could be used for many other reasons. Such as:
• You may have large discolored fillings and would like to improve the appearance of the tooth.
• You may have had a root filling on a back tooth which will need a crown to protect it.

What is a post crown?

In root filled teeth it may be necessary to insert a post before placing a crown. A post provides support and helps the crown stay in place. The weakened crown of the tooth is drilled and a post- hole preparation made in the root canal. The post is custom made, usually from a non-precious gold alloy. This fits into the post- hole in the root and helps to secure the crown. The post is then cemented in with a special adhesive dental cement.

What is a Crown made up of?

Crowns can be made of a variety of different materials and new materials are continually being introduced. Some of the popular materials for crowns are listed below:
• Porcelain bonded to precious metal: A precious metal thimble is made and then porcelain is applied in layers over it. The color of the porcelain is matched to that of the adjacent teeth.
• All-Ceramic Crowns: They are made entirely out of reinforced porcelain and look very natural as they are translucent.
• Gold Alloy Crowns: These are usually used to crown back teeth, as they are very hardwearing and very biocompatible. In addition, gold is strong in thin sections and so more of the natural tooth can be preserved.

How is the crown prepared?

Your dentist will prepare the tooth to the ideal shape for accommodating the crown. This will involve removing some of the outer surface of the tooth being crowned. Once the tooth is shaped, your dentist will take an impression (mold) of your teeth and one of the opposite arch. This information, along with the correct tooth shade, is transferred to our dental laboratory who will then construct the Crown.

What happens between appointments?

A pre- fabricated temporary crown is cemented over the prepared tooth while you wait for the custom crown to arrive.

How is the crown cemented?

When the dentist is happy with the fit and appearance of the new crown it will be fixed into place with special adhesive dental cement.

How long does crowning take?

You will need at least two visits: the first for the preparation, shade taking and fitting the temporary crown; and the second to fit the definitive crown. There will usually be about one to two weeks in between appointments.

Does it hurt to have a tooth prepared for a crown?

No. A local anesthetic is used and the preparation should feel no different from a filling.

How do I look after my crown?

How long your crown lasts depends on how well you look after it. The crown itself cannot decay, but decay can start where the crown edge joins the tooth. Therefore, it is important to keep this area clean and to have you dental check ups regularly.