Why is your dentist recommending a crown?
A dental crown is a protective “cap” that entirely covers a damaged or heavily filled tooth. Your dentist may recommend that you undergo a dental crown procedure for one of a few reasons; you have a particularly weak tooth that needs to be held together, you have a missing space that requires a bridge or you want to change the color and shape of your tooth for cosmetic reasons.
What types of crowns are there?
There are several types of crowns and an assessment done by your trusty dentist is crucial to picking the right type. The important thing to consider is that all types of crowns are stronger than your amalgam (metal) and tooth colored fillings. These crowns will last a lot longer and give your tooth the best chance of survival while it undergoes all the biting forces in the mouth.
What is involved in constructing a crown?
With the help of the latest 3D scanning and printing technology (CEREC) the crown can be constructed and fitting all in 1 appointment! Initially, the tooth must be reduced in size so that the crown or bridge will fit over it properly. Once the tooth has been prepped, the 3D scanner will take a copy of your mouth and within 30 minutes the crown can be constructed and ready to be fit. Raceview Dental Surgery is one of the few surgeries in Ipswich using this innovative technology. We’ve been successfully placing one-appointment crowns for over 3 years.
Why are crowns so much more expensive than a tooth-colored filling?
The material used to construct the crown is significantly stronger and will last longer than a tooth-colored filling. It acts as a protective cap that can prevent catastrophic fracture of the tooth, withstand grinding, and will be less likely to fail under constant stress. The ceramic used and time spent making the crown contributes to its price, however, keep in mind you’re less likely to see the dentist for constant patch ups or replacements of the filling. After time spent getting used to the permanent crown, the crown should look, function, and feel like a regular tooth. If you have any questions about this procedure be sure to talk to your dentist.