Dental Crown
Sometimes a filling may not be the suitable solution to protect the tooth, where there is risk of fracturing! A Crown may be a good alternative.
What Is Dental Crown?
Crowns are dental restorations which fully encapsulate a tooth structure from the outside – just like a motorcycle helmet to motorbike rider’s head.
When Do Teeth Need Dental Crown?
Crown can be done for a few different reasons.
Studies suggest a high correlation between tooth fracture to large fillings and root canal treated tooth. A study by Larson (1981) determined that fillings that take up 1/3rd of the “intercuspal distance” of a tooth decreased the resistance to fracture by more than 50%.
Larson TD, et. al. Effect of prepared cavities on the strength of teeth. Oper Dent. Vol. 6, No. 1. 1981
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6941225
Geurtsen (2003) found tooth’s risk for fracture increased substantially as the filling approached 50% of its intercuspal distance. Geurtsen’s recommendation was that fillings should not exceed 1/3 to 1/4 this distance.
Geurtsen W, et. al. Diagnosis, therapy, and prevention of the cracked tooth syndrome. Quintessence Int. Vol. 34, No. 6. June 2003.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12859085
Depending on how the tooth has fractured, these natural teeth can, occasionally be restored or saved without major consequences. However, prognosis drops significantly when fracture tooth is presented with pain, worse still, a tooth which has already fractured in half can only be removed.
American Association of Endodontists has a great article with animations to better explain the different scenarios and treatment options.
Types of Crown Material
Our types of dental prosthesis are all 100% Australian made and therefore we guarantee the material used are 100% compliant with approval by Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
What Happens During Your Crown Appointment
A crown at Alexandra Hills Dental is usually spread across two visits, so you know what to expect from the start. At the first appointment, we numb the area with local anaesthetic, then carefully reshape the tooth so the crown has room to sit flush with your bite. An impression or digital scan is taken and sent to the Australian lab that fabricates your restoration. You’ll leave with a temporary crown protecting the tooth while the permanent one is made.
At your second visit, the temporary comes off, we check the fit, colour match, and bite alignment, then bond the permanent crown into place with dental cement.
A few things worth knowing before you come in:
Call 07 3824 4488 if anything feels off after fitting.
Caring for Your Crown So It Lasts
A crown is built to handle normal biting and chewing, but how long it lasts comes down to daily habits and routine check-ups. The crown material itself won’t decay; the natural tooth structure underneath still can, and that’s usually where problems start. Cement can wash out over the years, gums can recede, and bacteria can creep in around the margin if oral hygiene slips. Looking after the tooth properly is what protects your investment.
Simple habits that keep a crown in good shape:
If your crown ever feels loose, sensitive, or sits oddly when you bite, don’t wait. Ring us on 07 3824 4488 and we’ll have a look before a small issue turns into a bigger one.
Call us 07 3824 4488 for your interest in the Dental Crown procedure
We always welcome new patients whether you already have a crown or just need routine hygiene services. Just let us know what you need, and we will do our best to offer you the right services.