At Sunderland Dentists, we believe that every patient deserves a smile they can be proud of. Dental crowns are a key part of our restorative and cosmetic dental services, offering a reliable solution for teeth that are damaged, decayed, or in need of cosmetic enhancement.
Whether you’re dealing with a cracked tooth, undergoing a root canal, or simply looking to improve the appearance of a misshapen tooth, dental crowns can provide the strength and beauty your smile needs.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are custom-made caps that cover the entire visible surface of a tooth. They restore the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance, making them an incredibly versatile treatment option. Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or composite resin. The material chosen often depends on the location of the tooth, the specific needs of the patient, and the desired aesthetic outcome.
Porcelain and Ceramic Crowns
These crowns are particularly popular for their ability to mimic the natural colour and translucency of teeth. They are ideal for front teeth, where appearance is most important. Porcelain and ceramic crowns blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing a discreet and natural-looking restoration.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns, often made from gold, platinum, or other metal alloys, are known for their exceptional strength and durability. They are typically used for molars, which require extra strength to withstand the forces of chewing and grinding.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
PFM crowns offer a combination of strength and aesthetics. They have a metal core for durability, with a porcelain exterior that matches the natural appearance of your teeth. This makes them a versatile option for both front and back teeth.
When Are Dental Crowns Needed?
Dental crowns are used in a wide range of situations, making them one of the most versatile restorative options in dentistry.
Protecting Weakened Teeth
If you have a tooth that is cracked, fractured, or weakened by decay, a crown can provide the necessary protection to prevent further damage. Crowns encase the entire tooth, holding it together and distributing the forces of biting and chewing evenly.
Restoring After Root Canal Treatment
After a root canal treatment, the tooth is often fragile and at risk of breaking. A crown is typically placed over the tooth to restore its strength and function, allowing you to bite and chew with confidence.
Repairing Broken or Worn Teeth
Crowns are also used to restore teeth that are severely worn down or broken. In such cases, a crown can bring the tooth back to its original shape and size, improving both function and appearance.
Covering Dental Implants
Crowns are an integral part of dental implants, which replace missing teeth. The crown is attached to the implant and is custom-made to match the surrounding teeth, providing a natural-looking and functional replacement.
Improving Aesthetics
In addition to their restorative functions, dental crowns are often used in cosmetic dentistry. If you have a tooth that is discoloured, misshapen, or poorly aligned, a crown can improve its appearance and give you a more uniform smile.
The Process of Getting a Dental Crown
Getting a dental crown at Sunderland Dentists typically involves two visits to our practice. The process is designed to be as comfortable and efficient as possible, ensuring that you receive a high-quality restoration that meets your needs.
First Visit: Examination and Tooth Preparation
During your first visit, we will conduct a thorough examination of your tooth and surrounding gums. This may include taking X-rays to assess the extent of the damage and to ensure the underlying tooth structure is healthy enough to support a crown. If we determine that a crown is the best option, we will begin by preparing the tooth.
To prepare the tooth for a crown, we will first numb the area with a local anaesthetic to ensure your comfort. The tooth will then be reshaped to create enough space for the crown to fit properly. In cases where the tooth is severely damaged or decayed, we may need to build it up with filling material before it can support the crown. Once the tooth is prepared, we will take an impression of it, which will be used to create your custom crown.
Second Visit: Fitting the Permanent Crown
During your second visit, your permanent crown will be fitted and bonded to your tooth. We will remove the temporary crown and check the fit and colour of the permanent one. If everything looks and feels right, the crown will be permanently bonded to your tooth using a special dental cement. The result is a strong, durable restoration that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer numerous benefits, making them a popular choice for both restorative and cosmetic purposes.
Durability and Longevity
One of the primary benefits of dental crowns is their durability. With proper care, a well-made crown can last for many years. Crowns made from metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal are particularly long-lasting, while all-porcelain or ceramic crowns, though slightly less durable, still offer excellent longevity when maintained properly.
Improved Functionality
Crowns restore the full function of damaged teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile without discomfort. By encasing the entire tooth, crowns provide the necessary strength to withstand the forces of biting and chewing.
Enhanced Aesthetics
In addition to their functional benefits, dental crowns also offer significant cosmetic advantages. They can improve the appearance of teeth that are discoloured, misshapen, or otherwise compromised, giving you a more uniform and attractive smile.
Protection for Weakened Teeth
Crowns provide essential protection for teeth that are at risk of further damage. By covering the entire tooth, crowns prevent cracks or fractures from worsening, reducing the need for more extensive dental work in the future.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
Proper care is essential to ensure the longevity of your dental crown. Fortunately, caring for a crown is similar to caring for your natural teeth.
Oral Hygiene
Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. While crowns themselves cannot decay, the tooth underneath is still susceptible to decay and gum disease. Using fluoride toothpaste can help protect the underlying tooth and prevent decay at the edges of the crown.
Regular Dental Check-Ups
Regular visits to Sunderland Dentists are important for monitoring the condition of your crown and ensuring that it remains in good shape. During your check-ups, we will examine the crown and the surrounding gums to catch any potential issues early on.
Avoiding Hard Foods
While crowns are durable, they can still be damaged by biting on hard objects or foods like ice, hard candies, or nutshells. Avoid these to protect your crown from chipping or cracking.
Addressing Any Issues Promptly
If you notice any discomfort, changes in bite, or if your crown feels loose, it’s important to contact us right away. Addressing issues early can prevent more serious problems down the line.
Why Choose Sunderland Dentists for Your Dental Crown?
At Sunderland Dentists, we are committed to providing personalised care and high-quality dental restorations. Our team of experienced professionals uses the latest techniques and materials to ensure that your crown is both durable and natural-looking. We take the time to understand your needs and preferences, ensuring that your crown fits perfectly and meets your expectations.
Choosing Sunderland Dentists means choosing a practice that prioritises your comfort, satisfaction, and long-term oral health. We are here to guide you through every step of the process, from the initial consultation to the final placement of your crown. Our goal is to help you achieve a smile that is not only functional but also beautiful and long-lasting.
Conclusion: Book Your Appointment Today
If you’re considering a dental crown or have been advised that you need one, don’t hesitate to contact Sunderland Dentists. Our friendly team is ready to answer any questions you may have and to schedule your consultation.
We are dedicated to helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile, and dental crowns are just one of the many ways we can assist you in achieving that goal.
A dental crown is an investment in your oral health and your confidence. Let Sunderland Dentists help you restore and protect your smile with precision and care. Your journey to a stronger, more beautiful smile starts here.
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