Dental crowns play an important role in restoring the function, strength, and appearance of damaged or weakened teeth. As a leading provider of comprehensive dental care, Kedron Family Dental is dedicated to offering personalised solutions to help you achieve a healthy and confident smile.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown, placed over a damaged or decayed tooth, serves as a cap-like cover, restoring its shape, size, and strength while also improving its appearance. This protective measure enables the tooth to continue to function normally.
Dental crowns are recommended when a tooth has cracks or has lost a significant amount of tooth structure or following root canals. Crowns can be viewed similar to a cap or covering that encloses a weakened tooth thereby prolonging its life.
Commonly, crowns are prepared and placed over two visits. During the first appointment the tooth is prepared and a mould and colour match taken. The mould is then sent to a laboratory that fabricates the crown. Crowns can be made using a range of materials such as tooth coloured porcelain or gold alloys.
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What are the types of dental crowns?
There are many types of dental crowns to choose from. The choice of material often depends on factors such as the location of yourtooth, your oral health, and aesthetic preferences. Here are some of the common types:
Metal crowns
Metal crowns are known for their exceptional durability and strength and are a popular choice for restoring back teeth, such as molars. The metals commonly used in metal crowns include gold, nickel, chromium, and palladium.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns are a popular type of dental crown that combines the strength of a metal substructure with the natural-looking aesthetics of porcelain. These crowns are widely used in both front and back teeth.
All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns
All-ceramic or porcelain crowns are great at mimicking the natural look of tooth enamel, making them a top choice, especially if you are allergic to metal. These crowns are crafted using various materials, with zirconium dioxide being a popular option. Zirconia crowns are highly durable and able to handle strong forces. They also treat neighbouring teeth gently, causing less wear on the enamel. These crowns ensure a natural appearance and resilience for a healthier and aesthetically pleasing smile.
Same-day dental crowns
Same-day dental crowns are a convenient and efficient dental restoration option that allows you to receive a custom-fitted crown in just one appointment. The entire process of designing, milling, and placing the crown is completed within the same day through the use of CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing) technology. After preparing the tooth, digital impressions are taken, and we create a precise 3D model of your crown. The milling machine then carves the crown out of a solid block of dental material, such as ceramic or resin. Once ready, your crown is immediately placed on the prepared tooth, eliminating the need for a temporary crown and a secondary appointment. Same-day dental crowns offer a time-saving solution if you are seeking a quick and efficient way to restore damaged or compromised teeth.
All-resin crowns
Made entirely from dental resin, all-resin crowns are dental crowns that combine plastic and glass particles to form the final product. These crowns are known for their affordability, ease of fabrication and tooth-coloured material. While all-resin crowns are cost-effective, they may not be as durable as some other crown types, such as porcelain, making them more suitable for front teeth rather than back teeth, which need a greater bite force. Additionally, their resistance to wear may not be as high as that of metal or ceramic crowns.
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When would you need a dental crown?
You may need a dental crown if you have:
- severe tooth decayÂ
- large fillings
- cracked or fractured tooth,Â
- recently done a root canal procedure.Â
Dental crowns help restore and protect teeth at risk, providing support and preserving their structural integrity.Â
At Kedron Family Dental, we’ll discuss the materials available with you and recommend one to suit your situation the best. During the time the lab is creating your crown a temporary crown is in place. We only use Australian based laboratories certifying that quality, verified and safe materials are used to construct your crown.
What happens during a dental crown procedure?
Dental crown procedures typically involve the following steps:
Consultation and Assessment
During the initial consultation, our dentist examines the condition of the tooth in question and assesses factors such as the extent of decay, existing fillings, and any cracks or fractures in the tooth.
Tooth Preparation
During this phase, our dentist focuses on readying the tooth for crown placement. Here, we remove any decayed or damaged portions of your tooth to create a clean and stable foundation for the crown. The tooth is also carefully shaped to accommodate the crown. In cases where there is significant tooth loss, a buildup may be added to provide additional support for the crown. The precision and thoroughness of this preparation stage play a crucial role in ensuring the optimal fit, stability, and longevity of your dental crown. By addressing any underlying issues and carefully preparing the tooth, our dentist sets the stage for the successful restoration of both form and function of your tooth.
Impressions and Temporary Crown
Our dentist takes impressions of the prepared tooth and surrounding areas so that we have a precise blueprint for the creation of your customised crown. At the same appointment, a temporary crown is affixed onto the tooth to shield it while the permanent crown is being made. This temporary cover protects the prepared tooth from potential damage or sensitivity. It also maintains the proper spacing and alignment of surrounding teeth.
Crown Fabrication
Crown fabrication is where the custom crown is meticulously crafted based on the impressions taken earlier. Advanced technologies, such as Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM), are often used to ensure precision and efficiency in the manufacturing process. We carefully shape and detail the chosen dental material to match the specific dimensions and contours of your tooth. This phase may take place in a dental laboratory or, in some cases, using in-clinic milling machines for same-day crowns. The expertise of dental technicians, combined with modern technologies, plays an important role in achieving the perfect fit and aesthetic of your final crown.
Placement and Adjustments
During this appointment, the final crown is securely fixed onto the prepared tooth. Our dentist will ensure a precise fit. They evaluate factors such as bite alignment, spacing, and your overall comfort. Any necessary adjustments are made to guarantee optimal functionality and aesthetics. If adjustments are needed, this may involve refining the crown’s shape, surface texture, or bite dynamics. We work diligently to ensure that you have a seamless experience with the making and finalisation of your dental crown. Our dentist strives to achieve a restoration that not only restores the tooth’s strength and functionality but also blends naturally with the surrounding teeth for a more aesthetic and comfortable outcome.
Are dental crowns permanent?
Dental crowns are durable and long-lasting, but whether they are considered permanent depends on a few factors. With proper care, including regular oral hygiene practices and routine dental check-ups, dental crowns can last for many years.It’s important to note that dental crowns are not entirely immune to wear or damage. Factors such as natural wear and tear, changes in bite, or dental conditions may over time necessitate the replacement or adjustment of a dental crown.Â
The lifespan of a dental crown can also be influenced by the material used, the location of the crown in your mouth, and your oral habits. While dental crowns do not last forever, they serve as robust and effective solutions for restoring teeth, offering significant longevity when appropriately cared for. We encourage regular dental checkups also to allow for early detection of any issues. This ensures timely intervention and prolongs the lifespan of the crown.
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Where to find us
Kedron Family Dental
1/138 Gympie Rd,
Kedron QLD 4031, Australia
Public Transport
The clinic is conveniently located just a 2-minute walk from Stop 25- Leckie Road on the busy 370 bus route. Free on-site parking available.