Are You Considering Dental Crowns? Here is What You Should Know
Damaged, chipped, cracked, or weak teeth can be a confidence buster. But, more than that they can pose a threat to your dental health. Fixing these dental imperfections can be costly when you try to fix each one. But, with dental crowns, you can have our Markham dentist fix all these problems at once. In this post, we answer some of the common questions on dental crowns in Markham, ON.
What are Dental Crowns?
Crowns are tooth caps that encase the entire tooth to change the color, size, shape, and appearance of the teeth. These crowns are cemented in place and they cover the visible part of the tooth that is above the gum line.
When Does the Dentist Recommend Dental Crowns?
Our dentist can recommend teeth crowns to fix a variety of problems, such as:
- Weak teeth from decay
- Broken or severely damaged teeth
- Support a tooth with a large filling
- Hold a dental bridge
- As a cosmetic modification
- Protect teeth that are at risk of developing cavities
How Are Crowns Made Of?
Dental crowns come in various options that include:
- Stainless steel. The cosmetic dentist in Markham can recommend these crowns for children who are at risk of developing dental cavities. These crowns are prefabricated and do not require multiple dental visits. These are used as temporary crowns as you wait for the dentist to make the permanent ones.
- Porcelain crowns. These are the commonly used types and they are tooth-colored. They resemble your teeth in appearance and create a seamless look. These crowns are durable and can be fixed on any tooth. Also, they are stain-resistant and can last for a long time.
- Metal crowns. These crowns are made of gold, silver, or alloys. Metal crowns are more durable than porcelain crowns and can withstand biting and chewing pressure. They are also visible and this makes them ideal for the back teeth. Metal crowns are a little more expensive than the other types.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. These crowns combine the durability of the metal crowns and the aesthetics of the porcelain ones. The crowns are durable, but they can cause the gums to darken.
- Resin crowns. These crowns are affordable. However, they are less durable and therefore are ideal for front teeth.
How Are Crowns Fixed?
Preparing and fixing the dental crowns requires two dental visits. The process involves a few steps:
- Examination and preparation
On the first dental visit, the dentist will examine your teeth using x-rays to check the roots of the teeth. If you have decay or there’s a risk of developing infection or injury, the dentist may perform other treatments such as a root canal before fixing the crowns.
Teeth preparation is required before the crowns are fixed. The dentist will numb the teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues to ease discomfort. The affected tooth is reshaped by trimming the enamel to make room for the crowns. The amount trimmed off will depend on the type of crown needed.
Your dental impression is taken to make the permanent crowns. Sometimes, the dentist uses a digital scanner instead of a putty.
It can take a few weeks for the permanent crowns to be made. In the meantime, the dentist will cover the reshaped teeth with temporary crowns to protect against sensitivity. It is important to protect these crowns to keep them from cracking or coming out.
- Fixing the crowns
On the second dental visit, the dentist will remove the temporary crowns and replace them with permanent ones. These crowns will be cemented in place using a block of cement and laser light.
A follow-up dental appointment may be scheduled a few weeks after the procedure to assess the gums and crowns.
What Can You Expect?
After the crowns are fixed, you may experience discomfort and sensitivity. The Markham dentist may use toothpaste to help ease the sensitivity. Bleeding and swelling are rare, but if they do develop, visit the dentist for an assessment.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit New Delhi Dental for more information on dental crowns and how they can benefit you.