What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. Dentists may recommend crowns for various reasons, including:

• Strengthening a weak tooth
• Protecting a cracked tooth
• Restoring a worn or broken tooth
• Supporting a dental bridge
• Covering a discolored tooth
• Encasing a root canal-treated tooth
• Covering a dental implant

Types of Dental Crowns

Metal Crowns: Durable and long-lasting, metal crowns can withstand biting forces but are not aesthetically pleasing due to their metallic color.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM): These offer a natural appearance and good strength but may chip over time.

Pressed Ceramic Crowns: Made of a hard ceramic core with porcelain layers, these crowns mimic natural teeth but can also chip.

All-Ceramic or Porcelain Crowns: Best for aesthetics, ideal for those with metal allergies, and very durable.

Same-Day Crowns: Created using CAD/CAM technology, these can be made in one visit.

All-Resin Crowns: Cost-effective but less durable, often used as temporary solutions.

Procedure Overview

First Visit: Tooth Preparation: Enamel is removed to make room for the crown.
Dental Impressions: Impressions are taken for a custom crown.
Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is placed while the permanent one is made.

Second Visit:

Crown Placement: The temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is fitted and bonded to the tooth.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits:

• Prolongs tooth life
• Improves chewing and appearance
• Can last 5 to 15 years with proper care

Drawbacks:

• Requires enamel removal
• May cause sensitivity
• Risk of chipping or breaking
• Can be expensive
• Care and Maintenance

To ensure longevity, maintain your crown by:

• Brushing twice daily
• Flossing daily
• Avoiding hard or sticky foods
• Regular dental check-ups

When to Contact Your Dentist

Call your dentist if you notice:

• A loose crown
• Bad breath or taste
• Cracks or chips in the crown
• Discomfort from sharp edges
• Alternatives to Crowns

Depending on your needs, alternatives include Inlays/Onlays For less damaged teeth.
Veneers: For cosmetic issues without decay
Dental Implants: If the tooth is severely damaged and can’t be restored.

Dental crowns, also known as caps, are an effective solution for restoring damaged teeth, with various options to suit individual needs.

If you need help reviewing your treatment plan, getting a second opinion, or need a new crown, call/text us today at 317-426-1562 or visit appointments.primecaredentalindy.com to schedule an appointment at PrimeCare Family Dental. At our Pendleton Pike, Indianapolis dental office, we offer various options for restoring teeth.