fbpx

What Does A Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are effectively ‘caps’ that are fitted over existing damaged or decayed teeth which cannot be mended using a filling or other method. As they will be matched to the exact colour of your teeth, they work as an invisible solution which is one of the many reasons they are so popular with patients.

Make an Enquiry

Dental Crowns FAQ’s

Below, we have answered some of your frequently asked questions about tooth crowns.

Crowns are available in many materials – gold, porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, ceramic, etc. The shape, size and material is largely dependent on the tooth structure that remains. Where a tooth has very little tooth structure in place, your dentist may first suggest building the tooth back up again using a core material or filling.

If your tooth needs to be built back up before a crown can be placed, the remaining tooth structure is created and shaped by your dentist. This procedure is usually carried out under local anaesthetic, just like a regular filling. When the final shaping of the tooth has occurred, a chairside impression is taken using special materials. These impressions are then disinfected and sent to the laboratory technician. Your dentist will discuss the shape, size and material with you.

A temporary crown is usually placed over the underlying core tooth structure before the permanent crown is fitted. This temporary fixture allows the dental space to be maintained and also allows you to get used to the crown before the final dental device is placed and protects the underlying tooth.

Once the laboratory returns the crown, your dentist will carefully examine it. There are a number of checks that are undertaken in the surgery to ensure that the size, fit, material and shade are in line with the agreed prescription for your crown.

Occasionally, a dentist will undertake a “try-in” visit. This is to ensure that all of the above clinical criteria have been met to produce a long lasting, aesthetically pleasing and functional crown.

If one or more of your teeth are badly chipped or damaged and the issue cannot be fixed using traditional methods, your dentist may recommend getting a crown fitted. They act as normal teeth and so your chewing or eating won’t be affected. They are also suitable for patients whose teeth have suffered a lot of wear and tear. Dental crowns can be fitted to patients of all ages. If you are living with any of these dental issues, a tooth crown may be a suitable solution.

Aftercare is essential for the longevity of your dental crown. You will be given a number of post-operative instructions which will help you to look after your crown.

It’s important to keep in mind that while the colour of your dental crown might be perfect now, this might not be the case years down the line. As we grow older, our teeth get naturally darker/yellower and sometimes more grey. A crown shade chosen at age 30 will often be lighter than a shade chosen at 40. It is important to remember that a crown in place for 10 years can look “brighter” than the surrounding natural teeth. This is particularly evident in anterior (front) teeth.

Having a conversation with your dentist at your regular check-ups will provide a good barometer to monitor the wear and aesthetic demand of your individual needs.

Find a practice near you

All our practices offer dental crowns services. Find your most convenient Dental Care Ireland practice.