Dental Crowns

Dental Crowns in Kingston

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown, often referred to as a “cap,” is a custom-made restoration that covers the entirety of a tooth. It’s designed to restore the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. The crown fully encases the visible part of the tooth that lies above the gum line, making it a perfect solution for various dental issues.

Benefits of Having a Crown:

  • Restoration of Functionality: A crown is ideal for restoring a tooth that is damaged or decayed. It can support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t much tooth left, protect a weak tooth from breaking, or hold together parts of a cracked tooth.
  • Aesthetic Enhancement: Crowns are made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, offering a seamless and natural look. They are perfect for improving your smile by covering discoloured or poorly shaped teeth.
  • Durability: Made from robust materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys, dental crowns are highly durable and can last many years with proper care and maintenance. They are resistant to wear and tear, making them a long-lasting solution.
  • Protection Against Further Decay: By completely covering the tooth, crowns protect against further decay and enamel erosion, ensuring the longevity of your dental health.
  • Customisation: Crowns are tailored to each patient, ensuring a comfortable fit and natural appearance. They can be made from various materials, including porcelain fused to metal, all-ceramic, or all-metal (such as gold or another alloy), depending on the patient’s needs and aesthetic preferences.
  • Improved Oral Comfort: Crowns help to alleviate discomfort from damaged teeth. By restoring the structure of the tooth, they can reduce sensitivity and make eating more comfortable.
  • Support for Dental Bridges: Crowns can be used to anchor dental bridges securely in place, providing a solution for missing teeth.

When your Dentist May Suggest a Crown

Your dentist may suggest you a crown on one of your teeth if:

  • It already has a large filling in it and the remaining tooth tissue may be weakened
  • It is discoloured and you would like to improve with appearance of the tooth
  • It has been root filled and will require a crown to protect it from future fracture (damage)
  • It may form part of a bridge to replace another missing tooth

A crown is sometimes referred to as a “cap”. It sits on top of an existing tooth and restores the shape, colour and function of the original tooth.

FAQ’s 

The lifespan of dental crowns largely depends on the type of crown you have and how well you take care of it. Generally, dental crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, but some can last even longer with proper care and maintenance.

Permanent crowns, made from materials like metal, porcelain fused to metal, or ceramic, are known to be the most durable and long-lasting. They can withstand normal wear and tear from daily use and can last for many years if properly cared for. On the other hand, temporary crowns are designed to be used for short-term use only and are not intended for long-term wear.

Proper care and maintenance also play a crucial role in the longevity of dental crowns. Good oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing regularly not only help to keep your natural teeth healthy but also the crown itself. It’s important to avoid certain hard, sticky or chewy foods that could damage the crown or cause it to come loose. Regular dental check-ups are also important to ensure that your crown is still in good shape and functioning as it should.

With proper care, your dental crown can remain in good condition and help to maintain a healthy, natural-looking smile for many years.

Once you’ve received your dental crown, it’s important to take good care of it to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, porcelain fused to metal, and ceramics, and each one requires slightly different care. Here are some general tips to help take care of your dental crown:

  1. Practice good oral hygiene: Just like with your natural teeth, it’s important to brush your crown twice a day and floss at least once a day. This helps to remove any plaque buildup that can lead to decay around the crown.
  2. Avoid hard or sticky foods: While your dental crown is strong, it’s important to avoid biting down on hard objects like ice or opening packages with your teeth. Sticky or chewy foods like caramel and taffy can also cause damage or dislodge the crown.
  3. Visit your dentist regularly: Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to monitor the health of your crown and make any necessary adjustments. Your dentist can also clean the crown to remove any plaque or tartar buildup.
  4. Consider a nightguard: If you grind your teeth at night, a nightguard can help protect your crown from damage.
  5. Watch for signs of trouble: If you experience sensitivity, pain, or swelling around your crown, it’s important to see your dentist. These can be signs of a problem with the tooth underneath the crown.

By following these tips and taking good care of your dental crown, you can help ensure it lasts for many years to come. Remember to speak with our dentist if you have any concerns or questions about caring for your crown or if you notice any changes in your oral health.

One of the most common questions people have about getting a dental crown is whether or not it will be painful. The short answer is that the procedure itself is not usually painful thanks to the use of local anaesthetic. However, some people may experience discomfort or sensitivity after the procedure.

During the dental crown procedure, your dentist will use a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. This means that you shouldn’t feel any pain while the dentist is preparing the tooth and fitting the crown. In some cases, your dentist may also offer sedation options if you feel anxious or nervous about the procedure.

After the procedure, it’s normal to experience some sensitivity in the tooth for a few days. This can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen. Some people may also experience a little discomfort in their jaw as they adjust to the new shape of their tooth.

It’s important to note that in rare cases, dental crown placement can result in complications like nerve damage or an allergic reaction to the materials used in the crown. However, these complications are very rare and your dentist will take steps to minimise the risk.

If you’re concerned about whether or not getting a dental crown will be painful, our dentist can explain the procedure in more detail and answer any questions you may have. We can also work with you to manage any discomfort or sensitivity after the procedure.

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