Dental Crown

Dental Crown

For damaged teeth affecting many daily activities, dental crowns treatment can help restore, repair, and help enhance hopelessly damaged teeth. Crowns are considered a multi-functional dental treatment that has been accepted and sought-after for decades to treat individuals with dental problems or those wishing to have a brand-new beautiful smile to help improve their personality and better quality of life.

What is a dental crown?

Dental Crown is a fixed, natural-like, tooth-shaped covering-cap that completely encases over the top of a damaged tooth, such as a broken tooth, chipped tooth, worn tooth, broken tooth, short tooth, discolored tooth, a tooth that has undergone a root canal treatment (particularly the posterior), misshaped tooth, or unsightly tooth, to regain the properties of a natural tooth that are straight, durable, and aesthetic in shape, size, and color as an idealistic tooth and smile.

When should we have a dental crown treatment?

The dentist will advise crown treatment if they determine that the teeth are unhealthy, at high risk of fracture, have large cracked or decayed teeth, or have previously undergone root canal treatment. In addition, dentists usually recommend crown treatment for those who want to change the shape and position of their teeth or the occlusion in cases where orthodontic treatment is not possible or need alternatives to braces. Crown treatment can help with the following dental issues:

1. Broken tooth, chipped tooth, cracked tooth.
2. Tooth decay with a large hole
3. A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment
4. Malocclusion of tooth
5. Misshapen tooth

How many types of dental crowns and materials are used? 

There are various types of dental crowns, varying in materials used, procedures, treatment suitability, and the needs of individuals. The dental specialist will provide a helpful recommendation to the patient; therefore, the treatment can yield precise, effective, and yet the best possible treatment outcome for the patient.

1. All-porcelain crowns 

All-porcelain crowns are made of all ceramic materials to craft the workpiece. All-ceramic crowns are the most popular type among dental crowns, particularly for crowning on or replacing a front tooth, as it provides natural-looking characteristics, including shape, size, and color. Currently, the advancement of ceramic material properties provides more durability; hence, the dental specialist and patient have more options for applying dental crowns, whether on the anterior, posterior, or molar tooth. Types of all-ceramic crowns include:

• Zirconia Crowns
  Zirconia crowns are contemporary-styled crowns made of contemporary materials, utilizing a premium ceramic material that offers transparency and properties comparable to natural, permanent teeth. Zirconia crowns are versatile and offer high strength, excellent resistance to chewing force, and resistance to chipping and breaking. In contemporary dentistry, zirconia crowns are among the most widely used type of crowns.
• Glass Ceramic
  There are many types of glass-ceramic, such as Emax, Empress, LiSi, or Suprinity. This medium-strong type of crown has the same translucent properties as natural teeth. It is suitable for crowning the anterior and posterior teeth and is a popular crown material used in CAD/CAM, “One-Day Crown” restoration.
  However, glass ceramic may have limitations for those with limited tooth space, such as short or heavily worn teeth, and is not appropriate for those with bruxism behavior as the material may break easily.
• Hybrid Ceramic
  Enamic and Cerasment hybrid-ceramic crowns combine ceramic and composite materials for aesthetics, medium strength, and suitability for crowning anterior and posterior teeth. Additionally, it is usable for CAD CAM work and “One-day Crown restoration. Hybrid-ceramic crowns can also be used in minimally invasive tooth restoration since they are appropriate for those with less dentine.

2. Resin Crown

Resin crowns are plastic crowns used to make temporary crowns for patients to try on and evaluate their conditions while they wait for the permanent crown from the dental lab.

3. PFM Crown or Porcelain Fused to Metal

PFM Crown or Porcelain Fused to Metal is a crown with a metal base structure, making it less popular because of its unnatural look and the darkened edge of the gums. Currently, Zirconia crowns can replace the disadvantages of PFM crowns in all aspects of strength and superior aesthetics.

4. Full Metal Crown

All-metal crowns, like the Golden Crown or Palladium Crown, offer high durability, can withstand chewing force, and are not easily broken. These crowns have no top layer of ceramic components. Metal crowns are alternative types of crowns that provide full features in terms of functionality and aesthetics, depending on the preference and individual needs.

5. Stainless Steel Crowns: SSC

Stainless steel crowns are finished dental crowns made of stainless steel. Dental specialists prefer to use this crown for young patients with baby teeth. When permanent teeth erupt, this type of crown will naturally fall off.

What are the benefits of dental crowns?

Crowns are recognized as restorative dentistry, repairing teeth, and addressing a variety of dental issues, including:

• Crowns can cover teeth that are broken, chipped, or cracked.
• A crown can cover a tooth with a sizable decay hole.
• A crown can protect teeth that are weak, easily broken, or deficient in calcium.
• A Crown is applied on the implant's upper portion or to all its visible parts.
• Crown is used to secure dental bridges in place.
• A Crown is used to cover teeth that have undergone root canal treatment, particularly on the posterior molars.
• A crown can help correct the malocclusion (misaligned teeth) issue.
• Crowns are used for aesthetic purposes, such as for those who want to have a teeth whitening treatment to make their teeth whiter and brighter. Those who want to change the shape and size, correct the color, reform the shape, and help enhance personality and boost confidence when smiling.

Crown: steps of making

Crown treatment in a digital dental lab can finish in just 3 visits, depending on each patient's specific dental health condition, goals, and type of dental crown.

1^st appointment:  a personalized treatment plan with a dental specialist

1. Initial consultation with a dental specialist to address concerns, find out the purpose, and obtain personal requirements in making the dental crown.
2. The dental specialist takes oral X-rays to identify teeth and gum issues, such as tooth decay or root canal inflammation. If detected, it will receive treatment before the crown.
3. The patient participates in decision-making and chooses the crown's shape, size, and color along with the dentist as the dentist plans the treatment, offers treatment options, and explains the treatment process step by step.
4. When the patient consents to have a crown made as intended, a dentist prepares the teeth for the crown by grinding them.
5. The dental specialist uses CAD/CAM digital technology to scan the teeth or take impressions to make temporary crowns that patients can try while waiting for permanent ones.
6. The dentist sends the patient's dental information to the dental lab staff to produce workpieces.

2^nd appointment: Placing the permanent crown (approx. 5-7 days later)

1. The specialist evaluates the results of wearing crowns to determine whether they meet the patient's needs. Otherwise, the dentist may have to adjust the teeth a little more.
2. The dental specialist checks the occlusion of the teeth and crowns and their seamless edges, enamel, etc.
3. When the final permanent crown is satisfactory to the patient, the dental specialist will fit the crown into the ground tooth. The treatment is complete.

3^rd appointment: A follow-up on symptoms and treatment outcome assessment

1. The dental specialist schedules a follow-up appointment with the patient to address any symptoms that may develop, including possible issues with sensitive teeth or insufficient occlusion, and to gauge patient satisfaction with the treatment outcome.

One-day Crown

One-day crown is a dental innovation utilizing CAD/CAM digital technology to design and make dental crowns with digital technology by lab technicians. Typically, a one-day crown procedure takes 2-3 hours for the final encasement of a finished Crown. One-day crown treatment is suitable for crown work, 1-2 teeth per treatment, on patients with little time or foreigners visiting Thailand for a brief vacation. Steps for One-day Crown include

1. Dental specialist acknowledges dental issues and the needs of patients in making crowns.
2. Dental specialist takes a dental X-ray and makes a treatment plan.
3. Patients collaborate with the dental specialist in selecting the crown's shape, size, and color that meet the requirement and expectations of the patients.
4. Dental specialist will grind down the teeth to support the newly created crowns.
5. Dental specialist uses a camera scan inside the mouth to examine the teeth.
6. Dental specialists use advanced digital CAD/CAM technology to create crowns in collaboration with lab technicians.
7. Dental specialist encases the permanent crown on the treated tooth to ensure a snug fit while assessing patient satisfaction.

Crown: Where to have the treatment?

• Digital dental lab with the international high standard
  Digital dental lab with high standards equipped with state-of-the-art CAD/CAM digital technology scanning systems to assist in designing and creating the dental crown to achieve the best possible outcome while allowing patients and dentists to collaborate on the design of the teeth, including shape, size, and color based on the patient preference and satisfaction.
  Consider crown treatment at a leading hospital with a digital dental lab installed is the key to increasing the speed and accuracy of the workpiece while providing the highest safety standard and a team of medical specialists to provide care in case of any unforeseen complication.
• Dental specialist with experience and expertise
  Choosing an experienced, skilled expert dentist is crucial, as a sophisticated dentist can accurately diagnose dental issues and design dental crowns that suit an individual’s needs.
• Crown: Select FDA-approved materials
  For safety reasons, patients should consider choosing a leading hospital or trusted dental practice that utilizes only FDA-approved(FDA: Food and drug administration), high-quality medical-grade materials to ensure safety and to minimize the risk of possible complications such as gingivitis, root canal inflammation, toothache, or sensitive teeth, etc.

Crown: During and After Care

Patients receiving crown treatment should always maintain good hygiene to lower the risk of infection and follow the following instructions:

Cautions while awaiting the crown

1. Refrain from consuming tough foods on the side where the temporary crown is applied.
2. Refrain from chewing gum.
3. In some cases, the dentist might ask to refrain from flossing temporarily.

Crowns: Aftercare

1. Brush your teeth gently and thoroughly at least twice daily to prevent infection.
2. Avoid biting hard texture food or chewing ice with your teeth to prevent crown damage.
3. Refrain from chewing gum, solid objects, or sticky food
4. Use the uncrowned side of the teeth to chew food if possible.
5. Use caution when flossing, avoid touching the gum-adjacent edge of the crown.
6. Take the medication as directed by the dentist if swelling and pain are present.
7. In cases of severe pain or an infection, visit the doctor.
8. Keep all the appointments; so the dental specialist can assess the completed work and handle any side effects like toothaches, sensitivity, scurvy, and other possible symptoms that might occur after getting a dental crown.

How long does a crown last?

In dentistry, crowns are for restoring teeth that are acceptable in terms of strength, durability, and aesthetics. Crowns even help patients who have lost teeth to pronounce words more clearly. Placing crowns on the molars or posterior teeth helps distribute the chewing force more evenly. Crowns have a 15-year average lifespan. For those who maintain good oral health routines, crowns can last for decades. 

Crowns: Does it hurt?

The dental specialist may consider using a local anesthetic during the crown procedure to alleviate any pain caused by teeth grinding.

Crowns are one of the best dental treatments to preserve natural teeth, keep the teeth and gums healthy, and aid in strengthening weak teeth. Crowns functionally help restore, repair, and rejuvenate the teeth and enhance personality through a brilliant smile.

How does a dental crown help maintain health?

Crown offers multi-functional dental solutions that can resolve numerous dental issues, including:

Crowns distribute chewing force, enclose large fillings, cover teeth that have undergone root canal treatment, and help fix dental bridges in place. In addition, it helps protect weak teeth, prevents decay, can be used as a top portion of the implant, conceals misshapen teeth, covers stained teeth, and enhances speech or pronunciation. Crowns can also help retain a natural tooth and improve smiles.