Dental Crown

Dental crowns are the cap like structures which are placed above the tooth serving different functions like chewing, grinding, protection for the underlying teeth, strength to the underlying tooth, esthetics and for smile.

Tooth crowns are predominantly of the following types

• Metal ceramic crowns
• Zirconium crowns
• E max dental crowns
• Bruxzir crowns

Each crown has their own advantages and disadvantages, but metal free crowns like (zirconium, e max & bruxzir) are more commonly in use now a day.

Factors which decide the cost of these dental crowns/ tooth crowns/ dental caps/crown cost usually vary according to quality of the material, strength of the material & how close it is to the natural teeth.

Your dentist or dental specialist (prosthodontist) might suggest a crown procedure if you:

• have a broken or cracked tooth
• have a badly decayed tooth
• have had root canal treatment
• want to protect a weak tooth
• need to hold a bridge or denture in place

Dental crowns can also be used to cover stained or badly shaped teeth

If you have painful, cracked or badly decayed teeth, make an appointment to see your dentist. Your dentist might refer you to a prosthodontist if your tooth requires more complex work. 

Your dental crown procedure is likely to need 1 or 2 visits to the dentist or prosthodontist.

At the first visit, your dentist or prosthodontist will prepare your tooth by removing a layer of its outer surface and shaping it. They will use a local anaesthetic so that you don't feel any pain or discomfort.

Next, they will take a copy of the shape of the tooth. This can be done using an impression pressed into a mould, or by using a digital scanner.

The information may be sent to a lab where a technician will make the crown to fit your tooth. The lab can also match the crown to the colour of your other teeth.

A crown made by a CEREC machine can be made and fitted on the same day.

If the crown is being made in a laboratory, your dentist or prosthodontist will use a temporary crown to cover your affected tooth. It might take 2 to 3 weeks to make your crown.

When your permanent crown is ready, you will return for your second appointment. Your dentist or prosthodontist will fit the crown in place using dental cement or adhesive.

Dental crowns are used to cover a broken or decayed tooth when a filling is not an option.

Although your dental crown can't decay, the edge of the tooth on which it sits can. You'll still need to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush and floss your teeth as usual.

Continue with regular visits to your dentist or prosthodontist for check-ups.