Getting Porcelain Crowns: Dental Crowns Explained and Compared

Do you have a cracked tooth that is now more sensitive than normal? Do you want to protect this tooth and keep it from hurting?

Among other problems, getting a dental crown is a great solution for a tooth with a large cavity. Below, we’ve got a quick guide on the types of dental crowns. We’ve also included a few things, like proper maintenance and price.

Keep reading to discover all you need about this dental procedure:

These come in a variety of materials to suit various purposes or preferences. The first thing your dentist will do is to check your teeth. He or she will consider a few things, like:

• Location of the tooth

• How much of the tooth shows when smiling

• Condition and position of gums

• The function of the tooth

• How much natural tooth remains

• Color of the teeth next to it

After the dentist checks these, he or she will decide the best material for the crown.

There are different types of materials used for a dental crown. These materials include porcelain, metal, ceramic, composite resin. You can also find some that use a combination of these.

Some materials get fused with other types of materials. For example, you can have porcelain fused to metal. Dental crowns that are fused to a combination of materials get the benefits of all of the materials used.

Porcelains are the best types if you want a topping that has a natural color match. It’s also great for people with metal allergies.

If you have a preference for the material that you want for your dental crown, tell your dentist.

Other than materials, dental crowns also have different types depending on the purpose. First, there is the temporary crown. Your dentist will place a temporary topping on your tooth with an adhesive. It will last for a short while until your permanent crown is ready.

You can also get a one-day topping. It’s typical for dental crown procedures to take two appointments. A one-day crown shortens that into one appointment where you can get it installed right away.

There is also the 3/4 or partial top. This option only covers a part of the tooth. This type of crown suits patients who don’t need a whole tooth covered.

Only certain people can get a dental crown because they serve both a protective and restorative purpose. Often, if you have a large cavity on your tooth, you might qualify for this procedure. Note that the cavity must be too big for a dental filling to cover it.

You can also get one if you have a missing tooth. Your dentist will place a crown on the tooth or teeth next to the missing tooth. Between them will be the dental bridge or the tooth implant.

If you had a root canal procedure done, the tooth is fragile. Your dentist can recommend that you get a dental crown to give it some protection. If you have a weakened, cracked, or worn down tooth, you can also get a dental crown.

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The typical procedure takes two dentist visits. On the first day, your dentist will examine the tooth. It may involve getting X-rays of the tooth and/or taking a mold of the mouth.

The dentist also prepares the tooth on the first visit by filing it down and removing a part of its outer layer. Next, the dentist will take an impression of the trimmed tooth and the teeth next to it. Before the visit ends, your dentist will place a temporary crown for protection.

The impression will get sent to a lab for manufacturing, and you’ll wait for several weeks for it to finish. When it’s done, you’ll get called again for the second visit. This is when the dentist will cement it to your tooth.

Depending on the situation, your dentist may decide between a same-day or multi-day procedure. If the dentist opts for a same-day procedure, you’ll need to have 2-4 hours free on your schedule.

Instead of taking X-rays, the dentist will take digital pictures of your mouth. The dentist will use a 3D printer, which takes 1-2 hours. When it is ready, the dentist will then cement it to place.

Your dentist will give you instructions on how to take care of your dental crown. In case you forget to write it down, use this for reference.

If you’re using a temporary solution, be extra gentle with it. Be gentle when you brush, chew, or floss. If the temporary crown dislodges, contact your dentist right away.

If you’re using a permanent crown, make it a habit to brush your teeth twice a day. Be more careful when you brush your teeth. If your teeth are sensitive to heat or cold, use toothpaste for tooth sensitivity.

Start flossing daily and try to avoid hard foods. If you like to chew on ice, drop the habit. It can cause porcelains to crack.

Without maintenance, it can chip, become loose, or fall off. The crown may also cause allergic reactions in your body. You may also experience discomfort or sensitivity after the procedure when the anesthesia wears off.

The average price range is between $800 and $1700. The factors that affect the cost include what part of the country you live in and the material. Porcelain ones will be more affordable than gold crowns, for example.

The good news is that your dental insurance may cover a part of the cost. As always, make sure you check with the insurance company first.

Did you enjoy reading about the different types of dental crowns? If you want to see more content on dental procedures, check out our blog.