Dental Crowns Melbourne

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What are Dental Crowns and Tooth Bridges?

Dental crowns and tooth bridges are essential aspects of health care, focusing on restoring worn teeth and improving the smile’s appearance. Dental crowns, including porcelain crowns, are custom-made caps placed over a damaged tooth or implant, restoring the teeth’ enamel and improving the tooth’s shape, aesthetics, and function. On the other hand, dental bridges are fixed prosthetic devices consisting of multiple crowns used to replace the missing tooth, attaching to the natural one or implants on either side of the gap.

How do Crowns Work?

Dental crowns, also known as caps, are custom-made solutions for damaged teeth designed to restore their function and appearance. A porcelain crown is popular due to its ability to match the colour of your natural tooth enamel. These crowns are placed on teeth, dental implants, or even discoloured teeth to improve their aesthetics and protect against tooth decay.

The dental crown cost may vary depending on factors such as materials used, with options ranging from porcelain, ceramic, gold, metal alloys, and acrylic. Porcelain crowns are often bonded to a metal shell, making them both strong and visually appealing. Dentists may recommend crowns for various reasons, such as protecting a weak tooth from fracturing, restoring a fractured tooth, or covering a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment.

The process for getting a dental crown usually involves a single visit to the dentist, who will examine your teeth and discuss the best treatment option based on factors such as your bite, tooth shape, and overall dental care needs. Once the custom-made crown is ready, the dentist will ensure it fits well and maintains the natural appearance of your smile.

How do Bridges Work?

Dental bridges can be employed as a treatment option when a tooth is missing. They span the gap created by the absence of teeth, helping to prevent issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. The bridge is anchored by the actual teeth or dental implant surrounding the gap, known as abutments, and a custom-made replacement tooth called a pontic is attached to the crowns covering these abutments.

Dental crowns, on the other hand, are used to cover damaged or discoloured teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance. Porcelain crowns, for example, can be matched to the colour of the natural tooth enamel, ensuring a seamless blend with the surrounding teeth. Ceramic crowns are another option that provides a similar aesthetic result.

While dental crown costs can vary depending on material and location, the investment often leads to improved aesthetics and functionality. However, it is essential to note that dental crown fall and other complications can occur, which is why a dentist’s guidance is crucial when considering this treatment.

How are Crowns and Bridges Made?

To create dental crowns or bridges, an surgical or invasive procedure is required to modify the natural tooth structure. This entails reducing the size of the tooth or teeth to ensure a proper fit for the crown or bridge. The dentist then takes precise measurements by making an impression, which serves as an exact mould for the custom-made restoration.

Porcelain crowns are a popular choice for their aesthetic appeal, as they closely resemble the appearance of natural teeth. The dentist selects the appropriate shade of porcelain to match the patient’s existing teeth, ensuring a seamless look. Porcelain dental crowns provide a permanent solution to various dental needs, such as repairing a cracked tooth or replacing old fillings.

While the permanent crown or bridge is being crafted at a dental lab, a temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth from further damage. Once the permanent restoration is ready, the dentist removes the initially fixed crown and cements the new crown or bridge in place.

IF YOU NEED A DENTIST

Dentists typically recommend dental crowns and bridges to patients who are good candidates for the treatment based on the condition of their teeth, gum line, and overall dental health. It’s essential to schedule an appointment with a dental professional to discuss your unique needs and determine the best course of action to restore and maintain the appearance and function of your teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do porcelain crowns differ from other types of dental crowns?

Porcelain crowns are made of a ceramic material that closely resembles the appearance and colour of natural teeth. They offer several advantages over other types of dental crowns, such as metal or composite crowns:

A porcelain crown provides a more natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance, making it a popular choice for visible teeth.
They are highly durable and can withstand daily wear and tear.
Porcelain crowns are biocompatible, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or sensitivity.

However, they may require more tooth reduction than metal crowns, and the process of placing them may be more time-consuming.

What should I do if my dental porcelain crown falls off?

If your dental crown falls off, it’s essential to take immediate action to prevent further damage or discomfort. Follow these steps:

Retrieve the crown and clean it gently with water or a toothbrush.
Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible, as delaying the reattachment or replacement of the crown may lead to complications.
In the meantime, avoid chewing on the affected side to prevent damage to the exposed tooth.
If you can’t see your dentist immediately, you may use temporary dental adhesive, available at most pharmacies, to temporarily hold the crown in place. However, this is not a long-term solution.
Maintain proper oral hygiene and avoid hard or sticky foods that may dislodge the crown again.

How can dental crowns help prevent tooth decay?

Dental crowns help prevent tooth decay in several ways:

They provide a protective barrier, covering and sealing the damaged tooth, preventing bacteria from entering and causing further decay.
By restoring the tooth’s structural integrity, dental crowns help maintain proper bite alignment, reducing the risk of uneven wear and tear, which can contribute to decay.
Dental crowns allow for proper cleaning and maintenance of oral hygiene, which is crucial in preventing tooth decay and gum disease.

Is it possible to have multiple crowns on adjacent teeth?

It is possible to have multiple crowns on adjacent teeth if each tooth requires a crown for structural or aesthetic reasons. In some cases, we may recommend a dental bridge instead, consisting of multiple crowns connected to replace missing teeth. The decision to place multiple crowns or a dental bridge depends on factors such as the condition of the teeth, the patient’s oral health, and the desired outcome. Your dentist will assess your specific situation and recommend the most suitable treatment option.

Are dental crowns suitable for front teeth?

Dental crowns are suitable for front teeth, as they can provide both functional and aesthetic benefits. Porcelain or ceramic crowns are particularly well-suited for front teeth because they closely resemble the appearance of natural teeth. They offer excellent colour matching, translucency, and light-reflecting properties, ensuring your smile’s natural and harmonious appearance. When properly placed by a skilled dentist like Dr Leila Zamani, dental crowns on the front teeth can improve your smile’s aesthetics, restore functionality, and provide long-lasting results.

How do dental crowns compare to the original tooth in terms of functionality?

Dental crowns can restore the functionality of the actual tooth by providing a strong and durable protective covering. The crown is designed to withstand the forces of biting and chewing, allowing you to eat and speak comfortably. Additionally, dental crowns help maintain proper bite alignment, preventing uneven wear and tear on other teeth. While there may be a brief adjustment period after a dental crown is placed, most patients find that their crowned tooth functions as effectively as their natural tooth.

What can I expect during the dental crown procedure?

During the dental crown procedure, you can expect the following steps:

Consultation:

We will assess your tooth’s condition, take X-rays if necessary, and determine if a dental crown is an appropriate treatment.

Anesthesia:

Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the area around the tooth to ensure your comfort during the procedure.

Tooth preparation:

We will remove any decayed tooth structure and reshape the tooth to create space for the crown. This may involve removing a small amount of enamel and building up the tooth if needed.

Impressions:

We will take an impression of your prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth. This impression is sent to a dental laboratory, where the crown will be custom-made to fit your tooth precisely.

Temporary crown:

A temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it while the permanent crown is being fabricated. This crown may be less durable than the final crown, so you’ll need to be cautious while eating and brushing.

Crown placement:

Once the permanent crown is ready, you’ll return to the dentist’s office for the final placement. The dentist will remove the temporary one, clean the tooth, and check the fit and colour of the permanent crown. If everything is satisfactory, the crown will be cemented in place.

Follow-up:

Your dentist may schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure the crown functions correctly and has no complications.

It’s essential to maintain proper oral hygiene and attend regular dental check-ups to prolong the life of your dental crown and ensure the health of the surrounding teeth and gums.