8 Signs You May Need A Dental Crown

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is like a cap for your tooth. It’s a cover that’s custom-made to fit over a damaged or decayed tooth, restoring its shape, strength and appearance. You can think of it as giving your tooth a new outer layer to keep it strong and help it look great again. 

Our dental crowns are meticulously fabricated using materials that mimic the look and feel of real teeth, so once they’re in place, nobody can tell the difference!

When would you need a crown?

Here are some of the most common reasons why you may need one:

Broken or fractured tooth

If your tooth is cracked or broken, a crown can help hold it together and prevent further damage. 

Severely decayed tooth 

When a tooth has a large cavity or decay, removing the decayed part means a large portion is taken out. This leaves your tooth’s structure compromised but a crown can restore its strength and shape.

After root canal treatment

After a root canal procedure, a tooth can become weaker and brittle as the inner pulp is all cleaned out. A crown protects the tooth and helps you eat and speak normally without fear of the tooth breaking. 

Misshapen or discoloured teeth

Crowns can improve the appearance of teeth that are discoloured, oddly shaped or don’t match the rest of your smile.

To support a dental bridge 

If you’re getting a dental bridge to replace a missing tooth, crowns are often placed on the neighbouring teeth to hold the bridge in place. 

Dental implant restorations

Crowns are the artificial teeth secured to dental implants, forming one of the most durable, comfortable and natural-looking tooth replacement solutions. 

Protecting weak teeth

If a tooth has become weakened due to a large filling or wear, a crown can give it the strength it needs to function with the risk of cracking or breaking.

Cosmetic improvements

If you want to improve the appearance of your smile, crowns can help enhance the shape, size and colour of your teeth. 

Benefits of a dental crown

Dental crowns are a reliable way of keeping your smile healthy and looking its best. Here are some benefits of getting a dental crown:

Enhanced chewing – With a crown in place you can bite and chew confidently just like you would with your regular teeth. 

Long-lasting – Crowns are built to last for years so you won’t have to worry about replacements anytime soon. 

Comfortable fit –  A well-fitted crown feels just like a natural tooth so you won’t even notice it’s there.

Boosted confidence – With improved function and appearance, crowns can make you feel more self-assured about your smile. 

Types of dental crowns

When you need to get a dental crown, our experienced dentists will help you choose the right type of crown based on your specific needs, where it will be placed, and what your preferences are. 

Here are some types of dental crowns available:

Ceramic Crowns:

Ceramic crowns are most often the top choice for visible front teeth. They’re excellent for mimicking the natural appearance of teeth. They’re made to match the colour and texture of your teeth to seamlessly blend in. 

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns:

These crowns offer a mix of durability and aesthetics. They include a metal base that provides strength and support while the porcelain layer on top gives them a natural look and finish. Commonly used for both front and back teeth. 

Metal Crowns:

Metal crowns are usually made of gold, silver or other metal alloys. They’re super sturdy and great for back teeth.

All-Resin Crowns:

These crowns are made from a composite resin material and are typically more affordable. All-resin crowns might work better for front teeth or teeth that do not undergo intense chewing forces.

Taking care of your dental crown 

Caring for your dental crown is essential to ensure its longevity and to maintain your oral health. Here’s how you can take proper care of your dental crown:

• Treat your crowned tooth just like your natural teeth. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush. Floss daily to clean between your teeth and around the crown.
• Be cautious when eating hard, crunchy or sticky foods as they can damage or dislodge the crown.
• Minimise consumption of sugary snacks and beverages to prevent tooth decay around the edges of the crown and your natural teeth.
• Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings every 6 months to allow our dentist to monitor the condition of your dental crown and oral health.
• Don’t use your teeth to open packages, tear tape or perform other non-eating tasks. 
• It’s good to avoid excessive consumption of coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco to keep your crown looking its best as these are known staining ingredients.

By following these guidelines and maintaining good oral hygiene practices, you can extend the lifespan of your dental crown and ensure that it continues to serve you well for years to come.

Want more information on our dental crowns? Give our friendly team at Wyndham Dental a call today!