If you are suffering from a damaged or decayed tooth, you might be looking for a solution to restore its shape, size, and strength. Dental crowns are one of the most popular dental treatments for restoring damaged teeth. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about dental crowns in Melbourne, including their types, benefits, cost, procedure, aftercare, and more.
Key Takeaways:
- Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that cover damaged or decayed teeth, restoring their shape, size, strength, and appearance.
- Dental crowns can be made of different materials, including ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, gold alloys, and base metal alloys.
- Benefits of dental crowns include restoring damaged teeth, improving appearance, protecting weakened teeth, improving chewing, and enhancing overall oral health.
- Dental crowns may be recommended for severely decayed or damaged teeth, discolored or misshapen teeth, or teeth that have had a root canal treatment.
- The dental crown procedure typically involves consultation and examination, preparation of the tooth, impressions and temporary crown placement, and crown placement.
- Aftercare for dental crowns involves maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding hard and sticky foods, and attending regular dental check-ups.
- The cost of a dental crown in Melbourne ranges from $1,500 to $2,500 per tooth.
- Dental crowns can last up to 15 years or more with proper care and maintenance.
- The dental crown procedure is simple and painless and can be completed in a few visits to the dentist.
- If a dental crown falls off, contact your dentist immediately to have it re-cemented.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers the visible part of a damaged or decayed tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance, and protects it from further damage. Dental crowns are custom-made to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth and can be made of various materials, including ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, gold alloys, and base metal alloys.
Types of Dental Crowns
Ceramic Crowns
Ceramic crowns are made of a type of dental porcelain that matches the color and translucency of your natural teeth. They are a popular choice for front teeth restoration as they are highly aesthetic and durable. Ceramic crowns are also biocompatible, meaning they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction or gum irritation. They are, however, less strong than metal-based crowns and can fracture under heavy biting forces.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns are made of a metal alloy base covered with a layer of porcelain. They are a popular choice for both front and back teeth restoration as they are strong and durable, and can match the color of your natural teeth. However, PFM crowns can cause dark lines at the gum line and may be less aesthetic than all-ceramic crowns.
Gold Alloys Crowns
Gold alloys crowns are made of a mixture of gold, copper, and other metals. They are a strong and durable choice for back teeth restoration as they can withstand heavy biting and chewing forces. Gold alloys crowns are also biocompatible and less likely to cause wear on opposing teeth. However, they are not a popular choice for front teeth restoration due to their yellow color.
Base Metal Alloys Crowns
Base metal alloys crowns are made of non-noble metals, such as nickel, chromium, and cobalt. They are a strong and durable choice for both front and back teeth restoration, as they require less tooth reduction and can be made thinner than other types of crowns. Base metal alloys crowns are also resistant to corrosion and can be an ideal choice for patients with metal allergies.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer numerous benefits, including:
- Restoring the shape, size, and strength of damaged teeth
- Improving the appearance of discolored, misshapen, or crooked teeth
- Protecting weakened teeth from further damage
- Providing a strong chewing surface for improved biting and chewing
- Enhancing overall oral health and preventing the need for more invasive dental treatments.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown?
Your dentist may recommend a dental crown if you have:
- A severely decayed tooth that cannot be restored with a filling
- A cracked or broken tooth that needs to be protected from further damage
- A discolored or misshapen tooth that needs to be improved in appearance
- A tooth that has had a root canal treatment and needs additional support and protection.
The Dental Crown Procedure
The dental crown procedure typically involves four steps:
Consultation and Examination
During your initial consultation, your dentist will examine your teeth and determine if a dental crown is the right solution for your dental problem. They may also take X-rays to assess the extent of damage or decay.
Preparation of the Tooth
Once the decision to proceed with a dental crown is made, your dentist will prepare the affected tooth by removing any decayed or damaged tissue and reshaping the tooth to fit the crown.
Impressions and Temporary Crown Placement
After the tooth is prepared, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to create a custom-made dental crown. In the meantime, they will place a temporary crown over the tooth to protect it from further damage.
Crown Placement
Once the custom-made crown is ready, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and place the new crown over the tooth. They will then adjust the crown for proper fit and bite and cement it in place.
Aftercare for Dental Crowns
To maintain the longevity of your dental crown, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene, avoid hard and sticky foods, and attend regular dental check-ups. Specifically:
Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss daily to remove any plaque or bacteria buildup around the crown.
Avoiding Hard and Sticky Foods: Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods that can cause the crown to crack or become dislodged.
Regular Dental Visits: Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings to ensure the crown remains in good condition.
Dental Crown Cost in Melbourne
The cost of a dental crown in Melbourne can vary depending on the material used, the complexity of the procedure, and the dentist’s experience. On average, the cost of a dental crown in Melbourne ranges from $1,500 to $2,500 per tooth.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
With proper care, dental crowns can last up to 15 years or more. However, their lifespan can be affected by factors such as oral hygiene, diet, and daily wear and tear.
Dental Crown FAQs
How long does the dental crown procedure take?
The dental crown procedure usually takes two visits to your dentist and can take up to two weeks to complete.
Do dental crowns hurt?
The dental crown procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel any pain. However, some patients may experience sensitivity or discomfort after the procedure, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Can I eat normally with a dental crown?
Yes, once your crown is properly cemented in place, you can eat and drink normally. However, it’s recommended to avoid hard or sticky foods that can damage the crown.
How do I take care of my dental crown?
To take care of your dental crown, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene, avoid hard and sticky foods, and attend regular dental check-ups. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss daily to remove any plaque or bacteria buildup around the crown.
Can dental crowns fall off?
While it’s rare for a dental crown to fall off, it can happen if the cement holding it in place is weakened or if there is underlying tooth decay or damage. If your crown does fall off, contact your dentist immediately to have it re-cemented.
Conclusion
Dental crowns are an effective solution for restoring damaged or decayed teeth, improving their appearance, and enhancing overall oral health. There are different types of dental crowns to choose from, depending on your individual needs and preferences. The dental crown procedure is a simple and painless process that can be completed in a few visits to your dentist. With proper care and maintenance, dental crowns can last up to 15 years or more.