Post Crowns: Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. What is a dental crown?
A. Dental crowns serve as an effective solution for restoring teeth that have been broken or weakened by decay or extensive fillings. Crowns reinforce the tooth while mimicking a healthy tooth’s natural shape and contour. Crowns are also known as “caps.”
Q. What distinguishes post crowns?
A. Post crowns are employed when a tooth has undergone root canal treatment. The compromised tooth crown is removed to the gum line, and the dentist creates a dual-ended “post” to fit within the root canal. One end of the post is cemented into the root canal, while the other end securely holds the crown in place. This post can be either prefabricated stainless steel or custom.
Q. Are there alternatives to post crowns for root-filled teeth?
A. If a root-filled tooth retains sufficient structure, it may be possible to reconstruct it using filling material. This “core” is then prepared similarly to a natural tooth.
Q. Why might I require a crown?
A. Various reasons warrant the use of a crown, such as:
- Tooth weakened by an extensive filling
- Improving the appearance of a tooth with discoloured fillings
- Protecting a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment
- Repairing a tooth damaged in an accident
- Securing a bridge or denture in place
Q. What materials are used to create crowns?
A. Crowns are fabricated from various materials, continually introducing new options. Current options include:
- Porcelain bonded to precious metal: A popular choice, this type of crown features a precious metal base covered in layers of porcelain.
- Porcelain: Although not as robust as bonded crowns, porcelain crowns exhibit a natural appearance and are commonly used for front teeth.
- Porcelain and composite: Combining porcelain and composite resin materials can create highly natural-looking crowns, albeit not as durable as metal-bonded crowns.
- Glass: Suitable for both front and back teeth, glass crowns offer a highly natural appearance.
- Precious metal (gold and palladium): Strong and durable, these crowns are typically used for less visible teeth in the back of the mouth.
Q. How is a tooth prepared for a crown?
A. The dentist will reshape the tooth to accommodate the crown, removing most of the exterior surface while preserving a sturdy inner “core.” The amount of the tooth removed corresponds to the thickness of the crown. After shaping the tooth, the dentist takes impressions of the prepared tooth, the opposing jaw, and potentially another to record the patient’s bite. The technician receives the impressions and other pertinent information to construct the crown.
Q. Who fabricates the crown?
A. Dental technicians skilled in crown production receive the impressions and teeth shade information to create a customized crown. They construct models of the patient’s mouth to ensure the crown fits perfectly.
Q. Will the crown be noticeable?
A. No, the crown is designed to blend seamlessly with neighbouring teeth. A temporary plastic crown is placed during the initial appointment, lasting until the permanent crown is ready. While the temporary crown may be more noticeable, it typically remains in place for only two weeks.
The dentist records the shade of adjacent teeth to ensure the crown’s colour appears natural.
Q. What is the duration of the treatment?
A. The procedure requires at least two appointments: the initial visit for tooth preparation, impression taking, shade recording, and temporary crown placement, followed by a second appointment to fit the permanent crown.
Q. Is preparing a tooth for a crown painful?
A. Local anaesthesia ensures a comfortable experience during tooth preparation, like receiving a filling. Local anaesthesia may be unnecessary if the tooth lacks a nerve.
Q. How long will a crown last?
A. The longevity of a crown depends on proper care and maintenance. While the crown itself cannot decay, decay can develop at the junction of the crown and tooth. Maintaining cleanliness in this area is crucial to prevent decay that could compromise the crown. With appropriate care, crowns can last many years; your dentist can provide a specific time frame.
Q. How are crowns affixed to teeth?
A. Once the fit and appearance of the crown have been verified and approved by the patient, it is cemented in place using specialized dental cement. This cement also forms a seal that helps secure the crown firmly.
Q. Will the crown feel different?
A. Initially, the crown may feel slightly different due to its shape being somewhat different from the original tooth. However, it should feel comfortable within a few days and become unnoticeable. Ask your dentist to examine and adjust if the crown feels higher than the surrounding teeth or causes discomfort.
Our treatments include…
- White Fillings
- Root Canal Treatment
- Crowns
- Post Crowns
- Bridges
- Adhesive Bridges
- Veneers
- Teeth Whitening
Smiles@Legacy
Our experienced team is passionate about providing a welcoming environment where you can feel comfortable and confident in the quality of treatment you receive.