Dental Crowns

Definition:

• Dental crown is a prosthetic restoration of a decayed tooth by a tooth shaped “cap” that completely covers tooth or dental implant, and is bonded to the tooth using dental cement. A dental crown (cap) fully encases the entire visible portion of a damaged tooth anatomically restoring its shape, size, strength and it also improves its appearance.
• Dental Crowns can be made of metal, a metal alloy, porcelain-fused- to-metal, all resin, or all ceramic materials

Why it is needed:

• To replace a large filling when there is very less tooth structure left
• To protect breaking of a weak tooth
• To restore an already fractured or severely worn down tooth due to attrition or erosion
• To cover uneven shape and discoloration of tooth
• To cover dental implant
• To attach a dental bridge (in case of missing teeth to bridge the gaps)

Advantages and Disadvantages:

Advantages:

• Dental crowns are placed in an outpatient procedure; medical tourist can go back to home within 3 weeks or immediately if they plan for two trips.
• The dental crown improves the function and appearance of the injured or damaged tooth.
• Protects the tooth by covering entire surface area of it and eliminates pain.
• Provides strength and longevity with overall attractive appearance.

 Disadvantages:

• Patient may develop sensitivity to hot and cold food if improperly done)
• The chip formation at crown(if improperly done)
• Loosening of crown can lead to decay of the tooth.
• Crowns fall off sometimes due to an improper fit or a lack of cement.
• Formation of dark line on crowned tooth next to the gum line.

Risks and Complications:

• Reaction to anesthetic or medication
• Bleeding
• Structural injury or damage to nerve and tissue near implant site
• Tingling or numbness of the teeth, gums, lips or chin
• Sinus problems
• If improperly done can cause damage to opposing tooth as well
• Pre-operative and Post-operative Care:

Pre-operative preparation:

• Visit to dentist and have a knowledge of procedure and different type of crowns
• Inform the dentist about an allergy and a habit or smoking and alcohol
• X-rays of the tooth to check roots and surrounding bone
• Know the medicine to be taken or stopped before procedure
• Wear a loose fitting, comfortable clothes
• Ask friend or relative to accompany and for the help after procedure

Post-operative care:  

• Patient may experience discomfort for 1-2 days, with swelling and pain.
• One may have strange feeling regarding the crown which will soon disappear within 2-3 days of the procedure.
• It is important to maintain good oral hygiene to have a long lifespan of crowns.

Do’s, Don’ts and Precautions:

• Do regularly teeth brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, especially around the crown area. Intradental cleaning devises like proxa brush etc. can be used.
• Avoid biting fingernail and using teeth to open packaging which can cause loosening of the cap or damage in  terms of chipping of the cap or loss of lustre or finishing
• Avoid clenching and grinding of teeth.