What Are Dental Crowns? Types, Benefits and the Procedure

Cracked a tooth on a hard lolly? Got a molar that’s more filling than tooth? Dental crowns are one of the more common ways we restore teeth that are damaged, weakened or heavily worn. Whether you’re a sugar-cane worker in Ingham, a FIFO worker flying in and out of Emerald, or a parent in Kirwan juggling school runs, a crown can help you keep a tooth you might otherwise lose.

Here’s a straightforward look at what crowns are and when they’re used.

What Is a Crown in Dentistry?

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over an existing tooth. It covers the visible part of the tooth above the gum line, restoring its shape, size and strength while also improving how it looks. Think of it as a protective shell that sits over a tooth that can no longer do its job on its own.

Crowns are used to strengthen a compromised tooth and to help it blend in with the teeth around it. Once cemented in place, a crown works like a natural tooth for eating and speaking.

When Are Dental Crowns Recommended?

Your dentist might suggest a crown in a range of situations. Common reasons include:

• Supporting a weak or damaged tooth — a tooth that’s cracked, worn down, broken or weakened by a large filling often needs the extra structure a crown provides.
• After a root canal — a tooth that’s had root canal treatment can become brittle, and a crown protects it from fracturing.
• Anchoring a bridge — crowns can be placed on the teeth either side of a gap to hold a dental bridge securely.
• Covering a discoloured tooth — a crown can be used to conceal a badly stained or misshapen tooth.
• Protecting a dental implant — a crown is fitted on top of an implant to replace a missing tooth.

Given how active life is up here in the tropics, from weekend sport around Townsville to physical work across the Central Highlands and Cassowary Coast, a cracked or heavily restored tooth is a common thing to walk in with. A crown is often the option that lets you hold onto your own tooth.

Types of Materials for Your Crown

Crowns can be made from several different materials, each with its own strengths. The right choice depends on which tooth is being restored, how much bite force it needs to handle and how visible it is when you smile.

• Metal crowns. Made from alloys such as gold, palladium, nickel or chromium, metal crowns are hard-wearing and stand up well to heavy chewing. They’re often used on back teeth, though their colour makes them less popular where they’d be seen.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM). These combine a metal base for strength with a porcelain outer layer that can be shaded to match your natural teeth, making them a versatile option for teeth that are on show.
• Pressed ceramic. These have a hard ceramic core with layers of ceramic on top, giving a natural-looking result that mimics the appearance of real tooth enamel.
• Resin crowns. The most affordable option, but also the most fragile. They’re frequently used as temporary crowns while a permanent one is being made.

Your dentist will talk through which material suits your tooth, your bite and your budget, and give you a written quote before anything goes ahead.

What Does the Procedure Involve?

Fitting a crown usually takes place over one or more visits. Your dentist starts by reshaping the tooth, removing a thin layer of enamel so the crown has room to fit snugly without gaps or bulk. An impression or digital scan is then taken so your crown can be made to fit precisely.

In many cases a temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while your permanent one is being made. At a follow-up visit, the permanent crown is checked for fit and colour, then cemented into place. Your dentist will make sure your bite feels comfortable before you leave.

In Summary

A dental crown is a cap that restores and protects a tooth that’s been cracked, decayed, worn or weakened, or that’s supporting a bridge or implant. With several materials to choose from, there’s usually an option to suit both the tooth involved and how much it shows when you smile.

If you have a tooth that’s sore, cracked or heavily filled, it’s worth having it checked before it worsens. Book a consultation at your nearest My Family Dental clinic in Townsville, Bowen, Emerald, Ingham or Innisfail, and we’ll talk you through whether a crown is the right fit for you. Get in touch here or call your closest clinic to arrange a time.

This article is general information only and is not a substitute for personalised advice from your dentist.