How dental crowns improve your dental health

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a special type of repair that is placed over the tooth to restore it to its original size, shape, function and appearance. Think of it like a custom-made cap or helmet designed specifically for your tooth.

A dental crown is an exact copy of the original tooth in size, shape, and color. This type of prosthesis protects a damaged or broken tooth. It fully encases the visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line, becoming the tooth's new outer surface.

They also respect the spaces in the mouth, preventing the rest of the teeth from shifting, effectively restoring the aesthetics and functionality of any smile. Maintaining proper spacing is crucial for a healthy bite and preventing future alignment issues.

The decision to get a dental crown is significant, and it's a common procedure recommended by your dentist to address various dental problems effectively. It's considered a cornerstone of restorative dentistry.

When is a dental crown necessary?

A thorough examination by your dentist, potentially including X-rays, will determine if a dental crown is the best solution for your specific situation. In particular, the following will be required:

To cover a dental implant. After an implant post has integrated with the jawbone, a dental crown is attached to the abutment, serving as the visible, functional tooth replacement. This creates a natural-looking and strong final restoration.
To cover deformed or devitalized teeth. Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment (devitalized) often become brittle and prone to fracture. A dental crown provides essential protection. Similarly, significantly misshapen or discoloured teeth that cannot be corrected by other means can be aesthetically improved with a crown.
To repair a very worn tooth or a broken tooth. Extensive wear from grinding (bruxism) or chipping/fracturing due to trauma or large fillings weakens the tooth structure. A dental crown holds the tooth together and restores its form and function.
To protect a weak tooth and prevent it from breaking. This often applies to teeth with very large fillings, where little natural tooth structure remains. The crown acts as a reinforcement, distributing chewing forces evenly and reducing the risk of catastrophic fracture.
For aesthetic reasons. Beyond structural needs, crowns can dramatically improve a smile by correcting issues like severe staining, irregular shapes, or gaps, providing a uniform and pleasing appearance. Your dentist can discuss how a dental crown can meet your cosmetic goals.
To support a dental bridge. Crowns are often placed on the natural teeth adjacent to a missing tooth (or teeth) to serve as anchors (abutments) for a dental bridge, securely holding the replacement tooth (pontic) in place.

What material are dental crowns made of?

Choosing the right material for your dental crown is an important decision made in consultation with your dentist. Factors like the tooth's location, the forces it endures, aesthetic considerations, and cost all play a role. Here in Orihuela Costa, experienced dentists offer various high-quality options:

Metal-porcelain crowns: The inner part is made of metal and the outer part is made of porcelain, giving resistance and strength to the tooth. Often called PFM (Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal), these offer a good balance of strength and aesthetics. The metal provides durability, while the porcelain offers a tooth-like appearance. A potential drawback is that the metal margin might become visible at the gumline over time, and the porcelain layer can sometimes chip.
Zirconium crowns: They are very resistant and have excellent aesthetics; they are lighter. Made from zirconium dioxide, a type of ceramic, these crowns are exceptionally strong and fracture-resistant, making them suitable even for molars. They offer good biocompatibility and improved aesthetics compared to PFM, though some types can be more opaque than natural teeth. Advancements are leading to increasingly translucent options.
Emax ceramic crowns: Provide resistance, strength and aesthetics. Technically known as lithium disilicate ceramic, Emax crowns are renowned for their superior translucency and lifelike appearance, making them an excellent choice for front teeth where aesthetics are paramount. They bond well to the tooth structure but may not be as strong as Zirconia for back teeth under heavy biting forces. Your dentist in Orihuela Costa can advise if this is suitable for you.
Resin crowns (temporary): This is a fairly soft material. They protect the carved teeth until the crown is finished. These are intended strictly for short-term use while the permanent dental crown is being fabricated by the dental laboratory. They are less durable and more prone to staining and wear than permanent materials.
Gold/Metal Alloy Crowns: While less common now due to aesthetics, crowns made from gold or other metal alloys are extremely durable, highly resistant to fracture and wear, and are very gentle on opposing teeth. They are often used for back molars where chewing forces are high and appearance is less critical.

How is a dental crown applied?

The process typically involves two visits to your dentist.

First Visit:

To place the crown, it is first necessary to file the tooth, that is, reduce its size so that the crown fits well; this is what we call carving the tooth. Your dentist will administer local anaesthesia to ensure your comfort during this preparation stage. The amount of tooth structure removed depends on the type of dental crown material chosen.

In cases of high sensitivity, it is necessary to perform a root canal (nerve treatment) before carving the tooth to avoid hypersensitivity problems. Your dentist will assess the health of the tooth's pulp (nerve) before starting. If the pulp is compromised or at risk due to decay or trauma, a root canal will be performed first.

Once the tooth is carved, we proceed with taking an impression to make our crown and with the color determination. Impressions capture the exact shape of the prepared tooth and the surrounding/opposing teeth. This can be done using traditional putty-like materials or modern digital scanning technology, which creates a 3D model on a computer. Accurate impressions are vital for a well-fitting dental crown. Colour matching involves selecting a shade that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.

The period of time that elapses between taking the impression and applying the crown, the tooth must be protected with the temporary crown. The temporary crown protects the exposed dentin, prevents sensitivity, stops the prepared tooth and adjacent teeth from shifting, and maintains basic function and appearance. Your dentist will provide instructions on how to care for the temporary crown.

Between Visits:

The impressions (physical or digital) are sent to a dental laboratory where skilled technicians fabricate your custom dental crown according to the dentist's specifications. This usually takes one to two weeks.

Second Visit:

Once our final crown arrives, the dentist will adapt it to our tooth with a specific cement for these. Your dentist will first remove the temporary crown and clean the prepared tooth. The permanent dental crown is then carefully placed, and its fit, bite (how it contacts opposing teeth), and colour are meticulously checked. Adjustments are made if necessary. Once both you and your dentist are satisfied, the crown is permanently cemented into place using a strong dental adhesive.

How long does a dental crown last?

The lifespan of a dental crown depends on many factors. The more care we take, the longer it will last, of course. Good oral hygiene and regular checkups with the dentist are the keys to success.

On average, a well-cared-for dental crown can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, or even longer. Key factors influencing longevity include:

Oral Hygiene: Consistent brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and daily flossing (paying special attention to the gumline around the crown) are essential to prevent decay or gum disease around the crown margins.
Material Used: Some materials like gold or Zirconia are inherently more durable than others.
Biting Habits: Avoiding chewing ice, hard candies, or using teeth as tools can prevent fractures or damage. If you grind or clench your teeth (bruxism), your dentist may recommend a nightguard to protect your crown and natural teeth.
Regular Dental Check-ups: Visiting your dentist in Orihuela Costa typically every six months allows for professional cleaning and examination of the dental crown and surrounding tissues, catching potential issues early.
The Skill of the Dentist: Proper preparation, impression, and cementation techniques significantly impact the crown's fit and longevity.

Finding the Right Dentist in Orihuela Costa for Your Dental Crown

Choosing a skilled and experienced dentist is crucial for a successful dental crown procedure. When looking for a dentist in the Orihuela Costa area, consider factors like their experience specifically with crown placements, the technology they use (e.g., digital scanners), patient reviews, and whether they offer a thorough consultation to discuss your needs and options clearly. A good dentist will ensure your crown not only functions well but looks natural and lasts for years to come.