How Does a Dental Crown Work?
A Dentist Robina crown is a cap that fits over the top of an existing tooth to restore its size, shape, appearance, function, and strength. It is often used to cover and replace a tooth that has been damaged or decayed, or to support a dental implant. They can also be used to improve the look of discolored or misshaped teeth and fill gaps between your teeth.
Depending on your particular situation, a dental crown may be made out of stainless steel, resin, porcelain or gold. They all are designed to give you a natural-looking, comfortable fit and protect your tooth from damage and breakage.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, or PFM crowns, are made up of a metal core and then covered with ceramic, which gives them their tooth-like colour and shape. These are the strongest, most durable and longest-lasting crowns that are available.
The procedure to receive a crown involves numbing the tooth that needs it, and then re-shaping it so it has room for the crown to fit on top. This is usually done by filing down the chewing surface and sides of the tooth with a file. It is essential that the tooth has enough remaining natural structure to extend into the centre of the crown, as removing too much can weaken the crown or even cause it to break.
All-metal crowns are the thinnest type and only require a minimal amount of natural tooth structure to be filed away, while porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns need more filing because they are thicker.
If the crown doesn’t fit right or hasn’t been properly cemented in place, the dentist can remove it and fit a new one. The new crown will need to be shaped and fitted so that it fits over the original tooth, and a filling material may be needed if there isn’t sufficient natural structure to be placed in the tooth.
Tooth sensitivity or discomfort are normal after the crown is placed, but they will eventually subside. They can also be caused by an allergy to a certain element in the crown, so you should tell your dentist if you have any problems.
It’s important that you attend your regular check-ups and cleanings to ensure the crown stays in good condition and doesn’t need replacing. You can help this happen by following the instructions your dentist gives you for keeping your tooth healthy, including brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly.
In addition, you can use mouthwash and other rinses to keep your gums healthy. This will help you to stay free from infection and inflammation as well.
When it comes to care, you should still treat your crown like a regular tooth with regard to brushing, flossing and eating. However, you should avoid causing additional stress to the natural tooth by biting or chewing on hard objects or food that can damage it.
It’s also a good idea to avoid chewing on your nails or ice, which can further damage the crown and make it less effective over time. You should also be aware that a dental crown can fall off, and it’s best to contact your dentist to make an appointment immediately.