What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a cap or covering that is used to protect and strengthen a tooth as well as restore it to its original size and shape. Crowns are used on teeth that cannot be fixed with fillings or any other type of tooth restoration. There are different types of crowns, but the most popular is porcelain because it most closely resembles natural teeth. Other types can be gold, ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, or all porcelain.

When do you need a dental crowns?

When would Summit Dental Care Elign Recommend a Dental Crown?

• To fix a broken or fractured tooth
• Aesthetic enhancement of tooth shape/size/color
• Tooth decay
• Large or fractured fillings
• Root Canal
• Dental implant

What are the different types of dental crowns available?

The type of dental crowns depends on the type of material from which it is fabricated.  Crowns can be made from stainless steel, metals such as gold, porcelain fused to metal, all ceramic and all porcelain. Our experienced dental team at Summit Dental in Elgin area provides the latest ProCeram and Captek porcelain fused to metal dental crowns.

What Types of Dental Crowns does Summit Dental Care Elign Offer?

The experienced team at Summit Dental Care Elign offers many types of dental crowns, from metal to porcelain, including: ProCeram and Captek dental crowns (porcelain fused to metal), Bruxzir dental crowns (solid zirconia), 3MESPE Lava dental crowns (all ceramic), and IPS (emax monolithic lithium disilicate ceramic).

What is the Procedure for Dental Crowns at Summit Dental Care Elgin?

Summit Dental Care Elign uses multiple appointments in its process for the installment of a dental crown.  After the initial consultation, the gum is numbed and the tooth is prepared for the dental crown through a reduction of its dimensions to allow for the dental crown to fit, as well as any reshaping or removing of decay that may be necessary. After this, an impression of the tooth is made and sent to the laboratory for the fabrication of the dental crown.  It is during this impression appointment that the tooth shade is chosen. A temporary dental crown is placed on the tooth using a temporary cement, lasting approximately 2-3 weeks ,while the dental crown is being fabricated.  At the final appointment, the temporary dental crown is removed, the tooth is cleaned, and the permanent dental crown is cemented onto the tooth using a permanent cement.

How Should I Care for the Temporary Crown/Bridge?

The temporary dental crown or dental bridge should be cared for carefully. The temporary cement is not as strong as the permanent cement, and can easily dislodge. Be careful when brushing your teeth and flossing. Brush gently, and do not pull on the tooth while flossing. Also take care when eating: avoid sticky or chewy foods.

How Long Do Summit Dental Care Elign Dental Crowns/Dental Bridges Last?

They can last for 10-15 years on average, depending on the normal wear.

How Do I Treat the Dental Crown/Dental Bridge After?

Treat the crown/bridge like normal, with regular brushing and flossing. It may feel uncomfortable or awkward for the first few days, but that is normal. However, if you feel that your bite is abnormal, contact Summit Dental Care Elign and make an appointment to get it checked.