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Endodontists, oral surgeons, and general dentists use dental crowns (sometimes called caps) in many restorative treatments. A crown adds strength to a tooth that has a large filling or has been injured, a crown can correct bite misalignments, and a crown is usually necessary after a root canal. In a dental implant procedure, attaching the crown to the abutment is the final step.
Crowns are also used extensively for purely cosmetic problems: yellow teeth, stained teeth, too-small teeth, and teeth that are misshapen.
Dental crowns are fabricated from a variety of materials that vary in appearance and strength:
1. All ceramic (porcelain-based)
2. Porcelain fused to metal
3. Gold alloys
4. Base metal alloys
Your dentist can help you determine which type is right for you. Factors to consider are: the location of the crown in the mouth, your budget, and any allergies to metal.
When many dentists provide a crown restoration, they use a process that requires two office visits. On the first visit, the dentist will prepare the tooth and take an impression for the dental lab. Then, the dentist will make a temporary crown for the patient to use until the permanent crown is ready. Some dentists have special technology that allows them to fabricate and place crowns in one visit.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last? Dental crowns can last for many years, but are not designed to last indefinitely. Even with proper care, dental patients should not expect crowns to be trouble-free for decades. There is encouraging evidence, however, that points to a high success rate: a 2009 study found that more than 90% of dental crowns will not require treatment within five years of placement. The study also found that 50% to 80% last from 15 to 20 years.1
At Harris Dental in Phoenix, we provide quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry. In addition to dental crowns, we offer dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and Invisalign clear braces
1Bader JD1, Shugars DA., “Summary review of the survival of single crowns,” PubMed.gov, 2009, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19146146, accessed June 16, 2014
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