All You Need To Know About Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are a crossover that finds use in both restorative and cosmetic dentistry. More than a bulwark, they make your teeth appear full and intact, restoring their natural functions to a good extent.

If 50% or more of your tooth is damaged or decayed, it will need support to perform its functions. A dental crown can provide strength and a cover for your tooth.

When are dental crowns recommended? 

Dentists recommend dental crowns for a variety of reasons, like:

• For restoring tooth functions: A broken tooth or a tooth with a cavity is next to useless. However, a dental crown can make it functional again.
• For preventing further damage: Cavities can eat away your whole tooth in a matter of time. A crown in place can stop the cavity attack and prevent the leftover tooth from further damage.
• At the time of dental implants: Without a crown a dental implant is incomplete. Know more about dental implants in Dubai, here.
• For cosmetic improvements: An imperfect frontal tooth can rob off your self-confidence. Crowns (usually, porcelain!) can cover up your dental flaws be it discoloration, decay, or broken tooth. Know more about cosmetic dentistry services in Dubai.
• After a complex root canal treatment: If your dentist finds that your tooth is too weak to perform dental functions after a root canal, a crown is placed to strengthen it. Know more about our root canal treatment.

What are crowns made of?

From flashy gold to unassuming porcelain, you can get dental crowns in a wide choice of materials. However, while deciding one for yourself, always go with what your dentist suggests. To check out the list of materials you can have crowns in, click here.

How long do they last?

Crowns can last up to 7-10 years, and sometimes more, depending on the material you choose and how you care for them. There are patients who have been using the same crown for 20 years and more. You can ensure your crown’s longevity by bringing some changes to your habits like:

• Making dental hygiene a priority
• Avoiding clenching of teeth
• Avoiding hard and sticky foodstuff
• Stopping the use of teeth as a bottle/can opener

How are dental crowns installed?

Dental crown procedures require a minimum of two-three visits, depending on the clinic and the Prosthodontist’s availability.

1st visit – preliminary consultation: If you are a new patient, a preliminary consultation is conducted before the procedure in some dental clinics. This is to know you better and to schedule your treatment. Evaluation of your tooth with the help of digital X-rays, complete information on types of materials used in crown preparation, and any surgical procedures if required, specially gingivectomy or crown lengthening is informed during the consultation. If the dentist finds the tooth root is weak and is at risk of decay, he will suggest a root canal treatment in Dubai before going about the crowning process.

Second visit: During second visit, with anesthetic support the dentist will resize your tooth to accommodate the crown. At this point, the impressions of your tooth are taken manually and using a digital scanner. These will be sent to the dental lab for manufacturing the crown in your chosen material. Meanwhile, your tooth will be covered with a temporary crown until the next visit.

Third visit: This is usually scheduled after 2-3 weeks when you will be called to the clinic. The procedure is performed, if both the dentist and patient are happy with the fit, colour and size of the crown.

Different types of dental crowns 

Earlier crowns came in standard full-tooth size but now there are on lays, overlays, table tops, and 3/4s available.

Things to know

Remember, a crown in place doesn’t ensure complete protection. Proper oral hygiene is very important when you use a dental crown. Since it rests on the gum, the existing tooth structure is at risk of decay if proper brushing and flossing are not done.

The process can sometimes leave you with a slight discomfort as the anesthesia subsides. Which is likely! Sometimes, there may be sensitivity issues as well. Bring it to your dentist’s attention, if it persists.

Crowns usually come with a set of conditions that are to be followed to make sure they stay intact. Repair it as soon as you notice any of those issues to prevent further damage. Your dentist can re-cement it or use composite resin or even replace it with a new one if needed.

How much does a dental crown cost?

The cost of dental crowns in Dubai may not be the same as in the rest of the UAE. There is not a fixed price for dental crowns. Their cost is often calculated based on the type of material and the complexity of the issue. However, if you have dental insurance in Dubai, sometimes a part of the cost will be covered. Talk to your insurance company about your policy details.