Dental Crowns and Bridges
Our dental professionals at North Aurora Smiles may recommend to patients in North Aurora, IL, who are faced with tooth replacement or protection to consider the benefits of dental crowns and bridges. Dental bridges and crowns are common dental restorations used by our team to restore the smile when tooth loss or tooth damage has occurred. Read on to learn more about the benefits of these dental repairs available at our facility.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown, or “tooth cap,” is a restoration made of porcelain to restore a patient’s tooth. A tooth that might benefit from a dental crown often has:
- Extensive damage to the natural tooth enamel
- Large fillings due to significant tooth decay
- Recently undergone root canal therapy
- Replaced a missing tooth with a dental implant
Dental crowns are made to cover the entire visible portion of the tooth. To place a dental crown, patients will visit their dentist to have a custom tooth preparation taking into consideration old fillings, decay, and cracks. At this time, a digital scan or impression is completed and sent to a dental laboratory where a ceramist will create the dental crown based on the dentist’s specifications. The final restoration is bonded over the natural tooth and can last many years with proper maintenance.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is different from a dental crown. The bridge is used to replace one or more teeth lost within a specific area. This restoration is made of porcelain and includes false teeth fused to dental crowns on each side. The crowns are used to bond over the adjacent teeth to support the false tooth or teeth and restore the smile’s function and beauty. The dental bridge is not removable and can last a decade or longer.
Do you need teeth replacement?
Whether you are considering a dental bridge or “tooth caps,” we welcome you to schedule an appointment to discuss your options with Drs. Hammad Aziz and Stephanie Janes at North Aurora Smiles. Connect with our team by calling (630) 984-2223 and visiting us at 601 Randall Crossing Lane. North Aurora, IL area patients, and individuals in surrounding cities, including Cortland, Big Rock, and Batavia, are invited to learn about teeth replacement options available at our state-of-the-art dental facility.
Crowns Before and After Results
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental crowns are custom-made caps placed over weakened, decayed, or damaged teeth to restore their shape, size, appearance, and strength. Dental crowns fully encapsulate the visible area of a tooth above the gumline and can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these. Crowns are used when a filling isn’t sufficient to restore a tooth’s function or when a tooth is at risk of breaking. They are commonly recommended after root canal treatment, large fillings, or for cosmetic improvements to a tooth’s appearance.
The best type of crown depends on the tooth’s location, your bite, and aesthetic preferences. Porcelain or ceramic crowns are popular for front teeth due to their natural appearance and color-matching ability. Zirconia crowns are often recommended for back teeth where strength is essential. All modern-day crown materials offer a strong, durable, aesthetic option for both front and back teeth. Your dentist will assess your needs and recommend the most suitable option.
Dental crowns typically last between 10 to 15 years, but if you maintain a good oral hygiene regimen and receive dental check-ups regularly, they can last even longer. The lifespan of a crown depends on factors like oral hygiene regimen, diet, your oral habits (such as grinding or clenching teeth), and the quality of the dental work. Proper care, including brushing, flossing, and avoiding excessive force on the crowned tooth, can help extend its longevity. If a crown becomes loose, damaged, or falls out, it should be promptly evaluated by your dentist.
A crown does not necessarily require a root canal. Crowns are often placed to protect and restore teeth that are damaged or weakened, but the tooth must still have a healthy nerve. If the tooth’s nerve is infected or severely decayed, a root canal may be needed to remove the infected tissue before placing the crown. However, many crowns are placed on teeth that have not undergone root canal therapy. Your dentist will determine if a root canal is necessary based on the condition of your tooth.
Decay under a crown can occur if there is a gap between the crown and the tooth, allowing bacteria to enter and cause decay. This is usually due to poor oral hygiene but can also be a result from a poorly fitting crown. While it’s not extremely common, it is a risk that underscores the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. If decay is detected under a crown, your dentist may need to remove the crown to treat the decay underneath and then replace it with a new crown.
Getting a crown is generally not painful. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding area, ensuring you feel little to no discomfort. You may experience mild sensitivity or soreness after the anesthesia wears off, especially if the tooth was severely damaged or if significant reshaping was required. Over-the-counter pain relievers usually manage any discomfort. If pain persists or worsens after the procedure, it’s important to contact your dentist, as it could indicate an issue that needs to be addressed.
The best option for restoring a damaged tooth depends on the extent of the damage. In some cases, a large filling, inlay, or onlay may be sufficient to restore the tooth without needing a full crown. Veneers are another alternative for minor cosmetic issues on front teeth. However, crowns are often the best option for teeth that are severely weakened or require significant structural support. Your dentist can help you determine the most appropriate treatment based on your specific needs and the condition of your tooth.
Crowns are designed to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth, so they should not make your teeth look noticeably bigger. A well-made crown should blend seamlessly with your other teeth, providing a natural appearance. However, if a crown is too large or improperly shaped, it could create the appearance of a bigger tooth. Your dentist will take precise measurements and ensure the crown is properly fitted to avoid any unnatural appearance. If you’re concerned about the size of your crown, discuss it with your dentist.
Most dental crown procedures are performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the tooth being treated. This ensures that you are awake but do not feel pain during the procedure. Sedation options, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedatives, can also be used to help you relax if you have anxiety about the procedure. General anesthesia, where you are put to sleep, is rarely used for dental crowns unless multiple crowns or extensive dental work is being done simultaneously.
The terms “tooth cap” and “crown” are often used interchangeably in dentistry. Both refer to the same dental restoration—a custom-made cover that is placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. The term “cap” is more commonly used by patients, while “crown” is the technical term used by dental professionals. Regardless of the term used, the purpose and function are the same: to protect and restore the tooth.
