Altona Dentist – Porcelain Dental Crowns

Porcelain Dental Crown explained by Altona Bay Dental Clinic dentists in Altona: Porcelain dental crown is commonly known as Caps. Dental crowns are an artificial prosthesis that covers the entire tooth which may have been heavily filled and requires protection from fracturing. The dental crown helps in function, aesthetics and looks like a real tooth in shape and size. The dental crowns usually cements onto the tooth. dental crowns can either be made chair side at the appointment or sent off to a dental laboratory in Melbourne with an impression to make the dental crown.

There are different types of dental crowns which are made out of different materials. They can be made out of gold, porcelain, zirconia, empress, porcelain fused to metal; procera and many more new materials are coming out regularly. The most common dental crown used is the porcelain fused to metal which are made to resemble the shape and size of the natural teeth.

How long dental crowns done by Altona Dentist last ?

Average lifespan of a dental crown is around 8-10 years. It can actually last a lot longer usually the lifespan of the patient, if there is proper oral hygiene, regular dental checkups and a diet low in sugar.

If dental crowns are made properly, the failure rate is minimal. But for example, if the patient starts grinding their teeth the porcelain may chip off.

Why do you need a Dental Crown at Altona Dentist?

• Dental Crowns are commonly used to protect a root canal tooth, as they decrease the chances of the brittle tooth from fracturing and may help seal the tooth from bacteria entering into the tooth.
• Teeth that have large fillings and cannot bear the biting forces and may further break down. A dental crown will help in protecting the tooth.
• If front teeth are discolored and bleaching or veneers cannot be performed, then dental crown can be made with a specific colour and shape to improve the aesthetics.
• When large teeth are decayed and require extra protection. 

Main disadvantages of the Dental Crown done at Altona Dentist.

• Tooth structure grinded away to fit the dental crown over the tooth. But usually, a tooth which requires a crown is already badly broken down.
• If the tooth gets infected and a root canal is necessary, then the dental crown needs to be removed or an access hole will need to be drilled through the crown and the nerves have to be accessed. This is a difficulty task, may need to be performed by an endodontist or the crown cut off and a new dental crown made.

Before deciding on making a dental crown on the tooth, x-rays are needed of the area to make sure that there is no infection, enough bone support and the gums are in a healthy state. At this appointment with the dentist in Altona moulds will be taken, so that a temporary dental crown can be made.

To make a dental crown, two further dental appointments are required.

First appointment with the dentist in Altona
At this appointment with the dentist, local anaesthetic (Numbing Needle) is given to the area. Photos are taken of the teeth and sent to the local dental lab, to colour match the permanent crown. If the colour cannot be determined, then the patient is required to attend the lab and the dental technician will select the colour with the aid of photos and a shade matching instrument. The teeth are then cut down to the required amount. A mould is taken by the dentist using a rubber base material and sent off to a local dental laboratory in Melbourne. The dentist then fabricates a temporary crown and this is cemented on with temporary cement. The temporary crown is usually on for 5 to 8 working days, before the final appointment.

Some patients may experience sensitivity while having a temporary crown on.

Second appointment with the dentist in Altona

At this appointment with the dentist, if required local anesthetic may be used. The temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is tried on.

The patient is asked if the colour is suitable, the bite and fit is checked. The crown is cemented on with permanent cement.

It is essentially that the patient cares for the new crowns, by brushing and flossing daily and having regular checkups with the dentist.

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