DENTAL CROWNS

DENTAL CROWN

A dental crown refers to a dental cap that completely covers the tooth.

WHEN DO I NEED A CROWN?

A dental crown is needed to protect the tooth when it is weak. Typically, a crown is needed when the tooth has a large cavity and a filling may not hold on to the tooth. The dentist will almost always suggest a crown after root canal treatment. This is because the tooth becomes brittle after root canal treatment in the long run and the crown will help protect the tooth. Other reasons for placing dental crowns are to bridge the gaps between teeth and also for cosmetic reasons.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CROWNS?

Crowns are different types, metal, composite, ceramic or zirconia to name a few. The dentist will be able to suggest the best crowns suited for your individual needs based on strength and cosmetic requirements. The strongest is a metal and the most cosmetic is zirconia.

HOW ARE CROWNS FIXED TO TEETH?

Crowns are fixed to teeth using dental cement.

HOW LONG DO CROWNS LAST?

Crowns last a long time. It depends on how an individual maintains his oral hygiene and takes care of his teeth. With regular tooth brushing, occasional flossing and judicious eating habits, you can expect a dental crown to last 5 to 10 years at the least if not more.

DO I NEED TO REPLACE CROWNS?

Crowns inside the mouth are working 24/7, 365 days a year helping in chewing and protecting teeth. Just like any other product in the market, crowns also have their own shelf life. Some wear and tear of crowns over time are unavoidable. Badly worn-out crowns with sharp margins need to be replaced for health and safety reasons, more importantly for cosmetic reasons too.

WHY DOES MY CROWN DISLODGE?

Crowns are fixed to teeth with the help of dental cement. Saliva is present inside the mouth 24/7, 365 days. There is no cement in the world does not dissolve in water (saliva) over time. So as the cement dissolves, the crowns can get dislodged from teeth.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I ACCIDENTALLY SWALLOW A DENTAL CROWN?

Occasionally dental crowns can dislodge and some people have swallowed them in the past too. There is no reason to worry as most of these crowns pass through the stomach and intestines and finally gets expelled out. Very rarely it goes into the lungs. Passage into lungs can be distinguished by persistent cough and feeling of foreign body in the throat at the time of the incident. A simple chest or abdominal x-ray can rule out if the crowns have come out of the body or not. It is advisable to contact your dentist or doctor after such an incident.