Everything About Dental Crowns: Types, Aftercare, & Recovery

Our smiles are the first thing others notice about us, and they can boost or deflate our self-esteem. When it comes to restoring a broken or damaged tooth, there can be a lot of confusion about the various treatments that a dentist can use.

We’ll look at dental crowns and the types to help you determine why they might be the appropriate answer for your needs in the sections below. These aren’t brand-new technologies; they’ve been tried and tested throughout time.

From dental crown details to consultation, FRESHDental is here to help you with your dental problems!

But first, you need to understand what Dental Crowns are.

What are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are custom-made caps placed over one of your natural teeth that have been cracked, decaying, or damaged. Dental crowns have been around since the late 1880s, but they have evolved to become stronger and longer-lasting, as well as more natural-looking and adaptable.

Metal dental crowns or more natural-looking and all-porcelain crowns may be an option depending on the location of your broken tooth. Your dentist at FRESHDental can help you make the best decision.

There are 5 types of dental crowns which means you have 5 options to choose from, based on your need.

Types of Dental Crowns

1. Metal & Gold

Metal crowns come in a variety of shapes and colors. They form a strong bond, are resistant to fractures, and do not wear away teeth. Gold, copper, and other metals are commonly used in these crowns. Non-noble metals, which are exceptionally strong and corrosion-resistant, are used in several metal crowns.

To fix the Crowns, it is necessary to remove the tooth structure before they can be placed. Crowns made of metal require the least amount of tooth removal, making them a more convenient option.

2. Cosmetic (Ceramic)

Porcelain is used to make ceramic dental crowns. Porcelain is used in dentistry to make tooth-colored dental materials, such as aesthetic crowns that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Cosmetic dental crowns are used to restore the front teeth and mix them in with the rest of your smile. They’re tough, long-lasting, and don’t chip or break easily.

“Zirconia,” which is a metal, is the most frequent alternative to all-ceramic crowns.

3. Stainless Steel (SSCs)

Only primary (baby) teeth are restored with stainless steel crowns. SSCs are used after pulpotomy or when traditional cavity fillings, such as dental amalgam fillings, are at risk of failing.

4. Porcelain-fused-to-Metal

The most popular restorative material for dental crowns and bridges is a porcelain-metal composite. When porcelain and metal are heated together, the porcelain chemically bonds to the metal’s oxides, forming a long-lasting connection.

Because a metal structure supports them, porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns are more durable than regular porcelain crowns. They also match your original teeth’ shape, appearance, and function.

5. All-resin

Metal, ceramic, gold, and porcelain dental crowns are more costly than all-resin restorations. On the other hand, resin crowns are rarely recommended by dentists since they are more prone to fractures, wear, and strain and do not last as long as metal dental crowns. Other dental restorations, including metal and porcelain, are thicker and more delicate than resin. Resin restorations are reserved for decaying baby teeth, not permanent teeth.

While the operation is easy, dental patients must follow adequate aftercare instructions to guarantee a quick and complete recovery. 

So, if you had a temporary dental crown fixture or a permanent one, aftercare for both is different.

Aftercare

Temporary Dental crowns

Temporary crowns are more delicate than permanent crowns, and more caution is required to ensure that the restoration sets appropriately and does not fracture or fall out. To allow the cement to dry, patients should wait at least 30 minutes after the temporary cap is placed before eating or drinking. Avoid chewing gum or any chewy, sticky, or hard foods since they can cause dental crowns to dislocate. Patients should chew as much as possible on the other side of their mouth from where the crown is inserted. Brushing your teeth carefully is encouraged, and flossing directly around the temporary cap is not advised.

The temporary dental crown is usually worn for a few weeks until the permanent crown is ready to be implanted. A well-cared-for interim cap should survive until the permanent one is ready to be installed. Patients should contact the dentist’s office as soon as possible if the temporary breaks or falls out. While you wait for the permanent cap to arrive, the dentist may wish to replace it.

Permanent Dental Crowns

During the first 24 hours after a permanent dental crown is installed, avoid eating hard or sticky foods or chewing gum to allow the cement to set. Brushing is permitted. However, patients should floss more softly throughout the healing time. Because the tooth and gums may be uncomfortable for a few days after the restoration, dentists frequently suggest that patients eat softer foods.

If your aftercare is sorted, you will experience an ideal recovery mode. And so, to avoid any delay in being fine, don’t ever skip the aftercare part.

Typically, your ideal recovery can look something like this:

Following the insertion of a dental crown, the recovery period is usually a few days. Patients may suffer mild inflammation, sensitivity, and discomfort following the procedure, which should resolve within a week or two. Warm salt water rinses a few times a day are recommended to minimize gum swelling. Over-the-counter drugs should be sufficient to address any discomfort and difficulties. Patients should return to the FRESHDental, your affordable dental crowns service if they are still experiencing discomfort, soreness, or difficulty biting after the recovery period to ensure the crown does not require any changes.