What You Need to Know About Dental Crowns

Are you seeking a Marysville dentist who can provide quick, natural-looking dental crowns? Whether you're dealing with a damaged tooth, persistent pain, or just unsure about your options, we're here to break down everything you need to know about dental crowns.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps placed over damaged, weakened, or cosmetically imperfect teeth to restore their shape, strength, and appearance. They are commonly used to protect a tooth after a root canal, cover a large filling, resolve a broken or worn-down tooth, or improve the look of discolored or misshapen teeth. Crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal, or resin. 

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns typically last between 5 and 15 years, but they can last up to 20 years with proper care. Their lifespan varies depending on a few factors, including the material, bite habits, oral hygiene, and placement.

Dental Crown Material Lifespan

• Porcelain & Ceramic: 10-15 years
• Metal (Gold, Alloy): 15+ years
• Zirconia: 10-20 years
  
  

At Marysville Family Dentistry, we primarily use zirconia and EMAX (all ceramic) crowns.

Oral Hygiene

Using hygiene habits like regular brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits can help extend the longevity of the crowns. Good oral hygiene reduces the likelihood of decay around the crowns, staining and discoloration, and the risk of gum disease. 

Bite Force & Habits

Crowns can wear down from the same actions that affect your natural teeth. These include grinding, clenching, or chewing hard foods. Consult your dentist for ways to reduce the impact these actions have on your teeth. Where the crown is placed can play a role, as crowns on your molars endure more pressure than those on your front teeth.

Dental Implants vs. Crowns

The difference between dental implants and crowns is that dental implants include a titanium post that replaces the root directly on the jaw, which is then completed with a crown once the implant integrates with the bone. On the other hand, a dental crown is a cap that covers a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its size, shape, and strength.

Dental implants are used as a total replacement or to support a bridge or denture as a permanent solution. Crowns are implemented to protect a damaged or weakened tooth (after a root canal or filling) or to cover a dental implant. The choice between the two options is based on whether or not the tooth needs a full restoration.

What Does the Dental Crown Process Include?

At our Marysville office, a crown procedure requires about two appointments. First, we will take impressions of the teeth to create your custom crown. The mold will also create a temporary crown meant to stay on your tooth for about two weeks. In that waiting period, a dental laboratory will develop your permanent crown.

For the temporary crown, our team will numb your tooth and remove any decay. This process also allows for the shaping of the surface of your tooth to be suitable for the crown. We will then examine your bite to ensure proper placement. At the next appointment, our team will clean the tooth and replace the temporary crown with the new crown. 

Next Steps