There is an old joke about a woman going for a dental check-up. After a quick look in her mouth, she is told that she needs a crown to which she responds ‘I know, right?’
Similar to a large filling, crowns are one of the restorative dental procedures offered in general practice, designed to rebuild a tooth that has been damaged. They can be used to replace a filling that has come loose and has allowed decay to further break down the tooth, or they can be put straight onto a tooth that has been heavily damaged following facial trauma.
Yet, oddly, as common as they are in dental surgeries, many people don’t know what they are.
At Melbourne East Prosthodontics, we know how important it is to have restorative treatments that not only function well but look aesthetically pleasing too! And so, should you ever need to visit our general dentist in Kew Melbourne to have a crown fitted, we will endeavour to make sure it is as concealed and natural-looking as possible.
But, back to the basics of this procedure; do you want to brush up on your knowledge of crowns? Read on for the answers to common questions that our general dentist in Kew Melbourne is asked about them.
Why would I need a crown?
As we mentioned before, our general dentist in Kew Melbourne may offer a crown to you if your tooth is badly decayed or requires rebuilding following an accident. Also, you may need one if you have had a root canal performed on one of your teeth, we may decide to fit a crown over the top to better protect the endodontic work.
Does having one fitted hurt?
No, it doesn’t.
If you have ever had a filling fitted, you will be all too familiar with the numbing injections and drilling and for a crown, there is just a bit more drilling.
Depending on how much of the tooth needs to be restored, our team will need to prepare the tooth which can be a bit time-consuming. But, if in the chair you notice discomfort, raise your hand and we will stop.
Do you make the crown?
Making a crown is a bit more complex than a filling, due to the size of it. We will usually send off your specs to our partner laboratory to have the crown made. Once it is back, we will fit it. Simple!
Will it be noticeable?
No, it won’t be.
In the past, many crowns were made from amalgam, which is far from discrete. Today, we usually make crowns from a mix of metal, for strength, and either porcelain or composite for cosmetic appeal.
How long will my crown last?
Provided that you adhere to good oral hygiene and pop in to see our team every 6 months, your crown should last up to and over 15 years. Obviously, if you have any concerns that it is falling out prematurely, make an emergency appointment to see our team.
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.