DENTAL CROWNS

TYPES

There are different types of dental crowns based on the material used in making them, and these include the following: 

• Crowns made up of a mixture of copper and chromium

 PROS:  These are of preference when the patient wants a durable and long-lasting crown. It is used for restoring the molars. 

CONS:   Color and the metallic taste that it imparts.

• Crowns made up of porcelain 

PROS: the most popular choice as of the present because it closely resembles the existing teeth. This also does not influence taste perception since there is no metal present.

CONS: These crowns will last long only if they are well-taken care. These are not for persons experiencing teeth grinding. 

• Crowns made up of both porcelain and metal

PROS: They are durable and last for up to 50 years. They are also aesthetically compatible since the metal part is not visible and is only attached to the damaged tooth per se. 

CONS: Due to the prolonged contact of the metal on to the gums, they can cause discoloration in the area. This type of crown wears off comfortably among individuals who clench their jaws often.

• Crowns made up of zirconia

PROS: Zirconia crowns are found to resist chipping and breaking into pieces. They can be easily molded into the desired shape and size. 

CONS: Due to its strength, the teeth opposite this type of crown wears down quickly. Once the zirconia has been shaped into its desired cut, it is already impossible to adjust and reshape.

SYMPTOMS

Dental crowns serve as a remedy for caries present in the teeth. However, some crowns can present with either of the following: 

• A dull ache that does not go away after the procedure- Usually occurs if the dental crown has hit a nerve along its path
• Heightened sensation to both hot and cold beverages
• Swelling on the skin on the area of the crown- this signifies the presence of a pus formation and is brought about by loose-fitting crowns.

DIAGNOSIS 

Dental crowns do not usually encounter problems if they are well-taken care. The dentist can quickly spot problems involving the crown by doing a thorough dental examination and taking into consideration the color, structure, and fit of the crown itself. Review of the surrounding tissues, the mucosa of the inner portion of the cheek opposite to that of the fixed crown can aid the clinician of the possible problem. 

Imaging procedures such as dental x-ray can provide a clue as to the extent of the damage sustained by the dental crown.

TREATMENT

• Crowns made up of pure porcelain or porcelain with metal crowns can sometimes chip off because of biting on to hard candy or food- This can be treated by using a composite resin
• Try to avoid sticky foods such as gum and sticky rice since this has a high tendency of pulling the dental crown away from the gums