Dental Crowns

Find out why dental crowns are important and how Avero Dental makes the experience a positive one.

Dental Crowns to Protect Teeth

Dental crowns are a reliable way to protect teeth damaged by cavities, breakage, and infections. Modern dental crowns are better because they can be made out of materials that look like natural teeth. Avero Dental in Kitchener has skilled oral health care professionals to ensure your dental crown does all it is intended to do.

The Purpose of a Dental Crown

The purpose of a dental crown is to protect your tooth. It can be used for tooth restoration and cosmetic purposes, but the goal is to prevent further damage to a weakened tooth.

The crown covers the entire tooth, although there are variations of inlays and onlays. It seals the tooth off from external forces and allows it to function normally.

A dental crown prevents debris and bacteria from re-entering a heavily decayed tooth or a split tooth. It is used after a root canal because it covers the hole the endodontist drilled to remove the infection.

A wide range of materials can be used to craft dental crowns. Traditionally, dental crowns were made of metals like gold, but now people prefer more affordable, natural-looking materials like zirconia, resin, and acrylics. They can also be made from ceramics and porcelain fused to metal. Each material has its own price point, with gold being the most expensive. Every material has a different durability rating. Acrylics are considered the least durable and are used for temporary crowns, while gold is the most durable. Gold is sometimes preferred for the less-visible back molars, where most chewing occurs. The composite resin and zirconia have the most natural look and are affordable, making them popular choices. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine nice looks with durability.

Customized Crowns

All dental crowns are customized for each patient. This means three things for the patient.

Your dentist will place a temporary crown at your first appointment to wear until your permanent crown is fabricated. Crafting a dental crown usually takes around two weeks. Some temporary crowns fail before then. You will need to call your dentist if that happens. The permanent crown is sealed with cement so it is secure. Most will last at least 10 years with proper care. A crown that fails will need to be replaced to prevent further damage to the tooth.

Think You Need a Crown?

Tooth pain indicates something is happening within the tooth. The first step is to make an appointment for an evaluation. You can call us at Avero Dental or make an appointment online. We can also replace a failed crown installed elsewhere. Make an appointment for an exam today!

FAQ

Will dental crowns look like my teeth?

Yes, composite resin can be matched to any tooth shade. It is shaped to fit on your tooth so that no one will know the difference.

What happens if I don’t get a dental crown?

Your tooth will likely reinfect or continue to deteriorate.

Will a dental crown last?

The permanent versions can last between 5 and 10 years with proper care.

Will insurance cover dental crowns?

Most insurance plans cover dental crowns, but our staff would need to check your benefits.

FAQs

When do I need a crown instead of a filling?

When too much tooth structure is missing for a filling to hold, after a root canal, or when a tooth is cracked. A crown covers the whole tooth and holds it together.

How long do crowns last?

Ten to fifteen years is typical and many last longer. Grinding your teeth and chewing very hard foods will shorten that.

Do crowns look natural?

Porcelain crowns are shade matched to the teeth beside them. On front teeth we take extra care with translucency so the crown does not stand out.

Does getting a crown hurt?

No. The tooth is frozen while it is shaped, and mild sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal.