Dental Crowns | From Procedure To Aftercare | Dentist Finder South Africa

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns in South Africa are prosthetic caps or covers placed over damaged or weakened teeth to restore their strength, shape, and function.

These custom-made restorations are crafted from durable materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys and are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural teeth for optimal aesthetics and functionality.

Types of Dental Crowns

In South Africa, several types of dental crowns are available, each with its own unique characteristics:

1. Porcelain Crowns: These crowns offer a natural appearance and are ideal for restoring front teeth due to their aesthetic appeal.
2. Metal Crowns: Metal crowns, such as those made of gold or stainless steel, are known for their durability and strength, making them suitable for back teeth.
3. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: These crowns combine the aesthetic benefits of porcelain with the strength of metal, making them a versatile option for both front and back teeth.
4. All-Ceramic Crowns: These crowns provide excellent aesthetics and biocompatibility, making them an ideal choice for patients with metal allergies or those seeking a natural-looking restoration.

Preparation for Dental Crowns

• Initial Consultation: Schedule an initial consultation with your dentist to discuss your options for dental crowns. During this appointment, your dentist will evaluate your oral health, discuss your treatment goals, and recommend the most suitable type of crown for your needs.
• Comprehensive Examination: Undergo a comprehensive dental examination, including X-rays and dental impressions, to assess the condition of your teeth and gums. This information will help your dentist develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
• Treatment Planning: Work closely with your dentist to develop a treatment plan that addresses your concerns and goals for dental crown placement. Your treatment plan will outline the type of crown recommended, the number of teeth requiring crowns, and the procedure for preparing the teeth.

The Dental Crown Placement Procedure

• Tooth Preparation: If you’re receiving traditional dental crowns, the affected teeth will be prepared to accommodate the crowns. Your dentist will numb the area with local anaesthesia and then remove a small amount of enamel from the teeth to create space for the crowns. If you’re receiving ceramic or porcelain crowns, your dentist may also take digital impressions of your teeth for precise crown fabrication.
• Shade Selection (for Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns): If you’re receiving porcelain or ceramic crowns, your dentist will help you select the shade that best matches the colour of your natural teeth. This ensures that your crowns blend seamlessly with your smile for optimal aesthetics.

• Fabrication of Permanent Crowns: Your dentist will work with a dental laboratory to fabricate your permanent crowns according to the specifications outlined in your treatment plan. Skilled technicians will use the impressions and shade selection provided by your dentist to create custom-crafted crowns that fit your mouth perfectly.

• Final Placement of Crowns: Once your permanent crowns are ready, you’ll return to your dentist’s office for the final placement appointment. Your dentist will ensure that the crowns fit properly and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable and precise fit. The crowns will then be permanently bonded in place using dental cement.
• Bite Adjustment and Final Polishing: After the crowns are bonded in place, your dentist will check your bite to ensure that it’s properly aligned. Any adjustments needed to improve the bite or comfort of the crowns will be made at this time. Finally, the crowns and surrounding teeth will be polished to achieve a smooth and natural-looking finish.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns offer numerous benefits, including:

• Restoration of Tooth Structure: Crowns restore the shape, size, and strength of damaged or weakened teeth, allowing for normal chewing and biting function.
• Protection of the Underlying Tooth: By covering the entire visible portion of a tooth, crowns provide protection against further damage, decay, or fracture.
• Aesthetic Enhancement: Crowns are custom-designed to match the color, shape, and translucency of natural teeth, resulting in a seamless and natural-looking restoration.
• Longevity: With proper care and maintenance, dental crowns can last for many years, providing durable and reliable tooth restoration.

Aftercare Following Dental Crown Placement

• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Continue to practice good oral hygiene habits by brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily. Pay special attention to the area around your dental crowns to remove plaque and food particles that can contribute to decay and gum disease.
• Use Specialized Oral Hygiene Products: Your dentist may recommend using specialized oral hygiene products, such as interdental brushes or water flossers, to clean around and beneath the dental crowns. These tools can help you maintain optimal oral health and prevent complications.
• Avoid Sticky or Hard Foods: To prevent damage to your dental crowns, avoid chewing on sticky or hard foods that could dislodge or break the restorations. Stick to a soft diet and cut food into smaller pieces to minimize stress on the crowns and surrounding teeth.
• Be Mindful of Clenching or Grinding: If you have a habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, discuss this with your dentist. They may recommend wearing a nightguard to protect your dental crowns and surrounding teeth while you sleep.
• Attend Regular Dental Check-Ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings with your dentist to monitor the health of your dental crowns and surrounding teeth. Your dentist will check for signs of wear, decay, or other issues and address them promptly to prevent further damage.
• Watch for Signs of Complications: Be vigilant for any signs of complications, such as pain, sensitivity, or changes in the fit of your dental crowns. If you notice any issues, contact your dentist as soon as possible for evaluation and treatment.
• Follow Post-Placement Instructions: Follow any specific post-placement instructions provided by your dentist, such as avoiding certain foods or activities for a specified period. These instructions are designed to optimize healing and ensure the longevity of your dental crowns.
• Maintain Regular Communication with Your Dentist: Keep the lines of communication open with your dentist and report any concerns or questions you may have about your dental crowns. Your dentist is there to support you and address any issues that may arise.