A dental crown may be needed when at least one of the following occurs: to protect a weak tooth, restore a broken tooth, hold a dental bridge, cover a misshapen or discoloured tooth or a dental implant….

Permanent crowns can be either all metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, all resin, all ceramic or all porcelain. Metals used in crowns include gold alloy, other alloys (for example, palladium) or a base-metal alloy (for example, nickel or chromium). Compared with other crown types, less tooth structure needs to be removed with metal crowns, and tooth wear to opposing teeth is kept to a minimum….

Preparing a tooth for a dental crown usually requires two visits – the first step involves examining and preparing the tooth, the second visit involves placement of the permanent crown. Examining and preparing the tooth. At the first visit, your dentist may take a few x-rays to check the roots of the tooth receiving the dental crown and surrounding bone….

Because temporary dental crowns are just that ­ a temporary fix until a permanent crown is ready; most dentists suggest that you avoid sticky, chewy foods, minimize the use of the crown and carry out side flossing….

Your newly crowned tooth may be sensitive immediately after the procedure as the anaesthesia begins to wear off. If the tooth that has been crowned still has a nerve in it, you may experience some hot and cold sensitivity. Your dentist may recommend that you brush your teeth with a tooth paste designed for sensitive teeth….

On average, dental crowns last between 10 and 15 years. The life span of a crown depends on the amount of “wear and tear” the crown is exposed to, how well you follow good oral hygiene practices, and your personal mouth-related habits…

Continue to follow good oral hygiene practices, including brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day-especially around the crown area where the gum meets the tooth.
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