Dental crowns are custom-made restorations that cover damaged, decayed, or weakened teeth to restore strength, function, and aesthetics. At AbuMaizar Dental Center, we use advanced materials and precision techniques to create durable, natural-looking crowns tailored to your smile. Crowns are an essential part of fixed prosthodontics, which focuses on permanently attached dental restorations to replace missing tooth structure.
Why You Might Need a Dental Crown
- Extensive decay that cannot be restored with fillings
- Fractured or cracked teeth
- After root canal therapy to protect the remaining tooth
- Worn-down teeth due to grinding (bruxism)
- Cosmetic enhancement for misshaped or discolored teeth
- Large fillings that compromise tooth strength
Types of Dental Crowns
| Crown Type | Material | Advantages | Disadvantages | Longevity | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal (Gold/Alloy) | Gold or metal alloy | Extremely durable, strong bite, biocompatible | Metallic appearance, not aesthetic | 20–30 years | Posterior teeth, high bite pressure |
| Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) | Porcelain + metal | Durable + aesthetic, natural color | Porcelain may chip, metal margin may show | 10–15 years | Front and back teeth where strength + aesthetics needed |
| All-Ceramic / All-Porcelain | Porcelain or zirconia | Highly aesthetic, stain-resistant, biocompatible | Less fracture-resistant than metal | 10–20 years | Front teeth or visible areas, cosmetic cases |
| Zirconia | Zirconium oxide | Extremely strong, aesthetic, biocompatible | Can be abrasive to opposing teeth | 15–25 years | Posterior teeth, high durability and aesthetics |
| E-Max / Lithium Disilicate | Glass-ceramic | Excellent aesthetics, translucent, strong | Requires precise bonding | 10–15 years | Single anterior crowns, smile enhancement |
Dental Crown Procedure
- Examination and Treatment Planning: Visual and radiographic evaluation, assess tooth structure, occlusion, and adjacent teeth, discuss crown material options.
- Tooth Preparation: Local anesthesia, tooth reshaped to create space, remove decay or old restoration if needed.
- Impression / Digital Scan: Traditional putty impression or intraoral digital scan for accurate crown fabrication.
- Temporary Crown: Protects tooth while permanent crown is fabricated, maintains bite and aesthetics.
- Crown Fabrication: Lab or in-office CAD/CAM milling, material choice depends on tooth location and patient preference.
- Crown Cementation: Temporary crown removed, permanent crown tried in for fit, shape, and color, cemented with dental adhesive.
- Final Adjustments: Bite checked, polishing ensures smooth margins and aesthetics.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
- Protects and strengthens weak teeth
- Restores chewing and speaking function
- Improves smile aesthetics
- Long-lasting solution for damaged or decayed teeth
- Prevents further tooth loss or complications
Aftercare Instructions
- Avoid chewing very hard foods for 24 hours after cementation
- Maintain daily brushing and flossing
- Avoid sticky or excessively hard foods for long-term durability
- Report any discomfort, looseness, or sensitivity promptly
- Schedule regular dental checkups
Potential Complications
- Sensitivity to hot or cold (usually temporary)
- Marginal leakage or crown dislodgement (rare)
- Fracture of porcelain layer (PFM or ceramic crowns)
- Wear on opposing teeth (zirconia crowns may be abrasive)
Frequently Asked Questions
🦷 Are crowns painful?
No. Local anesthesia ensures comfort. Some mild sensitivity may occur for a few days.
⏱ How long does crown placement take?
Typically 2 visits: preparation + impression, then final cementation (1–2 weeks apart).
🧬 How long do crowns last?
Most crowns last 10–20 years with proper oral hygiene. Zirconia and metal crowns can last longer.
🪥 Can crowns break?
Rarely, especially porcelain layers on PFM. Avoid biting very hard objects.
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