Dental Crowns for Protection and Comfort

Having a perfect smile is quite a confidence-builder. Even a single worn-down tooth or a discoloured filling can make you cover your mouth when you talk. For those wanting dental crowns, Townsville Dental Centre is pleased to offer advice on how a crown may improve the appearance of your damaged tooth and protects it from further damage.

What are crowns?

Crowns are a form of dental restoration treatment which completely covers a decayed, worn-out or brittle tooth or a dental implant.

When do you need dental crowns?

Your dentist may recommend crowns in several situations:

• To protect broken or worn down teeth

• To protect a tooth weakened by decay or root canal treatment

• To protect a tooth which has a large filling

• To cover an implant or to hold a bridge in place

• For cosmetic purposes to cover a discoloured tooth

How many visits will it take?

It usually takes two visits to fit a crown. In the first visit, the tooth is prepared for the treatment. This involves  shaping your tooth to fit the crown either by filing it down, or filling it up. Using paste or putty, your dentist will make an impression of the affected tooth and the surrounding teeth. Then a temporary crown is put in for protection until the next visit. To protect the temporary crown, avoid chewing on that side and eating any hard or sticky foods.

At the second visit, you dentist will put in the permanent crown after removing the temporary one and checking the fit.

What are crowns made of?

Different types of crowns are available now:-

• Metallic crowns made of gold alloy or other metal alloys are very strong and last for a long time. They may be chosen for inner molars which will not be seen often.

• Porcelain crowns with metallic base are the most preferred option because of their natural appearance. There is a chance of the porcelain chipping or breaking off, but when fitted properly, these crowns are durable and long lasting.

• Prefabricated stainless steel crowns are used for protection of baby teeth in young children. These are preferred since they can be done in a single visit and come out naturally when the tooth falls.The Townsville Dental Centre dentists are experienced in fitting crowns and bridges and take care to ensure a perfect fit for your teeth. We fit the dental crowns, Townsville residents can feel confident in.