Dental Crowns: Everything you need to know!


A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap designed to cover a damaged, broken, or decayed tooth. It is commonly known as a cap. A crown is used to cover root canal treated teeth and dental implants as well. They can be fabricated using a variety of materials, ranging from metals to porcelains.

In this blog we will discuss dental crowns and the situations in which they are needed.

What are dental crowns?

A dental crown is fabricated to snugly fit over a worn out or a damaged tooth, following root canal treatment, or over a dental implant. The purpose of a dental crown is to restore dentition for optimum function and esthetics.

Dental crowns are made from various materials, including metals, porcelain fused to metals, zirconia and resins. They can either be fabricated manually or using CAD/CAM technology.

The lifespan of a dental crown is typically around 15 years, under proper oral care.

When is a dental crown needed?

A dental crown, or a cap, is needed in scenarios where a natural tooth has been badly damaged. These situations may include:

  • Support and protect a cracked tooth.
  • A tooth weakened after root canal treatment.
  • A tooth that has lost a lot of crown structure.
  • Cover discolored/ stained teeth.
  • Protect heavily restored teeth from further damage.
  • Cover malformed teeth to restore shape and esthetics.
  • Cover a dental implant to bring it into function.
  • Hold a dental bridge in place.

What are the benefits of dental crowns?

Some benefits of a dental crown are listed here:

  • Prolong the life of an extensively broken down tooth.
  • Improve chewing function.
  • Restore esthetics.
  • Protect teeth from further decay and fracture.
  • Prolong the life of root canal treated teeth.

What are the disadvantages of dental crowns?

Dental crowns may have some disadvantages, which are considered to be minimal in comparison to the benefits they provide.

  • Dental crowns require removal of natural tooth structure.
  • Require oral hygiene maintenance for longevity. This however is similar to how one would care for their natural dentition.
  • May be expensive.
  • Improper fit can cause fracture and decay of the underlying tooth.

What are the materials used in the fabrication of dental crowns?

Depending on the patient requirement, the dentist may suggest various types of crowns to restore the tooth. Let us discuss some types of dental crowns here:

Metal Crowns

Metals like gold and palladium, and base metal alloys like nickel-chromium and cobalt-chromium are used to fabricate dental crowns. Metal crowns are known for their strength and durability, and they require minimal removal to tooth structure. They are however, limited to back teeth or molars owing to their unaesthetic metallic appearance.

Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns (PFM)

These crowns combine the aesthetics of porcelain and the strength of metal. They can be made to match the shade of your natural teeth.

However, PFM crowns may show chipping of porcelain over time and expose the metal underneath.

All Ceramic Crowns

These crowns are made entirely of ceramic materials, like zirconia. It is a tooth-colored ceramic material known for its high strength and esthetics. It can be made to match the natural tooth entirely. Zirconia is known for its high biocompatibility with oral tissues.

It can be fabricated using manual techniques and CAD/CAM technology.

Acrylic Crowns

Acrylic crowns are tooth colored caps, they are very soft and may break easily. They are used to temporary restorations between appointments.

Single Day Crowns

With the advent of technology, it is possible for dentists to provide patients with crowns in a single visit. This technique involves making digital impressions, which are used to fabricate crowns using the CAD/CAM technology.

Same-day crowns are not for all cases; consult your dentist to know more.

Wrapping Up

Dental crowns are a common dental treatment. They can be fabricated using metals, metal alloys, porcelain fused to metal, zirconia and acrylic. CAD/CAM technology has also been very beneficial in fabrication of dental crowns, especially the same day dental crowns. Dental crowns protect broken down and weak teeth, and restore function and esthetics.

It is also important to understand that dental crowns last longer when the oral hygiene is maintained at the optimum by the patient.

At Dhriti Dental, we provide all types of dental crowns including same day crowns, along with other dental services like, scalings, root canal treatments, wisdom tooth extractions, aligners and braces, dental implants and smile design among other treatments.

Book your next dental check-up at Dhriti Dental, the best dental clinic in Hyderabad , today!

Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Crowns:

How long do dental crowns last?

With optimum oral care, regular dental check ups and good oral hygiene, dental crowns may last up to 30 years. It is seen that an accurately fit dental crown has a typical lifespan of 15 years.

How can I care for my dental crown?

Brushing twice daily, with a toothpaste recommended by your dentist, regular tooth flossing and regular dental exams and cleanings are ways in which you can care for your dental crown.

What should I do when a crown falls off?

It is possible that a dental crown may come off spontaneously, like, while consuming sticky foods, opening cans and bottles with your mouth etc., it is important to keep the crown safely in a box and visit your dentist at the earliest, so that they can re-cement the crown in its place.

Is the procedure of getting a dental crown painful?

No, dental crowns are not painful. Some amount of sensitivity is common after crown placement. Discomfort and pain are not generally associated with crowns.

What is the difference between dental crowns and caps?

Dental crowns and caps are interchangeable terms. They both refer to a cap used to cover a damaged tooth. A dental crown is a more correct term in the dental language.