Porcelain Crowns

Crowns are ideal restorations for teeth that have been broken, or have been weakened by decay or a very large filling. A crown could be used for a number of other reasons, such as improving the appearance of the teeth, protection of a root filled tooth and helping to hold a bridge of denture firmly in place.

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Patient Testimonials

I was dreaming to have a full mouth rehabilitation including implants and crowns. I started to search for it in Norway. I found out that there was no way that I could have afforded it in Norway. I would not be able to smile as confident as I do now, have I not found Longevita from the internet.

M.M., Dentistry Patient, Norway

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• Porcelain Crowns at a Glance

  PROCEDURE:	Crowns strengthen your existing, damaged teeth so as to preserve its functionality. Bridges are anchored onto neighbouring teeth in order to replace one or more missing teeth
  LENGTH:	2 to 3 hours: first appointment (preparation) 2 to 3 hours: second appointment (fit)
  ANESTHESIA:	Local
  IN/OUTPATIENT:	Outpatient
  SIDE EFFECTS:	Sensitivity of prepped teeth, irreversible loss of teeth structure, gums are more vulnerable to infection
  RISK:	Vitality loss of teeth, fracture of crowns and bridges
  RESULT LASTS:	10 to 15 years

• What is Dental Crown?

  Dental crowns are also commonly known as caps because a crown sits over patient’s existing tooth, covering the entire outer surface. Dental crowns are restorations that protect damaged, cracked or broken down teeth. A crown strengthens existing, damaged tooth so as to preserve its functionality. The crowns, when cemented into place, fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.

• How it is Performed

  Once patient have had a consultation with dentist and discussed all the treatment options, the dentist prepares the tooth for crowning. The first stage is to clean the tooth, remove any decay and reshape it using a burr (a special dental drill for shaping teeth) under local anaesthesia. The shape of the prepared tooth is usually tapered to allow the crown sit comfortably over the top of it. Once the tooth is prepared, an impression (mould) of teeth will be taken using special “dental putty”. This impression is sent to a dental laboratory, which will use the impression of the prepared tooth as a guide to fabricate the new crown to fit perfectly. During lab stage, dentist fits patient with a temporary crown to cover and protect prepared tooth.

  On second visit, dentist removes the temporary crown and roughen the outer surface of prepared tooth with a special etching acid to give the dental cement a good surface to bond to. Dentist then sits the crown over tooth to see if it fits with patient’s smile correctly and is the right colour and shape. Once patient is happy with the restoration and how it looks, dentist  cements the crown firmly into place.

• Results

  Crowned tooth might be sensitive right after the treatment as the anaesthesia begins to fade. If the crowned tooth still has a nerve in it, patient might experience some heat and cold sensitivity. Longevita partner dentist might advise to brush teeth with a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. Pain or sensitivity that arises when patient bites usually means that the crown is placed too high on the tooth which can be easily corrected. Crowns made of all porcelain might occasionally chip. If the chip is minor, a composite resin might be applied to recover the chip with the crown remaining in patient’s mouth. If the chipping is extensive, the crown might need to be removed and replaced by a new one.

  Dental crowns require the same level of care and attention as natural teeth. Provided patient has a good oral hygiene program, attend regular check-ups at dentist, a high-quality dental crown can last 10-15 years.

• Limitations

  Crowns should not be the first choice just to improve the aesthetics of teeth, because a dentist needs to grind a significant portion of the original tooth away. Less invasive alternatives include veneers or dental bonding. Crowns are required when the strength of the tooth supporting the restoration is compromised, since veneers and dental bonding restorations are only as strong as the supporting tooth.

• Risks

  Noteworthy complications from dental crowns are very rare. Every year, Longevita partner surgeons perform thousands of porcelain crown procedures and patients are very satisfied with the results. Longevita partner dentists will discuss potential risks with each individual patient. Possible risks are;

  • Loose crown: Occasionally the cement washes out from under the crown.
  • Crown falls off: Occasionally crowns fall off. Generally this is due to an improper fit, a lack of cement, or a very small amount of tooth structure remaining that the crown can hold on to.
  • Allergic reaction: An allergic reaction to the metals or porcelain used in crowns can arise, yet this is extremely rare.

• Contraindications

  Contraindications of the porcelain crowns are;

  • Teeth that do not allow ideal preparation form to support the porcelain
  • Teeth with short clinical crowns
  • Edge-to-edge occlusion

Why Choose Longevita?

Disclaimer: This page is designed to supply useful information but is not to be regarded as advice specific to any particular case. It does not replace the need for a thorough consultation and all prospective patients should seek the advice of a suitably qualified medical practitioner.