There is no denying that dental health is paramount to overall well-being, and sometimes, despite our best efforts at dental hygiene, teeth can become damaged or decayed. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers a robust solution to preserve and protect our teeth: dental crowns. As an integral part of dental restoration, dental crowns play a significant role in maintaining oral health and function. In this article, we delve into the world of dental crowns, exploring their importance, the process of getting one, and how they contribute to long-lasting dental health.
Understanding Dental Crowns
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are custom tooth prosthetics that cover or “cap” a damaged tooth. A dentist recommends a crown when a tooth has a large cavity that is too big for a filling, has undergone significant wear, or is cracked, broken, or otherwise compromised. Crowns restore tooth shape, size, strength, and appearance.
The Role of Dental Crowns in Tooth Restoration
A dental crown serves several restorative purposes. It strengthens a weakened tooth and improves its appearance, shape, and alignment. In cases where tooth structure is insufficient to hold a filling, crowns provide an excellent solution to preserve the tooth’s functionality. Moreover, dental crowns can be utilized alongside dental bridges to replace missing teeth, seamlessly restoring one’s smile.
The Process of Getting a Dental Crown
Initial Dental Cleaning and Examination
Before considering a dental crown, dentists thoroughly clean and examine the tooth in question. This allows them to assess the extent of the damage and determine if a crown is the best course of action. X-rays may also be taken to evaluate the roots of the tooth and surrounding bone.
Preparing the Tooth
When a dental crown is considered necessary, the dentist prepares the tooth by recontouring it on the chewing surface, including the sides, to accommodate the crown. The quantity extracted is contingent on the kind of crown employed. The dentist might augment the tooth’s core if more tooth structure is required to uphold the crown.
Taking Impressions
After the tooth is reshaped, an impression of the tooth and surrounding teeth is made. The model is then forwarded to a dental laboratory, where the crown is manufactured. In some dental offices, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology enables dentists to produce the crown on-site in a single visit.
Temporary Crown Placement
When the crown is being fabricated in a lab, a temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth. This temporary crown is usually made of acrylic-based materials and secured with temporary cement.
Final Placement of the Dental Crown
After the permanent crown is prepared, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is adjusted if needed to ensure it fits and aligns correctly before being cemented in place. This process helps restore the tooth’s original function and appearance.
Types of Dental Crowns
Materials Used in Dental Crowns
Various materials can be utilized in the production of dental crowns, including porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, metal alloys, composite resin, or a combination of these materials. The choice of material is influenced by factors such as the tooth’s location, the patient’s bite, and aesthetic considerations.
Porcelain and Ceramic Crowns
Porcelain and ceramic crowns are popular for their natural appearance and are often used for front teeth restorations. They can be matched to the color of the patient’s natural teeth and are suitable for people with metal allergies.
Metal and Gold Crowns
Metal crowns, which may include gold or other alloys, are extremely durable and resist wear over time. They are a good choice for out-of-sight molars that require a strong restoration.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns offer a combination of strength and aesthetics. They consist of a metal core covered by porcelain and can be color-matched to adjacent teeth. However, the metal under the porcelain can sometimes show a dark line on the gum.
Maintaining Your Dental Crowns
Regular Dental Cleanings and Check-Ups
During these routine visits, your dentist can assess the condition of your crowns and identify and address any potential issues before it escalates and becomes serious.
Oral Hygiene Practices
Proper and routine oral hygiene practices are essential for maintaining dental crowns. By adhering to the recommended routine of brushing, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash, you can help prevent oral health issues like decay and gum disease that could impact the crowned tooth and the surrounding teeth.
Avoiding Harmful Habits
Avoid chewing on hard foods or tough objects that can damage the crown. Additionally, it is strongly advised to avoid using your teeth as tools. Do not use teeth to open bottles and packaging or to bite nails, as these actions can place excessive stress on the crown.
Advantages and Considerations of Dental Crowns
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer several advantages, such as protecting weak teeth from breaking, restoring broken teeth, covering discolored or misshapen teeth, and offering a long-term solution for tooth restoration.
Potential Considerations
While dental crowns are a reliable restoration method, there are potential considerations to be aware of. These may include sensitivity to temperature after the procedure, the possibility of the crown becoming loose or falling out, and, in rare cases, an allergic reaction to the crown material.
Dental crowns are a cornerstone of dental restoration, providing a durable solution for damaged or decayed teeth. Crowns have the potential to last many years with proper care, contributing to a healthy, functional, and aesthetically pleasing smile. If you suspect you may need a dental crown, consult with your dentist to discuss the best options for preserving your teeth and maintaining your oral health.
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Simrit has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She started her career with Assisting/Treatment co-ordinating and then moved on to becoming the Hygiene Co Ordinator in 2005. In 2012 she took on a new role as the Marketing Director. Though she loved being the Marketing Director, in 2015 she became the Office Manager of Torbram Dental. She completed her Level 1 Dental Assisting program with Career Canada in 1996 and then went on to complete her Level II Dental Assisting Diploma with Southwestern Medix in 1999. That is when she received NDAEB Certification. Simrit has been and still is an active member of the Ontario Dental Assistants Association since 2000. She enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband and two kids and loves to explore new restaurants, especially high-tea venues.
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Jessica, one of our receptionists, is one of the smiling faces you see when you arrive at the office. She graduated with honours from Medix College with a diploma as a Level 2 Dental Assistant. When she is not happily helping our patients, Jessica enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, going to church on Sunday mornings, gardening and going on hikes.
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Naudia has been working at Torbram Dental for many years and is a valued member of our administrative team: as a dental receptionist and in our marketing team . She graduated from Everest College with honours level 1 and 2, with a diploma in Dental Assisting. Naudia is always there for our patients, making sure that they receive the care and attention they deserve. When not at the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking and indulging in civil court TV shows.
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Ramandeep has been a part of Torbram Dental for the past 10 years as certified dental assistant. She obtained her level 1 certification from Everest college in Brampton in 2013, and then her level 2 certification in 2014 from Medix college. Her career path through the clinic has been recognized by staff at all levels who admire her work ethic and dedication to million dollar smiles. In her spare time, Ramandeep enjoys cooking and gardening, and spending time with her husband and 2 kids.
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Sana is a valued member of our dental hygiene team. In 2008 she completed her education at George Brown in Dental Assisting and in 2016 she earned her diploma in Dental Hygiene from the Canadian Academy of Dental Health and Sciences. Sana has been working in dentistry since 2008 and enjoys taking care of our patients and helping them with their oral health. She is married and is busy with her 2 young children. In her spare time, Sana enjoys going out with the family, trying out new places to eat and is looking forward to travelling with them in the future.
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Sanaria has been working at Torbram Dental for many years as a valued member of our Dental Assisting Team. She completed her level 2 dental assisting certification and previously obtained a degree in Education and worked as a quality control officer in the pharmaceutical industry. When not at work Sanaria loves to bake and cook. She also loves story time and enjoying the outdoors with her children. She always sees the positive side of life, believes that nothing is impossible and that if you set a goal and work at it, that you will make your dreams come true.
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Carrie has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She graduated from George Brown College in 1998 with a Dental Assistant Diploma and continued to further her education by completing a Dental Hygiene Diploma in 2001 at Durham College. Carrie is a highly trained and experienced Registered Dental Hygienist who continues to learn and grow by updating her knowledge to provide her clients with the best Oral Health Care techniques and information. Carrie is passionate about Dentistry and is known for her gentle and compassionate manner. She feels strongly about building lasting relationships and trust with her clients to help them understand that good Oral Health leads to good Overall Health. Carrie enjoys travelling, dabbling in decorating and a good Netflix series in her time off. Carrie resides in Halton Hills with her husband and two children.
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Daniela's interest in Dentistry began in Gr.6 when she wrote a speech entitled "My Life as a Toothbrush".
A Registered Dental Hygienist with 22 years of clinical experience, Daniela still has a great passion for her career. The most rewarding aspect for her is building lasting relationships with her patients, and seeing them through to a healthier smile.
Her thorough yet gentle touch will ensure a comfortable visit every time.
Daniela is a total Foodie and loves to cook and enjoys all types of cuisines. She loves Florida, Cruises, organizing things, and most of all spending time with family and friends.
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Stephanie Enjoys getting to know all new patients at Torbram Dental and catching up with long standing Patients. Stephanie enjoys spending quality time with her family. One of her favorite things to do with her daughter is teach and play the piano. Stephanie likes going on walks with her husband and enjoys spending as much time with him as he is an Active Member of the Canadian Army. On Sundays, Stephanie enjoys going to Church and looks forward to Sunday Dinner with her entire family. Stephanie's Favorite thing to do to start her day right is head to her local Starbucks and Grab her favorite drink, an iced black tea with light lemonade on warm days and a blonde vanilla latte on those cold winter days.
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As a dedicated Dental Hygienist at Torbram Dental, Aalisha brings recent knowledge and experience to ensure the best oral health for our patients. She holds a Diploma in Dental Hygiene from the Toronto College of Dental Hygiene and Auxiliaries and has further enriched her education with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Waterloo. Beyond her professional qualifications, Aalisha has a zest for life that extends beyond the dental chair. She cherishes quality time with family and friends, thrives on outdoor adventures, and has a passion for hiking and water-based activities, especially during the sunny summer days. She is an avid traveler, exploring tropical paradises and historic destinations while immersing herself in diverse cultures and indulging in delicious culinary experiences."
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Supreet was born and raised in Punjab, India and came to Canada in 2016. She graduated from Sheridan College as an Environmental Lab Technician but later decided to change her career to dentistry. She completed her Level I and II Intra-Oral Dental Assisting course from George Brown College and graduated in 2023. In July 2023, Supreet joined the team at Torbram Dental where she enjoys working. In her free time, she loves to read books.
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