Dental Crowns in Memnagar, Ahmedabad
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown, also called a cap, is a cover that fits over a damaged tooth. It restores the shape, strength and look of the tooth. Crowns are made of metal, ceramic, zirconia or a mix of materials. Most crowns need 2 visits.
When Do You Need a Crown?
- After a root canal treatment, especially on back teeth
- A tooth with a large filling or a big cavity
- A cracked, broken or worn tooth
- A badly stained or misshapen tooth
- To cover a dental implant
- To hold a dental bridge in place
Types of Crowns
Metal crowns
Made of strong metal alloys. They are very durable and need less tooth to be trimmed, but they look silver or gold. They are usually used on back teeth.
Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns
A metal shell covered with tooth-coloured porcelain. They look natural, but the metal edge can show near the gum over time.
Ceramic crowns
Made fully of ceramic, so there is no metal. They look very natural and suit front teeth.
Zirconia crowns
Made from zirconia, a very strong ceramic material. They are tooth-coloured, strong enough for both front and back teeth, and do not have a metal layer.
Which Crown Is Better?
| Metal | Ceramic | Zirconia | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Silver or gold | Very natural | Natural |
| Strength | Very strong | Good, can chip | Very strong |
| Best for | Back teeth | Front teeth | Front and back teeth |
| Tooth removed | Least | More | Moderate |
| Metal allergy risk | Possible with some alloys | None | None |
| Cost | Lower | Medium to higher | Higher |
The right crown depends on which tooth it is, your bite, your budget and your preference. Dr. Urvi Patel will recommend one and explain why.
How a Crown Is Made
Visit 1
- The tooth is numbed and shaped to make room for the crown.
- An impression or digital scan is taken.
- A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth.
Between visits
The crown is made in a dental laboratory. This usually takes about 5 to 10 days.
Visit 2
- The temporary crown is removed.
- The final crown is checked for fit, colour and bite.
- It is fixed with dental cement.
Caring for Your Crown
- Brush twice a day and clean between the teeth
- Avoid biting on very hard things such as ice or pens
- Keep the area near the gum clean, since decay can start at the edge
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
- Visit your dentist every 6 months
How Long Do Crowns Last?
With good care, crowns commonly last 10 to 15 years or more. Metal and zirconia crowns often last longest, while ceramic crowns can chip if bitten hard.
Possible Problems
- Sensitivity after the tooth is trimmed
- A crown coming loose, if cement wears
- Chipping of ceramic
- Decay at the edge of the crown if cleaning is poor
- A need for root canal treatment if the nerve is irritated, which is uncommon
Why Choose OrthoD Hospital
- You are shown the crown options and told the pros and cons
- A temporary crown so you can eat and speak normally between visits
- Root canal, crown and follow-up in the same clinic
Crown Cost
The cost depends on the material, the tooth, the laboratory used and the number of crowns. You get the cost before treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is getting a crown painful?
No. The tooth is numbed, so you should not feel pain.
Which crown is best?
There is no single best crown. Zirconia and ceramic look natural. Metal is very strong. Your dentist will match the crown to your tooth and needs.
Is a zirconia crown better than a metal crown?
Zirconia looks natural and has no metal, while metal is strong and costs less. For back teeth, both work well.
Can a crown be put on a root canal treated tooth?
Yes, and it is usually recommended for back teeth.
Can a crown get cavities?
The crown itself cannot decay, but the tooth underneath can, especially at the edge.