Dental Crowns in Krakow, Poland

What is a crown ?

A crown is an ideal and efficient way to rebuild a tooth. Basically, the crown fits over the remaining part of the tooth which braces it and makes it very strong. It has the contours, coloring and shape of a natural tooth. These can also be known as caps.

Why would I need a crown ?

A number of reasons may warrant having a crown.

Tooth weakened by decay
Tooth weakened from a large filling
Discolored tooth from filling showing
A root filling may need a crown for protection
A chipped or broken tooth from an accident
To help hold a bridge or denture firmly in place

What are crowns made from ?

Before

After

A variety of materials, with new ones being introduced all the time. Here are some of the current options

Porcelain bonded to precious metal-this is what most are made of, The porcelain is layered over a precious metal base.
Porcelain-not as strong as bonded crowns but have a very natural look and are often used for front teeth.
Porcelain and composite resin-these do look most natural but again lack in strength.
Glass-very natural looking and used for both front and back teeth.
Precious metal-Gold and Palladium are very strong and hardwearing. Sometimes chosen for back of mouth where less visible.

How is a tooth prepared for crowning ?

The outermost layer of the tooth will be removed leaving a good strong inner core. The thickness of the crown will determine the thickness of the outer layer removed. Once shaped the dentist takes an impression and the opposite jaw to mark the bite area. These impressions go to the technician for preparation.

Who makes the crown ?

The dental technician gets the impressions and shade information about your teeth. They then prepare a model of your mouth and fashion the crown on this. This ensures a perfect fit.

Will it be very noticeable ?

No. Many steps are taken to ensure your crowns blend in with your other teeth. Shade and position or carefully calculated. During the process you will be provided with temporary crowns, these will probably be noticeable but are only in place about 2 weeks.

How long does the treatment take ?

A minimum of two visits will be needed. The first for preparation of the impressions and fitting the temporary crown, and the second for the fitting the permanent ones.

Is the procedure painful ?

You will usually be given a local anesthetic and will feel no different to a filling. If the tooth has no nerve, and a post crown is being prepared there may be no need for a local.

How are post crowns different?

Post crowns are generally used when a tooth has had a root filling. The tooth is drilled into below gum level and a double ended ‘post’ fits in. This can be prefabricated with stainless steel or custom made of gold.

What alternatives exist for crowning of root filled teeth?

If the root filling is not broken down completely, it can sometimes be built up again with filling material. This core then gets prepared the same way a natural tooth would.

How long will a crown last?

This depends largely on care. The crown itself cannot decay but the remaining tooth can. The decay can start where the crown and tooth edge meet, so excellent oral hygiene and regular checkups will see your crown last for many years.

How are crowns fixed to teeth?

Once the crowns have been checked for snugness, comfort and aesthetics, they are set into place with dental cement. This forms a seal which holds them firm.

How different will the crown feel?

Awareness of the dental crown will be there initially. Because the shape of the tooth and crown in your mouth is slightly different, it will feel unusual. But you will adjust to the newness in a couple of days, like swapping from your old slippers to new ones. If it feels higher than the rest of your teeth, or is in any way painful please let your dentist know immediately.