Dental Crowns Procedure

When a tooth is damaged to the extent that it is not possible to do a filling, inlay or onlay, a dental crown is the alternative. Crowns are dental caps placed on top of damaged teeth and are used to protect and cover teeth. The crown restores the tooth’s shape, size, strength and appearance. The dental crown is cemented into place on your tooth and it covers the visible portion of the tooth.

Old dental crown techniques often used a metal base with a porcelain material on top for aesthetics. Today, we use strong ceramic materials instead of metal. The only exception is a golden crown, if requested.

Using strong, enamel-like ceramic materials we can most often (depending on the case) fabricate a crown in a day or two. Thanks to our advanced digital scanners, there is no discomfort while we make dental impressions. A two-minute scan gives us all the information we need, in full detail and the highest resolution. In many cases, a temporary crown is fitted while the ceramic dental crown is being created. The ceramic dental crown once crafted is then cemented to the tooth – aesthetic, durable and strong.

The quality and lifespan of the ceramic dental crown depends on technique and time spent on the treatment.

A crown can look and feel right, but still have quality concerns. At Snö, we always document our procedures in order to ensure our high-quality standard. When a crown is suggested, you get a two-year warranty, irrespective of what happens to the filling. This can be extended to five years if you follow our maintenance instructions.

A damaged front tooth that had old composite fillings. Teeth were bleached before making the new ceramic crown.

The old technique to make a crown (at Snö we do not do this) with an inner shell of metal/gold.

The metal blocks out the light (left) and often discolours the tooth towards the gum. To the right, we have replaced it with a modern, biological, ceramic crown.

Front tooth fractured. The tooth (root filled many years ago) could, in this case, be lengthened with a ceramic post in order to place the full ceramic crown on top of the post.

Schematic drawing (cross section) of a healthy tooth (left) with enamel (white) dentine (more yellow) and the pulp anchored in the jaw bone and gums (red).

To the right, the tooth has been root filled and a ceramic post (white) has been cemented to the root and a crown (white with lines) placed on top of the post.

Ceramic dental crowns can also as this case be made on implants.

Read more about our dental crown services and costs in Abu Dhabi by contacting Snö Dental Clinics in Abu Dhabi on 800-DENTIST.

Teeth restorations:
Composite fillings
Inlays and Onlays
Crowns
Veneers
Bridges

FAQ

What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is fitted over a tooth to restore its shape and size, strengthen it, and/or improve its aesthetic. When cemented in place, crowns completely surround the visible area of a tooth above and below the gum line.
What types of dental crowns are available to patients?
- Metal crowns: Gold alloy, other alloys (for example, palladium), or a base-metal alloy are among the metals used in crowns (for example, nickel or chromium). Metal crowns require less tooth structure to be removed than other crown types. Metal crowns are the most resistant to biting and chewing pressures and are likely to survive the longest in terms of wear. Metal crowns are also unlikely to chip or break. The primary flaw is the shiny color. Metal crowns are a fantastic option for molars that are hidden from view.
- Porcelain, fused to metal crowns: Dental crowns made of porcelain-fused-to-metal can be color-matched to your natural teeth (unlike the metallic crowns). However, when compared to metal or resin crowns, this crown type causes more wear to the opposing teeth. The porcelain element of the crown can potentially chip or crack. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, as compared to all-ceramic crowns, look the most natural. However, the metal beneath the crown’s porcelain can occasionally show through as a black line, particularly around the gum line and much more so if your gums recede. These crowns are suitable for both front and back teeth.
- All-ceramic or all-porcelain dental crowns: All-ceramic or all-porcelain dental crowns have the best natural color match of any crown type and may be better for persons who are allergic to metals. They are, however, not as sturdy as porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, and they wear opposing teeth down a little more than metal or resin crowns. For front teeth, all-ceramic crowns are a viable option.
- All-resin crowns: Dental crowns made entirely of resin are less expensive than other crown kinds. However, unlike porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, they deteriorate with time and are more prone to fractures.
How long to dental crowns last?
Dental crowns have a lifespan of 5 to 15 years. The amount of “wear and tear” a crown is exposed to, how well you follow appropriate oral hygiene practices, and your particular mouth-related behaviors all affect the crown’s lifespan (you should avoid such habits as grinding or clenching your teeth, chewing ice, biting your fingernails and using your teeth to open packaging).
Do I need to take special care looking after a dental crown?
While a crowned tooth does not necessitate any special attention, keep in mind that just because a tooth is crowned does not mean it is immune to decay or gum disease. As a result, maintain proper dental hygiene habits such as brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day, particularly around the crown area where the gum meets the tooth.
Will the dental crown match my teeth?
Yes! A dentist will match the color of your teeth when taking an imprint or photograph of them (this does not apply to metal crowns), and your smile can maintain its natural appearance.
How long does the fitting of a dental crown procedure take?
When you come in for a dental crown, the procedure usually involves two separate appointments. The dentist will examine your tooth and take measurements and impressions at the first appointment. They will also prepare your tooth for the new crown. Depending on the circumstances, they may place a temporary crown on your teeth until your permanent crown is ready. After that, you must return for a second and final visit to complete the final fitting and procedure.
What is the difference between a permanent and temporary dental crown?
As a crown procedure requires 2 appointments. At the first, we’ll reduce your tooth in size so your crown won’t feel too large or bulky. Then we’ll take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental lab – they’ll have your permanent crown made in about 1-2 weeks. In the meantime, we’ll put a temporary crown on your tooth that looks and functions normally until your second visit, when we’ll cement the permanent crown into place. Temporary crowns cannot be worn forever, they are simply a temporary fix until you get the real crown in place.
What is the difference between a dental cap and crown?
There is no distinction between a crown and a cap. For a long time, dental crowns were referred to as caps, most dentists nowadays refer to the procedure as a “crown.”