Crowns are crafted to be strong and, if you take good care of them, generally last for about 10 years or longer.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap developed to fit snugly over a tooth. It’s used to:
- Protect a weak or cracked tooth
- Cover a large filling when not much tooth is left
- Restore a broken or worn-down tooth
- Cover a root canal-treated tooth
- Improve the look of a discoloured or misshapen tooth
Dental crowns in Thunder Bay are made from durable materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys. They are designed to blend in with your natural smile and withstand years of chewing.
How Often Should Dental Crowns Be Replaced?
Crowns aren’t replaced on a fixed schedule. Your dentist in Thunder Bay will evaluate your crown condition during routine visits and might recommend replacement. Dentists may be more likely to repair a restoration instead of replacing it if:
- It was in a molar tooth
- It was in an upper tooth
- It was made of amalgam
- The main problem wasn’t a fracture
- The restoration covered more than one tooth surface
Crown replacement means taking out the whole old, faulty crown, along with any nearby unhealthy or discoloured tooth material that is not esthetically appealing. A repair involves removing the problematic part of the old crown, and new filling material is added. Repairs may involve smaller fixes like light grinding, polishing or removing rough edges.
Who Is A Candidate For Dental Crowns?
For patients considering this dental restoration, dental crowns are created to be an enduring treatment solution. Ideal candidates are typically those who have one or more teeth that are either severely damaged due to injury or significantly compromised by decay.
Beyond just restoring function, dental crowns specifically provide a highly effective and lasting answer for patients seeking to address esthetic imperfections. This includes common cosmetic concerns like persistent tooth discolouration that doesn’t respond to whitening, or teeth that are misshapen and detract from a harmonious smile. These treatments aim to not only restore the health and integrity of your bite but also to enhance the overall appearance of your smile permanently.
Types of Dental Crowns
Customized crowns in Thunder Bay come in different materials! Your dentist at Sky Dental proudly offers porcelain restorations. However, it’s important to be informed on the varying types, including:
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM): These crowns are crafted to combine a natural appearance from the porcelain exterior and enhanced strength from the metal base. They are less likely to chip than ceramic crowns.
- Metal Crowns: Often made of gold, these crowns are known for their durability. They are designed to rarely chip or break and are gentle on opposing natural teeth, preventing excessive wear. However, their distinct gold colour does not blend naturally with tooth esthetics, making them less suitable for visible front teeth.
- Composite Crowns: These crowns are developed to offer a natural appearance. While they are less prone to chipping than porcelain, they tend to wear down more quickly with chewing. Additionally, repeated brushing can diminish their highly polished surface, making them more susceptible to staining over time.
- Porcelain Crowns: These customized restorations offered at Sky Dental are created to provide a natural and esthetically pleasing result. Porcelain crowns are often chosen because they mimic the look of natural teeth quite well.
How Are These Restorations Placed?
- Consultation: Your dentist in Thunder Bay will begin by discussing your needs and assessing your oral health to determine the ideal treatment plan.
- Tooth Preparation: To create space for the crown, your damaged tooth will be carefully reshaped. If you’re also getting a bridge, adjacent teeth will be prepared to support it.
- Impressions: We’ll then take precise impressions of the area, which can ensure your custom restoration fits perfectly.
- Temporary Restoration: While your permanent crown is being crafted in the lab, you’ll receive a temporary restoration that’s designed to protect your prepared tooth (or teeth).
- Permanent Placement: Once your custom restoration is ready, we’ll place it, checking carefully to make sure it looks and feels just right. Any final adjustments will be made before it’s bonded into place.
What Are Same-Day Crowns?
Our smile-focused and caring dentist knows your time is precious, which is why we offer same-day crowns in Thunder Bay for quick smile restoration. As the name suggests, you can get a quality, custom-made crown crafted and fitted all in a single visit! This eliminates the wait for your permanent restoration and the need for a temporary crown.
Choosing same-day crowns is designed to save you time and money by reducing the number of appointments needed. In terms of looks, they’re just as beautiful as traditional crowns. We’re committed to providing cost-effective, personalized, and effective dental care, and our same-day crown technology makes that possible. Plus, these crowns are just as durable and long-lasting as conventionally made crowns.
How Are Same-Day Crowns Placed?
- Consultation: Your dentist in Thunder Bay will examine your tooth (or teeth) for any damage from cavities, decay, or trauma to see if a same-day crown is the right fit for you.
- CEREC Technology: If it is, we’ll use our CEREC technology. This system digitally designs, creates, and mills your custom crown.
- No Temporary Crown Needed: You get your final, beautiful restoration in the same visit. This means no temporary crown and no waiting for a dental lab to make your permanent one. It’s created to allow you to get the same custom results, all in one day!
What Is the Value of CEREC Technology?
According to the Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, CAD/CAM technology has increased dramatically in the last decade. It’s created to be a very precise and efficient way to make customized dental restorations. Unlike older, manual methods that could have errors, CAD/CAM uses computers to ensure everything is seamless and far less prone to errors.
Tips to Keep the Tooth Under Your Crown Healthy
Crowns in Thunder Bay are crafted to cover the top of your tooth, but they don’t protect it from everything. The tooth underneath can still be vulnerable to decay and gum disease.
Here’s how to protect your crowned tooth:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily – including around the crown
- Use a fluoride rinse if recommended
- Avoid sugary snacks and drinks, especially sticky ones
- Wear a sportsguard while you play to safeguard your smile
- Get regular cleanings and checkups – your dentist in Thunder Bay is your crown’s best friend!
Even a strong crown can’t make up for poor oral hygiene. Keep up those healthy habits, and your crown could last over a decade!
Why Choose Sky Dental for Crowns in Thunder Bay?
We’re proud to be part of the Thunder Bay community and make it our mission to help families protect their smiles. When you visit Sky Dental, you’re not just a patient – you’re our neighbour.
Here’s how you can benefit from choosing our clinic:
- Friendly team: Our caring, empathetic team is committed to helping you feel positive and calm.
- Trusted digital tech: We’re one of very few Thunder Bay practices with CBCT technology!
- Family-first philosophy: We welcome kids, seniors, and everyone in between.
- Locally focused care: We understand the lifestyle, seasons, and dental needs unique to Thunder Bay.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Crowns?
Leave the dental insurance details up to our kind-hearted and focused front-desk team. In the meantime, here’s a simple guide for Thunder Bay families regarding crowns and insurance:
- Check Your Plan Details: Look through your plan booklet or online portal. Find sections on “Major Restorative” or “Crowns” and note any exclusions or waiting periods.
- Ask Your Benefits Administrator: If you have workplace benefits, your HR team can provide specific plan details.
- Ask Us at Sky Dental: Bring your insurance info to your next visit. Our front desk team will help you understand your coverage, submit forms, and is happy to bill your provider directly.
Explore the CDCP: Crowns and posts are covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). If you qualify or are already eligible, contact us to discuss this option during your consultation!
No Insurance? No Problem!
Many Canadians pay for major dental work themselves. That’s why we offer flexible payment plans, like Beautifi®, so you can access the care you need even without insurance!
Curious About Dental Crowns?
Whether you want to schedule a consultation or get a crown repaired or replaced, our team at Sky Dental in Thunder Bay is here to help.📞 Call us at (866) 801-3575 to schedule your crown consultation or request an appointment online!
FAQs About Dental Crowns
1. Can a dental crown last a lifetime?
Crowns are created to last 10 years or longer, but only with proper and consistent maintenance. Regular checkups help spot early wear!
2. Can decay happen under a crown?
Yes. While the crown protects the tooth, decay can sneak in along the gumline or under loose edges. Preventing decay under your crown is essential to keeping your dental crowns long-term.
3. What if my crown falls off?
Don’t panic – store it safely and call us right away. We’ll check the tooth and let you know if it can be re-cemented or needs replacement.
4. What’s the difference between crowns and veneers?
Crowns are created to completely encapsulate your tooth, whereas dental veneers simply cover the front. Compared to crowns, veneers are thinner and require less tooth grinding to fit properly.