Dental crowns are a type of restoration commonly used to cover and strengthen damaged or weak teeth. Common use for crowns include repairing teeth which are fractured, cracked, or broken. Crowns made from zirconia are quickly gaining popularity because they are incredibly strong, durable, and natural in their appearance. When patients practice good oral hygiene and properly care for their zirconia crowns, they for can last for 15 years or more.
Before placing a crown, the dentist will perform a thorough examination. The dentist may also order x-rays before the placement. Crowns can be used on a mature adult teeth which are weak or damaged. Some of the most common reasons patients receive a crown are summarized below:
1. Add strength for a tooth containing a large filling
2. Protect a tooth with a root canal
3. Cover broken, cracked, fractured, or chipped teeth
4. Used in combination with a dental implant as a tooth-replacement solution
The crown placement procedure is completed in about an hour at the dentist. A local anesthetic is commonly used during the procedure to ensure the patient remains comfortable. In addition to improving the appearance of the tooth, the crown can help restore function. It can also prevent further damage, loss of the tooth, and avoid movement of the adjacent teeth.
Zirconia crowns are created from zirconia dioxide. This is a metal oxide and the material is highly desirable in use for restorations due to its strength and durability. Porcelain crowns are also a popular solution, however they contain unsightly metal. The all-ceramic zirconia material does not contain any metal. Some of the key benefits associated with zirconia include stability, durability, and strength. It is highly resistant to cracks and other damage which can happen from routine use over time.
Zirconia can be used to create crowns, bridges, and can also be used in veneers. Zirconia crowns are an excellent solution due to their many benefits.
Because zirconia crowns are so strong and durable, they are quickly gaining popularity. When considering the amount of force which is placed on the back teeth, a dental crown must be able to perform while chewing and grinding. In order to properly endure these forces, crowns must be incredibly strong. This makes zirconia an excellent material for crowns being placed in the back of the mouth. Due to the strength of zirconia, it requires less preparation for the tooth which is receiving the crown.
While it is not common, it is possible for a zirconia crown to fracture. In most cases of a fracture, it is caused by poor prep design, inappropriate selection of the material, or poor handling. In most cases of zirconia cracking or breaking, it is simply too thin.
The thickness of zirconia largely impacts the strength. Another design issue which can occur when the crown is being prepared is when there are sharp corners or edges. The dentist can cause a zirconia crown fracture by drilling on the crown without proper precautions. This can happen while the dentist is adjusting a crown to fit properly on the tooth.
Zirconia crowns have many benefits and can be an excellent solution for restoring damaged teeth. Follow up with a dentist to determine if it may be a good solution for your individual needs.