Zirconia crowns made of zirconium dioxide ceramic have almost always been a used material, especially in the back of the mouth.
And that is due to the material's strength and durability. Their robustness reduces the need for extensive tooth preparation, resulting in longer lasting veneers.
Zirconia being biocompatible is also a huge factor which makes it top preference by dentists and patients alike. It reduces the risk of having any adverse effects a patient might have otherwise.
There are two installation methods that are generally used when installing crowns:
- The first one is a process when there is no in-house lab. The Dentist prepares the patient's teeth and plasters temporary crowns. After the final crowns are ready the patient comes in for a second/third appointment where the permanent crowns are bound in place.
- The second one is when the in-house lab is available. The teeth preparation and the final crown installation is done within the same day.
That being said, here is the more in-depth explanation about the procedures.
- The dentist starts by taking x-rays of your mouth.
- The teeth are shaved to little knobs to make space for the crowns. This procedure is performed under a local anesthesia.
- The dentist takes an impression of the patient's teeth before and after they got shaved. The impressions are then sent to a laboratory. The lab prepares temporary crowns for the patient and sends them back to the clinic.
- The temporary teeth are then bound to the patient's own teeth while the final product goes through the manufacturing process.
In the meantime the laboratory prepares the permanent teeth. They send the done base back to the clinic so the patient and the dentist can do the fitting. It is done so the dentist can send the base back if there are any issues to get fixed before the product goes through the final stage of being glazed. If there are no issues then the base is sent back to get glazed.
After the glazing is done and the final product is ready, the patient returns for the final appointment. The ready crowns get permanently bonded to the patient's own teeth.
When it comes to the same-day procedure the process is nearly identical. The dentist examines the patient's teeth, does x-rays, if there is anything like a root canal treatment, that gets addressed first. Then the dentist scans the mouth of the patient with a CEREC device. The digital scans are sent to the clinic's in-house laboratory.
While the new crowns are being prepared, the dentist files down the patient's teeth in preparation for the new crowns. During this process local anesthesia is applied to avoid any sensitivity or discomfort.
The Final product arrives from the lab, the fitting is done and sent back for fixes or glazing. And lastly the new crowns are permanently bonded to the patient's original teeth.
Right after the crown installation there may be sensitivity and discomfort, do not fret. The adhesive that is used on the patient's own teeth dehydrates the tooth for better adhesion of the crown. And that is the reason for sensitivity. It will go away within a day or two.
Other than that, for the better longevity of the new crowns and overall oral health there are some guidelines and tips. Here are some of them that we suggest, listed below.
Chewy and sticky food. To avoid any unnecessary pressure on newly installed crowns it is advised to consume any sticky or chewy food. Premature consumption might loosen the bond between the tooth and the crown.
- Generally advised oral hygiene routine. Brushing teeth twice a day and flossing everyday.
- Avoid using abrasive toothpaste (such as ones with charcoal) and use a soft-bristled brush to not damage your new crowns or gums.
Similar to above. Along with using non-abrasive toothpaste and toothbrush, be gentle while brushing your teeth and do not neglect the gum line!
Try avoiding biting on hard food or objects as much as possible. Doing so might chip away, crack or dislodge the crown. Additionally avoid biting down too hard and chewing too aggressively.
If you are a teeth grinder or clench your teeth, especially while sleeping it might be a good idea to invest in a night guard. Many people are not aware of the fact they might be grinding their teeth. So if your dentist notices and recommends using a night guard, do consider!
Do not hesitate to contact us immediately if you happen to experience any changes in the fit, crown appearance. Or if there is any kind of discomfort or pain.
As mentioned in the point above about hard food, avoiding your teeth as tools to perform tasks is a shortcut to lessening the crowns' lifespan, causing cracks and chips which might end up being dangerous to your health (such as: choking hazard).
The guidelines are just, guidelines. Even if it is not possible to follow them consistently it is always good to be aware of them. Those tips are valuable to maintaining a good oral health and keeping your crowns in pristine condition for many many years to come!
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us! As Luwi Dental Clinic we are striving to provide the best service and information to your current and future patients the best way we can!
Luwi Dental Clinic is partnered with a clinic in Leicester, UK. If you happen to have any issues after you are back in the UK we will redirect you to them for the checkup!
The cost of zirconia crowns at Luwi Dental is £220 per crown. Being more affordable than E-Max crowns, but lacking translucency the latter has, zirconia crowns are a great alternative to porcelain crowns in terms of strength and durability. International patients prefer zirconia crowns for its affordable prices compared to their home countries.
The timeline for the dental implant process varies depending on individual cases. Typically, it can take several months from start to finish, including surgery, healing, and the placement of the final restoration.
The surgery itself is usually performed under local anesthesia or sedation, so most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. Post-operative pain can be managed with prescribed medications.
With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime. Regular check-ups with your dentist and good oral hygiene are essential for long-term success.
The cost of dental implants varies depending on the number of implants needed, the type of restoration, and other factors. Your dentist can provide you with a detailed estimate.
After the initial healing period, you can eat normally. During recovery, you may need to follow a soft food diet for a few days or weeks.