What is a Full Coverage Crown?
A full coverage crown is literally a cap for a tooth needing protection. It can be custom-fabricated from an assortment of materials, including porcelain or metal.
You could have a crown on a molar that is seldom seen, or you might have a crown on a front tooth that was custom-designed to match your natural teeth.
The primary purpose of a crown is to renew the structural integrity of a weakened tooth. Also referred to as a full coverage restoration, a crown strengthens a tooth, improves your healthy smile, and returns the natural function to bite, chew, and eat your favorite foods without discomfort.
Are You a Candidate for a Full Coverage Crown?
If you have a large cavity that is now too big for a dental filling, it may be time for a full coverage crown. You could also need a crown if your tooth is:
- Severely worn down.
- Cracked or chipped.
- Weakened.
Crowns are usually recommended after a root canal on a tooth because the tooth is now fragile and will need protection.
You may be a candidate for a crown if you are missing a tooth, and your dentist recommends placing a dental bridge or a dental implant.
There is innovative, state-of-the-art technology available today to match the exact shape of the tooth to ensure your permanent crown looks and feels natural in your mouth.
A full coverage crown can help a variety of conditions, including:
- A broken or fractured tooth.
- A painful tooth.
- A root canal.
- Decayed or a lost filling.
- A cavity under an existing crown.
- A dental implant restoration.
A full coverage crown is a long-term restoration solution to help protect the natural tooth and return the full function, along with a healthy and natural appearance.
What to Expect
When receiving a full coverage crown at your dental office, you can expect to:
- Receive efficient and personalized care.
- Understand the extent of all your options as well as the benefits and any risks.
- Be treated so you are as comfortable and relaxed as possible throughout your entire treatment.
- Receive complete and thorough instructions regarding post-treatment care and follow-up treatments.
The Life Expectancy of a Full Coverage Crown
The lifespan of a full coverage crown could be 15 to 30 years. Every crown and situation is different, so they can last longer. For example, a research study subjected three different types of full coverage crowns to intense bite pressure and concluded that zirconia crowns were the least likely to either crack or split. This is a crown fabricated from a solid piece of material.
Researchers used various models for these experiments. They also found that variations in crown placement and other factors will also affect your actual results. As a universal rule, gold crowns and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns have proven to last the longest. Ceramic and porcelain crowns will look more natural, but they are often not as strong as the metal and porcelain-fused-to-metal versions. All-resin full coverage crowns will tend to wear down faster. If you exercise proper oral hygiene, your full coverage crown might last many years.