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