In terms of the materials from which they are made, considerable progress has been made. Today, crowns can be made that are completely similar to natural teeth and biocompatible, such as zirconia crowns.
At Savasta Medical Office we are always up-to-date on new techniques and materials. We will explain what zirconia crowns are, what their characteristics are, and how we use them in a course of treatment.
What are zirconia crowns and their characteristics
Zirconia crowns are prostheses made from ZIRCONium oxide, which is as bright white as porcelain. Due to this translucent appearance they look very similar to natural teeth. Such crowns contain no metal and therefore do not cause allergies, even to the most sensitive individuals.
There are several positive aspects of such prostheses. The first of these is the high quality aesthetic remains, thanks to special polishing and filing processes.
The artifacts obtained from this type of processing present a completely natural appearance. For this very reason, they are particularly recommended for replacing the most visible teeth, such as canines and incisors.
Another quality is durability, due to the fact that tooth preparation time is shorter than using other materials.Â
They also have no sensitivity to heat and cold, as they have no metal parts. In fact, as we all know, metals are good conductors.
Other positive features of zirconia crowns include a very low risk of rejection compared with traditional prostheses; they are also lighter.
They also have a reduced risk of bacterial plaque accumulation if they consistently care for their oral hygiene.
When zirconia dentures are needed and how we apply them
Zirconia dentures are used to make a reconstructed or devitalized tooth stronger. Especially in the latter circumstance they greatly improve the dark appearance sometimes assumed by the tooth.
They are also used in cases where a tooth is chipped or fractured.
It is custom-made and tailored to the patient's teeth. Because they are less thick than traditional dentures, excessive filing of the tooth on which it will be installed is not required to apply them.
The timelines for implementation and application are not long. So let's see how the medical team at Studio Savasta proceeds.
Usually the application of such a crown is done in several stages. In the first stage, the tooth on which we need to operate may be devitalized. However, such an operation is not always necessary.
In the next step, the tooth is monconized at the point where it is to be reconstructed, employing a single-channel post. This operation is necessary to create the thickness needed to insert the capsule.
After the preliminary stage, we take impressions using a digital scanner to make the custom-made prosthesis. While waiting for it to be prepared, a provisional prosthesis made directly in the office using a 3d printer is used, which has a protective function.
When the zirconia dental crown is ready it is attached to the tooth. The procedure does not cause any pain in the patient, as anesthesia is used.
The durability of this kind of crown is longer than that of traditional crowns. However, in addition to their inherent strength, their durability also depends on how they are treated over time.
First of all, it is essential to take care oforal hygiene , which should be daily and should be done properly. In addition, once every 6 months it is advisable to have a professional cleaning at the dentist.
Frequent consumption of hard foods can also affect the implants in the long run. The best way to keep them under control is to rely on monitoring by the specialist.
So if you are thinking of having a zirconia crown installed, we advise you in the next stage not to neglect periodic visits. Only in this way can you catch any problems and solve them in a timely manner.
Among the factors to watch out for is the age-related phenomenon of receding gums. This can in fact result in a sagging of the crown, with an unsightly effect. Only the dentist can pick up on these signs and intervene as soon as possible.
Never neglect your teeth, but not just as a matter of aesthetics. They are of primary importance for multiple functions: from chewing to breathing to phonation.
Healthy living means being well in all contexts of your personal fulfillment.
