How Do Dentists Remove Crowns?

Dental crowns are an ideal way of rebuilding or restoring teeth that are badly broken or cracked. Made out of strong and durable porcelain, crowns are a permanent treatment which can last up to 20 years, provided you take care of your attractive results.

In a nutshell, crowns –also known as caps- are offered as a restorative option for fixing teeth that are weakened by small fractures or decay. Alternatively, the treatment can be used to restore misshapen, discoloured or broken teeth creating an overall better smile.

Over time crowns may need to be replaced due to general wear and tear, sometimes more than once, so how do dentists remove crowns to make way for a new one? This is a very common procedure here at our dental clinic in Adelaide and this is how we do it.

How Do Dentists Remove Crowns?

The removal of existing crowns can be traumatic for any patient. At Adelaide Dental, our first option is re-doing a crown. The procedure requires trimming the existing crown to make space for a new cap. The condition of your current crown will determine how much treatment is actually needed. The procedure is relatively painless, but it should be noted that replacing it multiple times could affect the overall health of the tooth –increasing the chance of needing a root canal in the future.

In some cases, the restorative material may need to be completely cut through with high-speed rotary instrument and then pried off with a narrow-ended tool. If the crown is made out of gold or metal, then removal becomes even more difficult because the material is harder to penetrate. It’s important to remember that there are several dental restorations to choose from, and our friendly team of dentists here in Adelaide are always more than happy to help you pick an option you’re most comfortable with.

The Main Reasons to Replace an Old Crown

The decision to replace an old crown will depend upon a number of factors, not just appearance. The most important reason is if the tooth has decay underneath the crown. A cavity might be that extensive that it requires for the crown to be entirely removed. If the root is also infected, a root canal might be needed.

Dental crowns can also break or chip. Materials such as gold or metal are not usually prone to breakage, but porcelain can sometimes fracture. A treatment plan may be needed –but that will be determined by the dentist during your consultation.

In other cases, you may be searching for a whiter and a more aesthetic smile. Whatever the reason, at Adelaide Dental patients can expect a positive experience. We pride ourselves in offering pain-free treatments in an anxiety-free atmosphere.

Adelaide Dental provides excellence and friendliness in dental care. If you’re looking for a dentist in Adelaide then Pop in for a consultation with us today at Rundle Mall and see what the latest innovative techniques in modern dentistry can do for your smile!