Onlays and ¾ crowns are variations on the technique of dental crowns. The difference
between these crowns and the crowns discussed previously is their coverage of
the underlying tooth. The "traditional" crown covers the entire tooth; onlays and ¾ crowns cover the underlying tooth to a lesser extent.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
On average, dental crowns last between 5 and 15 years. The life span of a
crown depends on the amount of "wear and tear" the crown is exposed to,
how well you follow good oral hygiene practices, and your personal
mouth-related habits (you should avoid such habits as grinding or clenching
your teeth, chewing ice, biting your fingernails and using your teeth to open
packaging).
Does a Crowned Tooth Require Special Care?
While a crowned tooth does not require any special care, remember that
simply because a tooth is crowned does not mean the underlying tooth is
protected from decay or gum disease. Therefore, continue to follow good oral
hygiene practices, including brushing your teeth at least twice a day and
flossing once a day-especially around the crown area where the gum meets the
tooth.
How Much Do Crowns Cost?
Costs of crowns vary depending on what part of the country you live in and on the type
of crown selected (for example, porcelain crowns are typically more expensive
than gold crowns, which are typically more expensive than
porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns). Generally, crowns can range in cost from $500
to $900 or more per crown. A portion of the cost of crowns is generally covered
by insurance. To be certain, check with your dental insurance company.
Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, is a disorder of the temporomandibular joint(s) that causes signs and symptoms including ear pain, bite problems, headaches, dizziness, clicking sounds in the jaw, tinnitus and/or locked jaws. Behaviors or conditions that can lead to TMJ include teeth grinding or clenching, fingernail biting, habitual gum chewing, trauma to the jaw, stress, and occupational hazards. Treatment for TMJ may include heat, ice, a soft diet, antiinflammatory medications, physical therapy, stress management, occlusal therapy, correction of bite abnormalities, and surgery.
Toothache usually refers to pain around the teeth or jaws. In most instances, toothaches are caused by tooth or jaw problems, such as a dental cavity, a cracked tooth, an exposed tooth root, gum disease, disease of the jaw joint (TMJ), or spasms of the muscles used for chewing. A toothache can also be caused by a problem that does not originate from a tooth or the jaw, like diseases of the heart (angina or heart attack), ear infections, and sinus infections. A thorough oral examination, which includes dental X-rays, can help determine the cause.
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
Gum disease is caused by plaque and may result in tooth loss without proper treatment. Symptoms and signs of gum disease (gingivitis or periodontal disease) include receding gums, bad breath and pocket formation between the teeth and gums. Treatment depends upon the stage of the gum disease, how you responded to earlier treatments, and your overall health.
Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding. Bruxism may be caused by stress or anxiety and often happens during sleep. Symptoms and signs include jaw pain, headache, and abnormalities in your teeth. Treatment may involve practicing stress-management techniques, cutting back on caffeine and alcohol, avoiding gum chewing, training oneself not to grind the teeth, and wearing a mouth guard.
Dental injuries range from a chipped or fractured tooth to a knocked out tooth. Treatment depends upon the severity of the dental injury. Dental injuries may be prevented by aligning protruding front teeth with braces and using face masks and mouthguards while playing sports.
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