Can Zirconia Crowns Crack?
Dental crowns are a type of restoration which cover a damaged or weakened tooth. Crowns are commonly used on teeth which have fractured, cracked or broken. Dentists often chose to use dental crowns made from zirconia as they are incredibly strong, durable and attractive. With the proper care and good oral hygiene, zirconia crowns can last for 10-15 years or more.
Prior to placing a crown, the dentist will perform an examination. Crowns can be used on mature adult teeth which are damaged or compromised. Some of the most common reasons for a crown include the following:
- Broken, cracked, fractured, or chipped tooth
- Tooth which contains a large filling
- Protect a tooth which recently had a root canal
- Used with a dental implant to replace a missing tooth
Dental Crown Candidates
The procedure for placing a dental crown is completed in about an hour in the dentist’s office. The procedure uses a local anesthetic and sedation is not required. In addition to improving the appearance of the tooth, a crown can also restore the function of the tooth and prevent damage or shifting of the adjacent teeth.
Zirconia restorations are created from Zirconia dioxide, which is a metal oxide. The monolithic Zirconia commonly used in dental restorations contains incredible strength and durability. The all-ceramic material of zirconia does not require the unsightly metal which is used in porcelain crowns. Benefits of zirconia include its stability, resilience to wear, and prevention of cracking.
Special Features of Zirconia
Modern dentistry first introduced zirconia crowns in 2010. Prior to using zirconia in crowns, it was used in dentistry for dental implants and endodontic posts. The material comes to the dental laboratory as pressed solid blocks. The lab will then mill the blocks into a 3-dimensional crown or framework using CAD/CAM production. This allows the lab to consistently create exceptional restorations which meet the needs of the patient. Because these types of crowns do not require the use of any metal, the result is an aesthetically pleasing crown which does not contain visible dark lines or shadows.
Zirconia can be used for variety of different types of restorations such as full crown coverage, multi-unit bridges, frameworks for porcelain-fused-to-Zirconia crowns and bridges, and can even be used with veneers. Zirconia crowns are becoming increasingly popular because of their many advantages.
The strength and durability of zirconia are two of the greatest advantages of using the material for a crown. When evaluating the amount of use and force that is placed on back teeth, it is important that the restoration is able to regular chewing and grinding. It is important for crowns to be strong, as a result, zirconia is often a good material for use with crowns placed in the back of the mouth. As a result of the great strength of zirconia, the tooth does not require a great deal of preparation from the dentist.
When comparing zirconia crowns and metal-based crowns over a five year period, they had the same longevity. Crowns which are specifically made with a zirconia, called monolithic zirconia, are particularly durable.
Another reason many dentists opt to use zirconia for restorations is because of its biocompatibility. This simply means the body is less likely to produce an allergic reaction or trigger inflammation.
Follow up with your dentist to discuss if you may be a good candidate for a zirconia crown.