Zirconium Dental Crowns

Zirconium dental crown treatment is generally a quick and straightforward procedure, completed in three sessions. However, the number of sessions required and the treatment steps involved may be affected by the patient’s general health, oral health and dental status, and the dentist’s expertise and experience. For instance, patients with conditions such as tooth decay or gum disease require preliminary treatment. In such cases, additional sessions may be needed to complete the preliminary treatment. Therefore, after the initial examination, your dentist will be able to share the treatment plan and the number of sessions required with you.

Initial examination

During your initial examination, you should tell your dentist in detail about any conditions that are causing you discomfort. You should also explain any general health issues you have. It is important that your dentist creates a treatment plan that meets your expectations. To this end, you should describe your desired smile and the dental aesthetics you are aiming for. It is also helpful to let your dentist know your budget for this treatment. This will help them to determine the most suitable materials for your treatment. After this consultation, your dentist will examine your mouth. During the examination, your oral and dental health will be assessed. Subsequently, your oral health will be evaluated using X-rays and 3D tomography.

Based on all this information, your specialist dentist will create a treatment plan and share it with you. Your treatment plan is prepared based on:

• your jaw structure;
• your facial structure;
• your tooth structure and alignment;
• the outcome you expect from the treatment;
• Your budget.

Alongside this plan, you and your dentist will decide on the preferred crown and its brand.

Digital Smile Design

Digital Smile Design is a system that enables you to preview the results of your planned dental treatment before it begins. This makes it possible to see whether your vision matches the result of the treatment. To create a Digital Smile Design, high-resolution photographs are first taken from various angles under appropriate lighting. Using various software programmes, your dentist's planned smile design is applied to your face. This allows you to see the outcome of the treatment on your face and make changes with your dentist.

Tooth reduction and impression

In order to apply crown treatment, your teeth will be minimally reduced. Before starting this procedure, your mouth will be numbed with local anaesthetic. You will not feel any pain or discomfort throughout the treatment. Typically, your tooth will be reduced by 1–2 mm in thickness. However, if there is a major fracture, deep crack or significant discolouration, this thickness may increase slightly. In such cases, a composite filling is applied to support the zirconium crown. This reduces the load on your tooth root. After the reduction process is complete, an impression of your mouth and teeth is taken. Temporary crowns are then placed on your teeth so that you can continue your daily life, both functionally and aesthetically, while your zirconium dental implants are carefully prepared in a laboratory.

Application of Zirconium Dental Crowns and final checks

At this stage, the prepared zirconium dental crowns are placed on your teeth. Following this temporary placement, the colour and shape of the crowns, as well as the functionality of your bite and jaw movements, are carefully checked. If you and your dentist are both satisfied, the crowns will be permanently placed. Otherwise, the necessary revisions are carried out.

Whether you are an ideal candidate should ultimately be decided by your dentist after an initial examination. However, patients who are generally suitable for this treatment usually have at least one of the following characteristics:

• Patients with fractures, cracks or large, deep colour changes on the front surface of their teeth
• Patients with mildly misaligned teeth
• Patients whose tooth structure has been weakened due to root canal treatment
• Patients who want crown treatment but have a metal allergy
• Patients whose tooth structure has been weakened due to trauma may also be suitable candidates for zirconium dental crown treatment.

Zirconium dental crowns are a fast, long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing treatment that is often chosen by patients with deep marks and cracks on their tooth surfaces or weakened tooth structures. However, in some cases, this treatment may not be appropriate for patients because they do not meet certain criteria. The most accurate decision about your suitability for this treatment will, of course, be made by your dentist. In general, though, the reasons why patients are considered unsuitable for this treatment are as follows:

• Patients with teeth clenching or grinding problems cannot undergo Zirconium Dental Crown treatment without first addressing this issue. This is because the results of the treatment will not be long-lasting. The continuous and intense force applied when clenching your teeth can cause the crown to crack over time.
• This treatment is not recommended for patients who do not pay sufficient attention to oral hygiene. Although crowns protect the tooth structure, insufficient dental care leads to plaque accumulation. This can result in gum disease and tooth decay under the crown, leading to tooth loss. Therefore, regular and careful oral hygiene is essential after zirconium dental crown treatment.
• Individuals with gum disease should have the disease treated first. Zirconium dental crown treatment cannot begin in patients with gum disease until the disease has been treated. Otherwise, it will not be possible to achieve a harmonious gum–crown line. This will prevent the crown from remaining healthy and stable.
• In order for zirconium dental crown treatment to be applied, the tooth root must be healthy and a certain amount of tooth structure must be present. Otherwise, the crown cannot be sufficiently stable.
• Zirconium dental crown treatment is generally applied to patients over the age of 18, except in special cases. This is because, by this age, the jaw and dental development of the individual are expected to be complete. However, the treatment may be applied in special cases if deemed appropriate by the dentist.

Similar to the treatment itself, the recovery period is quick and straightforward. Due to the reduction of the tooth and adjustment of the gum margins, you may experience some sensitivity during the first two days. However, this can easily be managed with a painkiller recommended by your dentist. Swelling and colour changes in the gums are to be expected in the first few days. These symptoms will disappear in a short time, though. During the first week, you should avoid very hot or cold foods. Avoid biting hard objects. From the second week onwards, the discolouration, swelling and sensitivity will have completely subsided. By the end of the second week, your crowns will have fully adapted to your mouth. Shortly afterwards, you can start using your crowns just like your natural teeth.

Before zirconium dental crown treatment, the tooth enamel is minimally reduced. This procedure removes existing stains and irregularities, and creates space for the crown to be placed. Of course, reducing the tooth surface is irreversible. However, the reduction must not be carried out in such a way that it would crack the tooth enamel. Therefore, the dentist performing the zirconium dental crown treatment must be experienced in this procedure. They should also be qualified to provide this treatment. In addition, the clinic must have sufficient equipment and use technology that meets current standards. The laboratory responsible for preparing the crowns must also be competent in this field, and the materials used must meet certain standards.

How long will a zirconia crown last?

A zirconium dental crown can last for over 15 years. Various factors can shorten or extend this period. One of these is the dentist’s meticulousness and expertise. Proper tooth reduction, an accurate impression and a design that suits the oral and bone structure are all important. It is also crucial that the teeth are free from cavities, tartar and plaque before the crowns are fitted. Otherwise, the tooth may continue to decay under the crown, which can lead to tooth loss. During biting, the force must be distributed evenly.

Additionally, how much importance the patient gives to dental care can significantly extend the lifespan of the crowns. It is therefore essential to practise regular oral and dental hygiene as recommended by your dentist. You should also attend dental check-ups at the intervals recommended by your dentist.

Conditions such as teeth clenching or grinding can also cause crowns to wear down over time, leading to cracking. Receiving treatment and using a night guard, if necessary, will therefore extend the lifespan of zirconium crowns.

Are zirconium crowns more expensive than porcelain or PFM crowns?

Zirconium is an expertly manufactured laboratory material. Produced using the CAD/CAM system, it is a high-tech product. It is important that the laboratory is adequately equipped and that the dentist and technician are experienced in this field. Zirconium has a very natural appearance because it has high light translucency. Despite not containing metal, it is highly durable. Since it is free of metal, it does not cause grey reflections on the teeth. For these reasons, zirconium is slightly more expensive than other types of crown. However, it has a long lifespan due to its durability and patient satisfaction, which compensates for the initial cost. This is because patients generally do not feel the need to replace their crowns after choosing zirconium crowns.

Can zirconia crowns crack, chip or be repaired?

Zirconium dental crowns are made from highly durable materials. However, they can still fracture or crack due to sudden and strong impacts or blows, just as natural teeth can. If the scratch or crack is not very deep, the crown can be repaired using filling and polishing materials. However, if a piece breaks off or there are very deep cracks, unfortunately, the crown must be replaced. This is because it is not possible to make a permanent repair in such situations. Therefore, after zirconium crown treatment, you should take care to protect your crowns from severe trauma. If you grind your teeth at night, seek treatment or use a night guard. Avoid biting hard objects. By doing so, you can prevent major changes to your crowns.