Dental Crown for Older Adults: What to Know Before Getting One

Why Older Adults May Need a Dental Crown

A crown usually comes into consideration when a tooth has lost enough substance that it can no longer be restored with a filling. This can happen for teeth which have been restored multiple times previously as each procedure removes some of the tooth’s structure until there is not enough to support a restoration.

Being older does not mean you cannot have a crown fitted to your tooth. It’s a point worth noting as a crown is not an inappropriate solution if the given tooth is worthy of one.

A Crown Following a Root Canal

Teeth which have undergone root canal treatment are more prone to fracturing since much of their structure has been compromised during the procedure. Having a crown placed over such a tooth will offer additional protection to the reduced amount of tooth present, reducing risk of breakage

The Crown Fitting Procedure

An initial assessment is necessary and your dentist will most likely take an x-ray of the affected tooth/tissues. They will look at the findings alongside your overall oral health to decide if any preformed actions need to occur prior to the crown fitting. Once the tooth is deemed ready, your dentist will prepare your tooth so there is enough room for the crown to be seated properly.

As the fitting process can be lengthy, a temporary crown may be placed until your permanent crown is ready for fitting. Your dentist will then be able to evaluate your bite to ensure your new crown is comfortable and does not disrupt your overall oral function; if you do not feel comfortable in any way, ensure you communicate this with your dentist.

What Older Adults Should Consider Prior to a Crown Fitting

• Ensure any gum disease is treated first. Having a crown fitted over unhealthy gums is a recipe for future issues down the track.

• If your tooth feels loose in any way, ensure this is voiced with your dentist as they will need to evaluate the supporting structures of that particular tooth.

• As you enter retirement age, dry mouth can become an issue and often goes hand in hand with medication use for other conditions. Dry mouth increases risk of decay around your dental work.

• Ensure the biting force of the tooth is adequate, particularly if you are a bruxer (grinder). Your dentist may recommend a nightguard if your crown is likely to undergo heavy forces during sleep.

Selecting the Most Suitable Material for your Crown

There is no one size fits all material for a crown. Depending on the location of the tooth, remaining tooth structure as well as your own biting forces and aesthetics required, your dentist will advise which material/s would be most suitable for you. If the crown is at the back of your mouth, strength is often prioritised over aesthetics.

However, if the crown is at the front, aesthetics will often play a bigger role in the decision making process. The crown’s comfort and function should be prioritized over material cost. After all, you will be living with it for a long time.

Considerations for Cost and Crown Longevity

The cost of a crown will vary depending on the material chosen and the dentist you choose to have the procedure done at. Your private health fund or dental insurance may also impact the final cost you are liable for. Ensure you ask for the final cost of the procedure prior to beginning any treatment, particularly if further work is required for the tooth to be crowned.

While a dental crown is a long term investment, it should also be a lasting one. Ensuring you take care of your crown by not biting into hard substances and keeping the area clean will prolong its life considerably.

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