A Complete Guide to Stainless Steel Crowns for Adults

Dental crowns are prosthetics which are used to cover up misshapen teeth and restore the smile on your face. We’ve seen a number of villains smile wide with stainless steel crowns. If your teeth are weak or broken, these crowns are an excellent fix. They are also used to provide support in case you are getting a dental bridge. 

The most popular dental crowns are stainless steel crowns. There are different dental crowns that you can make use of, but you must be well informed before you pick one. So, we are here to tell you all about stainless steel crowns and why you should or should not choose them.

Facts about Stainless Steel Crowns

• Stainless steel dental crowns are used by dentists and orthodontists throughout the globe.

• Stainless steel crowns are used mostly as a temporary fix while some other crown made from another material is being processed.

• These dental crowns are made only out of metals that are safe and will not cause irritation.

• Stainless steel crowns are used on children in order to fit a primary tooth that has been made to fit it.

• You can get a stainless steel crown installed in a single visit to the dentist.

• Stainless steel dental crowns are less expensive than other dental crowns.

Stainless Steel Crowns for Adults

While it is a common idea that stainless steel crowns are only used for children, you must know that these dental crowns can be used on adults as well. They are just used differently. We will now examine how these crowns are used on adults differently from when they are used on children.

What are Stainless Steel Crowns?

Stainless steel dental crowns are preformed metal crowns that can be used on teeth. They are used primarily on milk teeth, mostly in the back. They are not preferred on front milk teethe because they are distinct and not very flattering.

What most people do not know is that stainless steel crowns are also used on permanent molars in adults. 

Why are Stainless Steel Crowns preferred?

Since they were invented in the 1950s, these stainless steel crowns have been very effective on milk teeth. As they are preformed, they sit well on teeth and perform all the basic functions that the crown of a tooth would. 

It is also extremely convenient that the stainless steel crown will fall off easily when the milk tooth does, without causing any complications. Furthermore, this dental crown is built to last long until the tooth actually falls out. You need not pay many visits to the dentist until then.

When must Stainless Steel Crowns be used?

If your child is physically or mentally disabled and cannot be subjected to intensive oral care and maintenance, stainless steel crowns are the best option for them. These dental crowns can also be used to repair damaged and broken teeth.

When a tooth is severely damaged due to dental caries or needs to undergo pulp treatment, a stainless steel crown is the best option. Any abnormal birth defects on your teeth can also be combated with the use of a stainless steel dental crown.

Please keep in mind to consult your dentist before picking out the dental crown that will work for you. If you are allergic to metal, this dental crown is not for you.

How is a stainless steel crown installed on a tooth?

Before determining if and where to place a dental crown, a dentist takes x-rays to carefully examine your teeth and what exactly would work on them. Once the x-ray confirms that a crown is needed, they move on to the next steps.

If the dental crown placement is preceded by a pulp treatment, no additional local anaesthesia is required as the one from the pulp treatment would be more than enough. However, in case only the dental crown must be installed, local anaesthesia is administered to make the process comfortable.

A rubber dam, which is a smooth sheet made of latex, is used to isolate the tooth that is in need of a dental crown. This prevents any debris from interfering with the procedure and also makes the tooth clearly visible to the dentist.

A wooden wedge is also used to open the contact area. After selecting the right crown, the margins are altered to fit the tooth of a certain individual. The tooth and the crown must be washed well and dried to prevent infection.

The cement is mixed and used to fit the crown. After the end of the procedure, the patient is asked to bite down on the tooth to remove the excess cement. The rubber dam and wooden wedge are removed and the area is cleaned.

What can you expect after you get a Stainless Steel Crown?

After the numbness from the surgical procedure has worn off, you will begin to feel some discomfort. Do not worry, as this is normal. In case there is pain, you can contact your dentist and get some painkillers.

Sticky food will cause irritation to your tooth. So avoid these for a while after your dental crown has been fixed. A minimum time of one week is recommended. You must also remember to brush and floss regularly. Doing both twice a day is highly recommended and will yield the best results.

If you rinse your mouth with warm salt water two or three times a day, the discomfort can be dealt with in a natural manner. This will also help clean your mouth. If you see a white line under the crown, plaque has built up and will need brushing.

The Final Take

Pain is a quite common occurrence, so allow yourself a discomfort period of at least two weeks. In case there is extreme pain, irritation or bleeding, contact your dentist and fix an appointment immediately.

Normally, there is no need for follow-up visits with the dentist regarding stainless steel crowns. These are all the things you must know about before you or your child gets a stainless steel crown. We highly recommend them because they are low-maintenance as well as cost-effective.