A cemented crown is a cap placed over a tooth that has been worn, fractured, or otherwise compromised. The process for fitting a cemented crown is generally brief and straightforward, and complications are uncommon.
An alternative to a cemented crown is a screw-retained crown, which is fastened to an implant with a small screw instead of being bonded onto a natural tooth.
If your dentist recommends a crown, make sure to review the different options and which crown type best fits your dental situation and budget.
What does a cemented crown do?
Cemented crowns restore both the function and appearance of damaged teeth. They mimic the visible portion of a natural tooth, offering support while blending in with the rest of your smile.
Sometimes crowns are used to anchor a dental bridge. These crowns are secured with dental cement and cover the exposed part of the tooth.
Metal and gold crowns have a metallic finish and are commonly used on molars, which are less visible than front teeth. Besides metal, cemented crowns can be constructed from various materials, such as:
- porcelain-fused-to-metal
- all-resin
- all-ceramic or all-porcelain
- zirconia
A crown can prevent the loss of a damaged tooth and help maintain proper alignment between the upper and lower jaws. It can also enhance your bite, making chewing easier.
The American College of Prosthodontists notes that roughly 2.3 million crowns are crafted annually in the United States. Some people never need a crown, while many will require one or more during their lifetime.
How do cemented crowns differ from screw-retained crowns?
If a crown is needed on the remnant of a natural tooth, the crown must be cemented. For implants, you may have the choice between a cemented crown or a screw-retained crown.
Screw-retained crowns attach via a small screw that passes through an access hole into the implant. A dental implant is a metal post that substitutes for a tooth root after the original root has been removed surgically.
Each type has its pros and cons.
Appearance
Because a cemented crown doesn’t require an access hole for a screw, it typically appears more natural than a screw-retained option.
Cemented crowns also often resist damage better, with porcelain less likely to fracture compared with some screw-retained designs. That can mean they maintain a better appearance over time.
Replacement and removal
Screw-retained crowns are usually simpler to remove if they fail or if the implant needs attention.
Cemented crowns can be trickier to extract, though newer techniques and instruments have made removal easier and safer.
Potential problems
Both crown types can develop issues like cracks.
A 2017 study in Stomatologija found screw-retained crowns were more prone to mechanical failures such as fractures and screw loosening.
Cemented crowns, conversely, were linked to more biological complications, including tissue inflammation and bone loss. Inflammation is often due to leftover dental cement, but improved placement techniques aim to remove excess cement completely.
Practicality
Fitting a crown on a back molar is difficult in any case. Given the extra steps required for screw-retained crowns, a cemented crown is frequently an easier solution for these teeth.
Price
Because they involve less laboratory work and fewer components, cemented crowns are usually considerably less expensive than screw-retained crowns.
Your dentist should go over these factors with you; if they don’t, don’t hesitate to ask. Seeking a second opinion is reasonable if you aren’t satisfied with the explanations you receive.
Remember that a tooth with significant decay or severe damage might not be a suitable candidate for a cemented crown, so listen to your dentist’s rationale for recommending a particular crown type.
When is a cemented crown needed?
One of the most frequent reasons for a crown is to stop a weakened or cracked tooth from breaking.
A crown can be used to restore a tooth weakened by decay or fractured in an accident. Teeth worn down over time — for example from grinding — may also benefit from crowning.
Other reasons to consider a cemented crown include:
- covering a tooth with a very large filling and limited remaining tooth structure
- anchoring a dental bridge
- improving the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth
- covering a replacement tooth root, such as a dental implant
- covering the portion of a tooth left after a root canal
During routine dental exams, your dentist may point out teeth that could be improved with a crown. These are often not emergencies, but treating problems early can prevent more serious issues later.
What happens during a cemented crown procedure?
When you’re ready for a crown, your dentist will typically follow these steps to prepare for placing a cemented crown:
- They’ll use a local anesthetic to numb the tooth.
- The tooth will be shaped and filed so the crown fits properly.
- An impression of your mouth will be taken with a soft, putty-like material, and the dentist will match the crown shade to nearby teeth.
- A temporary crown may be placed while the permanent crown is fabricated.
This usually completes the first appointment. The permanent crown is then made in a dental laboratory using the impression taken in your dentist’s office.
When the crown is finished, you’ll return for a second visit to have the temporary removed and the permanent crown cemented in place.
The whole process for placing a cemented crown generally takes a couple of hours, and most people experience minimal pain or discomfort afterward.
What is recovery like after getting a cemented crown?
Wait about an hour after receiving a crown before eating. Beyond that, no special care is required aside from maintaining good oral hygiene — brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits.
You’ll also be advised to avoid chewing hard foods directly on the crowned tooth, as crowns can chip or crack under heavy stress.
Are there risks associated with cemented crowns?
Without intervention, a cracked tooth could break completely, harming both function and appearance.
Crowns can also help reduce the risk of decay and infection. Untreated decay or fractured teeth can lead to tooth loss and pain, and may increase the risk of gum disease, which is linked to bone loss and cardiovascular issues.
Takeaway
Placing a cemented crown on a cracked or worn tooth can enhance your smile and improve chewing and overall dental health.
The crown’s location and material will influence which type is most appropriate.
If you suspect one or more teeth could benefit from a crown, discuss options with your dentist. Addressing dental concerns early typically reduces the chance of more serious complications later on.
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