Dental Crowns: What They Are and Why You Need Them
Dental crowns are a common dental restoration used to restore teeth that have been weakened, damaged, or decayed. Whether you have a cracked tooth, a cavity, or a missing tooth, dental crowns can help restore your smile and improve your oral health.
We’ll answer the frequently asked questions about dental crowns, what are they, what kinds of dental crowns are there and what are they used for?
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a cap that is placed over a tooth for the purpose of restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. (It is similar to a “pillowcase” that you would put over a pillow.) Crowns are typically made of a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, gold, or a combination of these materials. Dental crowns can be customized to match the color, shape, and size of your existing teeth to give you a very natural-looking, functional smile.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are made of a variety of materials. All of the materials behave essentially the same in your mouth. Crowns are fairly durable. With the proper care and oral hygiene, your dental crowns can last up to fifteen or more years.
The most most common types of materials used for dental crowns would include, porcelain fused to metal crowns, gold crowns (back teeth use), ceramic crowns and porcelain crowns. In the recent years many dentists have recommended zirconia crowns. These crowns are exceptionally strong and are used in circumstances where they will not damage opposing teeth. Consult your dentist for the best material to use for your crowns.
Why You May Need a Dental Crown
There are several reasons your dentist may suggest a dental crown. The most common reasons would include, restoring decayed teeth, repairing cracked or broken teeth, restoring teeth with excessive wear, covering discolored or stained teeth, and covering a tooth that has been treated with a root canal.
Generally, dental crowns are superior for protecting your tooth structure from being further damaged. Dental crowns can also restore a tooth’s shape and size so that it can function as a tooth. Many times it is preferable to keep and maintain your tooth as best as possible in order to avoid the unsightly look of a missing tooth and the effects of a missing tooth.
What Would an Appointment for a Crown Be Like
If you think your tooth is damaged in some manner and will require a crown, the first step is to visit our office. Once you have an appointment, your dentist will focus on the area you think needs a crown or perform a complete dental exam. This appointment will usually require imaging. Your dentist will need to see the entire tooth structure to determine if a crown is necessary.
Once it is determined that you need a crown, your dentist will “prep” your tooth. This would involve shaping the tooth structure in order to accept the “cap” or “crown”. Once that is done, your crown can be milled (in office) or sent to the lab. Once the crown returns from milling or the lab, your beautiful restoration will be placed in your mouth.
Having crowns done is an easy, painless procedure. It is much less invasive than a filling or root canal. Crowns can improve both the overall look and function of your smile, as well as protect your teeth from further damage. With proper care and maintenance, a crown can last for many years, making it an excellent investment in your oral health.
In Conclusion
Dental crowns are an versatile dental treatment that can help restore your smile to its natural beauty. Whether you have a damaged, decayed, or stained tooth, a dental crown will restore your tooth’s structure, function, and appearance. If you have compromised teeth and are considering a dental crown, talk to your dentist about your options. With proper care and maintenance, a dental crown can last for many years and help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.
