What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a restoration that is shaped like a tooth that fits over the surface of a damaged tooth to functionally restore its shape and look, strength, and aesthetic appeal. It is categorized as restorative dentistry since it reconstitutes a tooth from total loss.
A dental crown is made from an impression of the tooth, which is then used to create a model of the tooth. The model is then used to create a custom-made dental crown from metal, porcelain or ceramic. The crown is then cemented onto the tooth.
The crown covers the entire portion of the tooth above the gum. Sometimes, the patient may consider a partial crown that covers only a small affected part of the tooth.
Different Types of Dental Crown
Crowns are made from a variety of materials that are available for patients to choose from., including porcelain, ceramic, and metal. Porcelain crowns are the most popular type, as they offer the best combination of strength and aesthetics. Metal crowns are the strongest option, but they can cause visible darkening at the gum line. Ceramic crowns provide good strength and a more natural look than metal crowns, but they may not be as strong as porcelain crowns.
Stainless steel crowns
Crowns are placed over permanent teeth temporarily until they can be made or a temporary dental crown can be placed. Their use is also prevalent in children where temporary crowns are put over primary teeth to preserve them from decay. When the primary tooth is removed, the crown will fall off with it. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to fit over a tooth.
Metal crowns
These can withstand chewing and biting and last the longest. They are often made from alloys that contain platinum or gold. However, they’re quite expensive and are typically used for back molars.
Porcelain-Metal crowns
Crowns are made using metal coated with porcelain and can fit onto the teeth. However, sometimes the color of the metal shows as a dark color line along the gum line. The porcelain part of the crown can break or chip off. They can be used for teeth in front or back of the mouth.
Resin crowns
These crowns are the least expensive available. However, they are the most vulnerable to making chips and breaking than others.
Ceramic and porcelain crowns
These crowns are suited for patients who need crowns made to fit the neighboring teeth. They are also appropriate for individuals who’re allergic to, or dislike the taste of metal. They can be used for teeth in front or back of the mouth.
Crowns can be made permanent or temporary. Permanent crowns are generally created at a laboratory while temporary crowns are created by the dentist during a visit. Many temporary crowns can be made from stainless steel or acrylic.
Patients should consider crowns if they notice these signs:
- A huge cavity on the tooth that may be too large for a tooth filling.
- A severely worn out tooth.
- A crack on the tooth.
- A weakened tooth.
Immediately following a root canal, a crown is needed since the tooth becomes weak and needs to be protected. If the dentist needs to put a dental implant or dental bridge to fill a gap in the mouth, a dental crown is also recommended.
Benefits Of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns have various benefits to general dental health and appearance that make them a popular choice for patients and dentists alike. Here are just a few of the benefits of dental crowns:
Protect Teeth From Damage
A tooth with small cracks is common as a result of what it does constantly during the day. However, if you do not properly look after those cracks, the damage they can cause will gradually increase over time. If cracking continues unabated, it might lead to cavities, sensitivity, or pain on the tooth. With continuous chewing, the crack will gradually weaken the tooth and damage its structure. A crown cemented onto the tooth protects it from further breaking and prevents food deposits from worsening cracks, preventing cavities and tooth decay. They likewise strengthen the tooth and maintain its correct structure. In this manner, the tooth remains healthy and intact no matter what they bite or chew.
Beautiful Smile
Even with teeth that have experienced severe damage or discoloration, it is possible to make a beautiful, healthy smile with crowns. Crowns can be made to have the same shade as the tooth next to it to make the user feel beautiful and confident. Teeth can be fabricated to match the color that people choose. They address multiple oral problems that make it hard for people to smile, such as crooked or misshapen teeth.
Get Rid of Discomfort
Having a tooth pulled out put a lot of pain, sensitivity, and discomfort in me. Also, there are teeth in the mouth which can be damaged, leaving some sharp edges that may be cut, or even affect the gums, cheeks, or mouth, making it worrisome when chewing. Another reason that may cause pain is tooth decay or cavities. Having a root canal that is followed by a crown may leave the tooth weakened, which could cause sensitivity or discomfort. Sure, having a crown put on after that tooth can remedy those indications. These assists support the weak tooth and cover up the jagged edges and cuts that could potentially cut into the gums or cheeks.
Other benefits that crowns have are:
- Holding dental bridges in place
- Covering dental implants
- Making cosmetic modifications
- Protecting children’s teeth from decay mostly when kids can’t keep up oral hygiene daily
Crowns are one of the best treatments for an array of dental concerns. They are relatively easy to care for – simply brush and floss as normal and visit your dentist regularly for checkups.
Choosing the dentist to perform your crown fabrication is crucial if you want the procedure to be successful and last a long time.
See Dentist For Life
Looking for an experienced and trusted dentist in Marysville, Ohio? Look no further than Dentist For Life! We provide comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages. We take a wide variety of insurance plans and are currently accepting new patients. You can reach us at (937) 707-1111 or schedule your appointment online here.