A dental crown can restore the appearance and function of a damaged or decayed tooth. A reputable Great Neck dental office offers this dental service to save your teeth and avoid extraction. If you are considering getting dental crowns, keep reading to learn the information you need before you make a decision:
What to Know About Dental Crowns?
Tooth crowns are prosthetics placed over your decayed or damaged teeth to hide their exposed surface. Often, they are made from ceramic, metal, porcelain, or a combination of such materials. They can be used to protect or strengthen a weak or damaged tooth, improve its looks, or restore an implant. Dental crowns are customized for your teeth. Also, they can be used to attach a dental bridge.
Kinds of Dental Crowns
Crowns are available in different varieties including the following:
- Metal crowns. This type of dental crown is available in silver, gold, metal alloys, or platinum. Metal and strong and can endure pressure from chewing and biting. But metal crowns do not have an appealing look. They are suitable for use on back molars due to such features.
- Ceramic or porcelain crowns. Such crowns are made to mimic the color of your teeth and have a seamless appearance. Thus, they can be used on the front teeth and other teeth. While they cost as much as crowns made of metal, they aren’t as strong. Even if they resist stains, they can deteriorate and fade over time.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. Such dental crowns blend the appearance of porcelain with the durability and strength of metal. While you can use them on any molar, they can greatly benefit your back teeth. But the metal component can leave a black line on your gums and discolor them.
- All-resin dental crowns. These are the most affordable crowns available. This is because they are not as strong as other kinds of dental crowns. Also, these crowns are prone to fractures.
- Stainless steel tooth crowns. Such crowns are usually used as temporary caps. While your permanent crowns are being made, you get stainless steel crowns to protect your teeth. These crowns are perfect for children and placing them is a short process.
Reasons You Need a Crown
Typically, dental crowns are used to address different dental problems like the following:
- Tooth decay or infection. Dental crowns can restore and protect damaged or weakened teeth.
- Root canal procedure. After a root canal treatment, a crown may be placed over the treated tooth, restoring its appearance and function.
- Big cavities. A huge dental cavity that has weakened your tooth can be covered with a crown to offer extra protection and support.
- Cosmetic reasons. Dental crowns are used to enhance the looks of your discolored or misshapen teeth.
The Dental Crown Process
Typically, getting a tooth crown involves at least two appointments. To evaluate the seriousness of the tooth damage, your dentist will examine it and take X-rays. The dentist will numb the affected tooth and surrounding area if they have to place a crown. They will prepare the tooth for the dental crown by filing it down. Then they will make a mold for the tooth crown with an impression of it.
The dentist will give you a temporary dental crown to cover the affected tooth while the permanent crown is being made. The second appointment will be about placing the permanent crown and cementing it in position.
Durability of Dental Crowns
Depending on how you take care of your crown, it may last from 5 to 15 years. To ensure it lasts longer, practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. Also, you should avoid teeth grinding and chewing hard or sticky food.