A dental crown is a common and effective solution for restoring damaged teeth. This dental procedure helps in improving both the function and appearance of your teeth. Dr. Maxwell places dental crowns to restore your dental health or to address cosmetic concerns.
What is a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are a common and versatile solution in restorative dentistry, designed to protect and enhance damaged or weakened teeth.
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. The crown covers the entire visible part of the tooth above the gum line, effectively encasing it. Crowns can be made from various materials, including metals, porcelain, resin, or a combination of these materials.
Why Are Dental Crowns Used?
Dental crowns are used for both restorative and cosmetic reasons:
- Protection: They protect a tooth that has been weakened by decay or a large filling. For instance, after a root canal treatment, a crown is often placed to reinforce the tooth and prevent it from fracturing.
- Restoration: Crowns restore the shape and size of a tooth that has been damaged or worn down. This helps in restoring normal function and appearance.
- Cosmetic Improvement: Crowns improve the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth. Due to their natural look, porcelain crowns are particularly popular for front teeth.
- Supporting Dental Bridges: Crowns are used to anchor a dental bridge in place, which replaces one or more missing teeth. Covering Implants: Crowns are placed on top of dental implants, which serve as artificial tooth roots, to complete the restoration process.
Types of Dental Crowns
There are several materials that can be used for a dental crown. Factors such as the location of the affected tooth and your aesthetic needs are considered when recommending the type of crown.
- Metal Crowns: These are typically made from alloys like gold, platinum, or base-metal alloys. They are very durable and require minimal tooth structure removal. However, their metallic appearance can be a drawback for some patients, especially for front teeth.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns: These combine the strength of metal with the aesthetic appeal of porcelain. They are often used for back teeth, where strength is crucial, but they can also be customized to match the color of your natural teeth.
- All-Porcelain or All-Ceramic Crowns: These crowns offer the best natural color match and are ideal for front teeth. They provide excellent aesthetic results but might not be as durable as metal crowns. Resin Crowns: Made from composite resin, these crowns are less expensive but tend to wear down faster than porcelain or metal crowns.
The Crown Placement Procedure
The process for placing a traditional dental crown will require two office visits to complete.
- Initial Assessment: Your dentist will examine your tooth and take X-rays to assess the extent of damage and determine if a crown is suitable.
- Tooth Preparation: The tooth is shaped to accommodate the crown. This involves removing some of the tooth structure to ensure a proper fit for the crown.
- Impression: An impression of your prepared tooth is taken, which is used to create a custom crown. In some cases, digital impressions may be used for greater precision.
- Temporary Crown: While the permanent crown is being made, a temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth.
- Crown Placement: Once the permanent crown is ready, it is fitted, adjusted for proper fit and bite, and cemented into place.
- Follow-Up: A follow-up visit may be scheduled to ensure the crown is functioning properly and to address any issues.
Dental Crown Care and Maintenance
With proper dental care, dental crowns can last between 5 to 15 years or more. Here are some tips for maintaining your new dental crown:
- Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day and floss daily, especially around the crown to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Chewing on hard foods or objects can damage your crown.
- Regular Checkups: Regular dental visits help ensure that your crown is in good condition and that any potential issues are addressed promptly.
Dental crowns are an effective and reliable solution for various dental issues, offering both functional and aesthetic benefits. Whether you need to protect a weakened tooth, restore a damaged one, or enhance your smile, crowns can be tailored to meet your needs. Consult with Dr. Maxwell to determine if a dental crown is the right option for your dental care needs and to discuss the best material and approach for your specific situation.