Are You a Sterling Heights Resident in Need of a Dental Crown?

A routine trip to the dentist should really be a biannual plan for everyone to be able to get a proper cleaning and exam. Though, some individuals may have to go to their dentist’s office more than twice to have procedures such as fillings, crowns, and root canals done. If that is the situation for you, you may well be searching the internet seeking an explanation of the procedure you’re about to undergo. It’s natural to be inquisitive, but there is no need to be worried.

The most common procedure is crowns, which are also called “caps”, and they are used to maintain or protect a damaged tooth. Dental crowns can be made of three different restorative materials (all-ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or gold), which material is decided on to create the crown depends on a variety of needs like strength requirements, esthetic demands, and space available for the restoration.

The necessity for a crown arises when decay or damage to a tooth is too much to be helped with a veneer, or if a root canal has occurred. Based on what material is chosen to make your crown, it will either be made at the dental office, or in a laboratory. Before receiving the crown, it is common to have a consultation visit where your dentist will go over preparation processes for the procedure and take impressions of your existing tooth to make the appropriate sized and shaped crown. During this consultation, a temporary crown may be placed on the damaged tooth to preserve it until final placement.

During a second appointment, the new dental crown will be placed and fastened in. Some people may want a local anesthetic; but this is generally painless to most patients. The crown will be inspected by the dentist for the way it is placed; making certain it properly fits the tooth and its neighboring teeth. You might be instructed to look in a mirror to look at the shape and color. Once you and your dentist are content with the crown as a whole, the crown will be cemented in position and any extra dental cement will be scraped away by the dentist.

After the placement of a crown, your dentist will supply you with information regarding proper care for your new crown. General practices of brushing twice daily and flossing will help to prevent the development of plaque and gum disease. It is advisable to avoid chewing ice or other hard foods, grinding or clenching your teeth, and biting your fingernails, as these can lead to damage of the dental crown.

Dental Crown Materials

As mentioned before, crowns can be made of different materials based on the needs of the individual.

All-ceramic crowns are typically more esthetically pleasing given that the translucency of the material makes them look nearly the same as natural teeth. These crowns don’t require any metal and are able to use less material, making them a great choice for a small space in the mouth. The resilience of the all-cement crown is good, but should not be used for people who have a tendency to grind or clench their teeth.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are the second most esthetically pleasing option. The metal inside the crown takes away some of the translucency in the porcelain but adds needed strength and support. It is essential to note that as gum recession occurs, the metal portion of the crown could become visible.
A gold crown is not as popular as it used to be, mainly for esthetic reasons. However, a gold crown has a lot to offer in durability and strength, especially for molars and individuals who clench or grind their teeth. Gold is a good choice substance when thinking about the wear and tear on the surrounding teeth, since it tends to be less abrasive than porcelain.