Auburn Hills Residents, Do You Need a Dental Crown?

A routine visit to the dentist should be a biannual plan for everyone so that you can get a proper cleaning and exam. Though, some individuals may have to visit their dentist’s office more than twice to have procedures such as fillings, crowns, and root canals performed. If it is the case for you, you may well be scanning the web seeking an explanation of the procedure you’re about to undergo. It’s natural to be interested, but there is no need to be afraid.

The most popular procedure is crowns, which are also called “caps”, and they are used to preserve 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 need for a crown develops when decay or damage to a tooth is too much to be helped with a veneer, or if a root canal has taken place. Depending on what material is chosen to create your crown, it will either be created at the dental office, or in a laboratory. Before receiving the crown, it is normal to have a consultation visit where your dentist will go over preparation methods for the procedure and take impressions of your existing tooth in order to make the appropriate sized and shaped crown. During this consultation, a temporary crown may be placed on the damaged tooth to safeguard it until final placement.

During the second appointment, the new dental crown will be placed and secured in. Some people may want a local anesthetic; but this is generally painless to the majority of patients. The crown will be checked by the dentist for the way it is placed; ensuring it properly fits the tooth and its neighboring teeth. You may be asked to look in a mirror to check the shape and color. Once you and your dentist are pleased with the crown as a whole, the crown can be cemented in place 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 about proper care for your new crown. Typical practices of brushing twice a day and flossing will help to prevent the growth of plaque and gum disease. You should avoid eating 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 described before, crowns can be made of several materials based on the need of the individual.

All-ceramic crowns are usually more esthetically pleasing given that the translucency of the material causes them to look very similar to natural teeth. These crowns do not require any metal and are able to use less material, which makes them a great choice for a small space in the mouth. The resilience of the all-cement crown is good, but really 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 on the inside of the crown takes away some of the translucency of the porcelain but provides needed strength and support. It is essential to be aware that as gum recession happens, the metal portion of the crown can become visible.
A gold crown is not as popular as it once was, mainly for esthetic reasons. Still, a gold crown has a lot to offer in strength and durability, especially for molars and people who clench or grind their teeth. Gold is a good choice material when considering the wear and tear on the bordering teeth, since it tends to be less abrasive than porcelain.