Dental Crowns are Explained for Rochester Hills Patients

A routine visit to the dentist should really be a biannual plan for everyone to be able to have a proper cleaning and exam. Having said that, some people may have to go to their dentist’s office more than twice so that they can have procedures such as fillings, crowns, and root canals done. If this is the case for you, you could be checking the net seeking an explanation of the procedure you’re going to undergo. It’s natural to be curious, but there is no need to be afraid.

The most typical 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 chosen to create the crown is determined by a variety of needs including strength requirements, esthetic demands, and space available for the restoration.

The necessity 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 occurred. Subject to what material is chosen to create your crown, it will either be made at the dental office, or in a laboratory. Prior to 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 to make the correct sized and shaped crown. During this consultation, a temporary crown may be placed on the damaged tooth to preserve it until final placement.

During the second appointment, the new dental crown will be placed and secured in. Some clients may require a local anesthetic; but this is generally painless to most patients. The crown will be checked by the dentist for the way it is placed; making sure it properly fits the tooth and its neighboring teeth. You may be instructed to look in a mirror to check the shape and color. Once both 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 offer you with information regarding proper care for your new crown. Typical practices of brushing two times a day and flossing will help prevent the growth of plaque and gum disease. It is best 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 described previously, crowns can be made of different materials depending on the need of the individual.

All-ceramic crowns are typically more esthetically pleasing as the translucency of the material causes them to look nearly the same as natural teeth. These crowns do not 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 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 choice. The metal on the inside of the crown takes away some of the translucency of the porcelain but contributes needed durability and support. It is important 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 once was, mainly for esthetic reasons. Having said that, a gold crown has a lot to offer in strength and durability, especially for molars and individuals who clench or grind their teeth. Gold is a good choice substance when considering the wear and tear on the neighboring teeth, since it tends to be less abrasive than porcelain.