Dental Crowns are Explained to Shelby Township Patients

A routine visit to the dentist really should be a biannual plan for everyone in an effort to have a proper cleaning and exam. However, some individuals may have to see their dentist’s office more than twice so that they can have procedures such as fillings, crowns, and root canals performed. If this is the case for you, you may well be checking the net seeking an explanation of the procedure you are about to undergo. It’s normal to be interested, but there is no need to be afraid.

The most popular procedure is dental crowns, which are also referred to as “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 selected to create the crown is dependent upon 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 create your crown, it will either be created at the dental office, or in a laboratory. Prior to receiving the crown, it is typical 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 protect it until final placement.

During a second appointment, the new dental crown will be placed and fastened in. Some individuals may need to have a local anesthetic; but this is generally painless to the majority of patients. The crown will be examined by the dentist for how it is placed; making sure it properly fits the tooth and its neighboring teeth. You might be asked to look in a mirror to look at the shape and color. Once you and your dentist are satisfied with the crown as a whole, the crown can be cemented in place and any extra dental cement can be scraped away by the dentist.

After the placement of a crown, your dentist will supply you with details about proper care for your new crown. General practices of brushing twice a day and flossing will help prevent the development of plaque and gum disease. You should 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 before, crowns can be made of various materials according to the needs of the patient.

All-ceramic crowns are typically more esthetically pleasing as the translucency of the material causes them to look very similar to natural teeth. These crowns don’t require any metal and are able to use less material, making them a great choice for a tight space in the mouth. The durability 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 gets rid of some of the translucency in the porcelain but adds needed strength 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 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.