Residents of Romeo, Do you know what a Dental Crown is?

A routine visit to the dentist should be a biannual plan for everyone as a way to get a proper cleaning and exam. Though, some people may have to visit their dentist’s office more than twice in order to have procedures such as fillings, crowns, and root canals done. If this is the situation for you, you might be scouring the internet searching for an explanation of the procedure you’re going to undergo. It’s normal to be curious, but there is no need to be scared.

The most common 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 selected to create the crown is dependent upon a variety of needs like strength requirements, esthetic demands, and space available for the restoration.

The need 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 taken place. Depending on what material is chosen to form your crown, it will either be produced at the dental office, or in a laboratory. Before receiving the crown, it is typical 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 proper sized and shaped crown. During this consultation, a temporary crown may be placed on the damaged tooth to protect it until final placement.

During the second appointment, the new dental crown will be placed and fastened in. Some patients may require a local anesthetic; however this is generally painless to most patients. The crown will be inspected by the dentist for the way it is placed; ensuring it properly fits the tooth and its neighboring teeth. You might 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 into position and any extra dental cement will be scraped away by the dentist.

Following the placement of a crown, your dentist will give you with information about proper care for your new crown. Common practices of brushing two times a day and flossing will help to prevent the development of plaque and gum disease. Make sure you 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 stated previously, crowns can be made of different materials depending on the need of the individual.

All-ceramic crowns are generally more esthetically pleasing as the translucency of the material makes them 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 option for a limited 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 choice. The metal on the inside of the crown takes away some of the translucency of the porcelain but contributes needed strength and support. It is essential to be aware that as gum recession takes place, the metal portion of the crown can become visible.
A gold crown is not as popular as it once was, mainly for esthetic reasons. However, a gold crown has a lot to offer in strength and durability, especially for molars and those who clench or grind their teeth. Gold is a good choice substance when considering the wear and tear on the bordering teeth, since it tends to be less abrasive than porcelain.