A damaged or decayed tooth can have its function and appearance restored by having a dental crown placed over it. A popular dental service, this method can help save your tooth and prevent it from being extracted. Here is all the information you need to know if you’re considering getting a dental crown.
What are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are prosthetic covers that hide the exposed surface of a broken or decayed tooth. Typically, they are created from porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these materials. Crowns can be used to strengthen and protect a tooth that is weak or damaged, enhance its appearance, or restore a dental implant. They are made specifically customized for your tooth. They can also be used to attach a bridge, which is a dental device that replaces one or more missing teeth.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns come in a variety of varieties, each with special benefits and drawbacks. The various types of dental crowns include:
Metal crowns
These caps are available in gold, silver, platinum, or metal alloys. Metal is strong and able to endure pressure from biting and chewing. These metal crowns lack an appealing aesthetic despite being strong. Crowns are best suited for use on back molars because of these particular features.
Porcelain or ceramic
These crowns are tooth colored and offer a seamless look. Since they mimic teeth, they can be used on any tooth, even the front teeth. Although these caps cost as much as metal ones, they are not as strong. Despite being stain-resistant, they can deteriorate and lose their color.
Porcelain-fused-to-Metal
These crowns blend porcelain’s aesthetic appeal with metal’s durability and strength. Although they can be used on any molar, the back teeth benefit the most from them. However, the metal component frequently leaves a black line on the gums, discoloring them.
All-resin crowns
The least costly crowns are made of all resin or composite materials, but they are not as strong as other types of crowns. Additionally, they are more prone to fractures than ceramics and porcelain crowns.
Stainless steel crowns
These dental office-prefabricated crowns are frequently employed as a temporary solution. While you wait for the permanent ones to be created, our tooth crown dentist near you may use crowns to protect the teeth. They are excellent for kids and don’t need a lengthy process.
Why Would You Need a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns near you are typically used to address a range of dental issues, such as:
- Infection or decay: Crowns can help restore and protect teeth that have been damaged or weakened by decay, trauma, or injury.
- Root canal treatment: If you’ve had a root canal, your dentist may recommend a crown to help protect the treated tooth and restore its function.
- Large cavities: If you have a cavity that has weakened the tooth but is too large to be effectively addressed with a filling , a crown can provide additional support and protection.
- Cosmetic purposes: Crowns can also be used to improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, misshapen, or otherwise unsightly.
What is the Process of Getting a Dental Crown?
Getting a dental crown in NW Calgary typically involves two or more appointments. In order to assess the severity of the damage, your dentist will inspect your tooth and take x-rays during your initial visit. Your dentist will numb the tooth and surrounding area if a crown needs to be placed and file down the tooth to prepare it for the crown. A mold for the crown will then be made by your dentist using an impression of your teeth.
Your dentist will place a temporary crown to cover your tooth while your permanent one is being created. You will schedule a second appointment to have your permanent crown placed and cemented into position once it is complete.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Depending on how well they are taken care of, dental crowns can last anywhere between five and fifteen years. To help your crown last longer, it’s essential to practice good oral hygiene, which includes routine brushing and flossing. Avoid grinding your teeth, which can harm your crown, and chewing items that are hard or sticky.
Dental crowns are a popular procedure that can be used to repair decayed or damaged teeth, enhance their appearance, and avoid extraction. If you’re considering a dental crown, talk to our dentist in NW Calgary about whether it’s the right treatment option for you or you can also visit Dentrix Dental Care to get your oral health examined to make sure it is in good shape.
Book your appointment with our experts today!