If your tooth is worn down, cracked, or weak, you might be a candidate for dental crowns. This is a covering to prevent any more damage and help restore the tooth’s strength.
Apart from preservation, dental crowns are also used for restoration. Teeth with large dental fillings, especially those with little tooth left, may require the aid of crowns. Crowns and bridges are also commonly associated with each other. That’s because crowns are used to hold dental bridges in place. It can also cover a dental implant.
Dental crowns can also be used for cosmetic reasons. If your tooth is badly chipped, ill-shaped, or severely discolored, you can get crowns to cover it up. Many people have resorted to using dental crowns to improve not only their appearance but also their confidence. After all, your smile is the best thing you can wear, and having good teeth is a must for this.
Types of Crowns
There are different types of crowns you can choose from. Temporary crowns are used to aid in a procedure such as a root canal or dental bridge. However, if the purpose is more for preservation, then you might need permanent ones.
Dental crowns also come in different materials: stainless steel, metal (i.e., Gold), resin, ceramic, and porcelain-fused-to-metal. Each material also has its specific uses.
Stainless steel crowns, for example, are commonly used for temporary crowns. A good example of use would be for a case of tooth decay in children. The stainless steel crown would be prepped to fit over the affected tooth to prevent any more damage to it. Assuming that it’s a primary tooth, the cap should come out naturally with it when the time for the permanent tooth to grow outcomes. What makes this material especially ideal for children is that it’s very simple to implement and can be done in a single visit.
Meanwhile, dental crowns made of metal may contain gold or other base-metal alloys such as nickel-chromium or cobalt-chromium. This type of crown is best suited for permanent use because it is strong enough to withstand all the chewing and biting. It’s shiny and not very discreet, though, which is why metal crowns are usually used for back molars. Unless you would prefer to have a golden smile literally, of course, in which case you can opt to have it on your front teeth.
All-resin, all-ceramic/porcelain, and porcelain-fused-to-metal are the other types of materials used for dental crowns. They have a more natural color, making them a top choice for those who would like to wear something less obtrusive in appearance. However, do take note that they can be more prone to breaking down or wear and tear, unlike the crown made of stainless steel.
Preparing for Crown Installation
Your dentist may require at least a couple of visits for your dental crowns, the first of which being allotted for an oral evaluation. Expect to get a dental X-ray during this visit; you may also need to undergo root canal treatment first, depending on your case’s severity.
The tooth will also have to be reshaped to fit the crown, so expect to receive anesthesia for it. If the tooth is severely worn down due to damage or decay, your dentist will first fill it up to properly support the crown. Once these steps are completed, you can now get your dental crown placed.
Look to Lovett Dental North Heights for Dental Crowns and Bridges
Having a perfect set of teeth is not impossible. If you ever think you need to get dental crowns, you can come for a visit to Lovett Dental North Heights. We can help you get that winning smile you’ve been dreaming of. Contact us today at 832-617-5531 to learn more.