A Basic Guide to Dental Crowns: Uses, Types, and Procedure

If you have a damaged tooth, your dentist is likely to recommend repairing it. Dental inlays & onlays, veneers, bonding, filling, and dental crowns are some of the most common procedures for repairing damaged teeth. For average to severely damaged teeth, dental crowns offer an ideal option.

What is a Dental Crown?

A crown is a cap-like cover that is placed on the damaged tooth to restore its size, shape, appearance, and functionality. Getting a crown is a simple procedure and is usually highly effective. Besides restoring a tooth’s appearance and functionality, dental crowns can also be used to support dental bridges and cover dental implants.

If you’re considering dental crowns, it’s best to see a dentist as soon as possible. The dentist will evaluate your tooth’s condition and advice you accordingly. If you’re a good candidate for a crown, you’ll be scheduled for the main procedure. For dental crown services, contact Beautiful South Shore Smiles.

Which Dental Problems Does Dental Crowns Address?

Dental crowns are used to address several dental problems, including:

1. 1. Root Canal Therapy

If decay has eaten up your teeth severely, the dentist may suggest getting root canal therapy. Once the decay is cleaned up and the tooth filled, a dental crown is used to cover the tooth to strengthen it and prevent further damage.

1. 1. Cavities

If your teeth have weakened due to cavities, the dentist may recommend placing a dental crown to strengthen it and restore its bite function.

1. 1. Broken or Cracked Teeth

A broken, chipped, or cracked tooth can make it difficult to speak and chew normally. Besides, it can affect your smile and hurt the surrounding oral structures, such as the tongue. A dental crown restores the shape, size, appearance, and functionality of the damaged tooth, allowing you to speak, chew, and smile confidently.

1. 1. Support a Dental Bridge

For traditional and cantilever bridges, a dental crown is used to support the artificial tooth. The crowns are placed on either or both sides of the missing tooth.

1. 1. Cover a Dental Implant

After dental implant surgery, a dental crown is placed over the implant to provide a natural tooth’s appearance, strength, and functionality.

1. 1. To Cover Teeth Stains or Discoloration

While there are simpler treatments for teeth stains and discoloration, such as teeth whitening and lumineers, a dental crown also improve the appearance of a stained or discolored tooth.

Which Materials are Dental Crowns Made Of?

If you’re wondering which materials are used to make dental crowns, here’s a rundown:

• Ceramic Crown – It’s created with a porcelain base, and it’s best for front teeth. Thanks to their teeth looking color, these dental crowns blend well with the natural teeth.
• Porcelain Fused-to-Metal – These dental crowns are crafted from porcelain and metal materials. The top part of the crown is made of porcelain with a metal base. Thanks to porcelain, the crown looks natural. The metal base makes it strong and durable.
• Gold Alloys – These crowns are made from alloys of copper, gold, and other metals. They are very strong and wear-resistant. Due to their color and strength, they are best suited for back teeth.
• Metal Alloys – Like gold alloys, metallic crowns are very strong and durable. They are created from a combination of metals and are very gentle to the gums and teeth.

The best material for your dental crown may depend on factors such as your budget, location of the damaged tooth, the severity of the damage, and the desired results, among other things.

What Does Getting A Dental Crown Entail?

Placing a dental crown is a common procedure in most dental clinics. If your dentist has examined and scheduled you for the dental crown procedure, here is a highlight of what to expect on the day of the treatment:

• The dentist begins by numbing the site
• After cleaning the tooth, the dentist trims it down by removing the outer portion of the tooth. This allows for the dental crown to fit comfortably.
• The dentist then removes any decayed tissues and nerves from the tooth. The tooth is cleaned and disinfected.
• An impression of the trimmed tooth is taken and sent to the lab to prepare the permanent crown.
• The dentist covers the trimmed tooth with a temporary crown to protect it until the permanent crown is ready. You’ll be sent home.
• You’ll be called in when the permanent crown is ready, which takes about two weeks.
• During this appointment, the dentist will begin by numbing the area again.
• The temporary crown is removed
• The tooth is cleaned again.
• The dentist then places the permanent crown and cements it with a stronger cement.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Getting a dental crown is a straightforward process. Once the crown is placed, proper dental care is essential to ensure it serves you well and longer. If you’re considering a dental crown procedure, contact Beautiful South Shore Smiles today to book your appointment.