Advantages of Dental Crowns
Apart from restoring damaged teeth, dental crowns also provide solutions to other dental problems such as:
- Cracked or weak teeth
- Large cavities that can’t be filled
- Misshapen or severely discolored teeth
- Coverage for dental implants
- Holding a dental bridge in place
- Coverage after a root canal
In pediatric dentistry, dental crowns are used when the baby’s teeth have been damaged by decay or aversion to general anesthesia demands it.
Types of Dental Crowns
Permanent dental crowns are made from different materials, including:
- Metal. This includes gold and platinum. Metal crowns are long-lasting, resistant to breakage, and can withstand pressure from constant chewing and biting.
- Stainless steel. Often used on children, these are typically temporary.
- Porcelain-fused-metal. This type is made to match the color of the surrounding teeth, popular among those who get crowns for cosmetic reasons.
- Resin. Resin crowns, while cost-effective, doesn’t last long.
- All-ceramic or all-porcelain. Commonly chosen by those with metal allergies, this type is also close to your teeth’s natural color.
Procedure
Typically, dental crown procedures require multi-day visits (at least two times), depending on what your dentist will recommend.
On your first visit, x-rays are taken to examine the tooth that’s going to receive the crown, as well as the surrounding teeth. If you have major tooth decay or damage, it’s likely that you will be required to undergo additional dental procedures like a root canal, bridge, or deep cleaning.
After, part of the tooth’s outer layer will be removed and filed down. This is to make space for the crown itself. An impression will be made out of the trimmed tooth and will be sent to the dental lab to make the crown. Until then, your dentist will have to place a temporary crown over your teeth.