Frequent brushing and flossing are the keys to good dental health. Sometimes, circumstances out of your control can make it necessary to get a dental crown.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a cap that covers the visible portion of your real tooth down to the gum line. The crown can be manufactured from several different materials and is designed to look exactly like a natural tooth. Crowns are a great choice to apply over natural teeth that are weak, worn down or broken.
Why Would I Need a Dental Crown?
A dental crown may be suggested if the following apply:
- A weak tooth that is at risk of breaking or cracking
- Teeth that show extreme signs of wear
- Your tooth is misshapen or discolored
- Cosmetic correction
- Covering a dental implant
What Choices Do I Have for Crowns?
Dental crowns are available in many kinds of material including stainless steel, gold, metal alloy, porcelain, resin, and ceramic. You can choose your crown based on your budget or to get the best color to match your existing teeth.
Stainless Steel
This metal is best used as a temporary crown to protect your tooth while a permanent crown is being made. For small children, it can be a permanent solution to protect baby teeth from further decay.
Metal Alloys
Gold, platinum, cobalt-chromium, and nickel-chromium are good choices when you need a crown on back molars used for chewing.
Porcelain/Metal Combination
This crown fuses metal on the inside to porcelain on the surface for a more natural look. This is a good choice if you’re connecting it to a bridge that needs the extra strength that metal provides.
Resin
A budget-friendly option, resin crowns wear down more easily than other options and need to be replaced more frequently.
Ceramic or Porcelain
These crowns match your natural teeth the best. They’re suitable for front or back teeth and are a good choice for those with metal allergies.
What Happens During a Dental Crown Procedure?
Being fitted for a crown typically requires two dental visits. At the first appointment, your dentist will examine and prepare the tooth for your new crown. Your dentist will cement your crown into place at the second appointment.
First Visit
Your dentist will take x-rays to examine the roots and surrounding bone of the affected tooth. Next, your dentist will numb the entire area and file the tooth down or build it up to the correct size to accommodate the crown. Impressions are taken to make the crown.
Second Visit
Your dentist will ensure the crown is a perfect fit and then permanently cement it in place while you’re under a local anesthetic.
You can expect your new crown to last anywhere from five to 15 years depending on the type of material used, how much wear and tear the tooth is under, and your dental hygiene habits.
To learn more about dental crowns and how they may be right for you, make an appointment today or call our office at 860-667-2600. At Cedar Mountain Dental, our team is committed to providing high-quality care for all your dental needs.