Perhaps you’ve just visited the dentist, and they’ve recommended you need to have a crown fitted.
What exactly is a crown? What is the difference between ceramic porcelain crowns and metal crowns? Will the procedure hurt? This quick guide will answer most if not all these questions and hopefully put your mind at rest.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a protective cap for your tooth. It is a type of dental restoration that covers all or part of the tooth. In most cases, a dental crown looks, feels, and functions just like a natural tooth.
Why is a crown needed?
Dentists usually recommend crowns for covering teeth damaged through significant decay, infection, or accidental injury. Crowns provide structural support for a weakened tooth and protect it from further wear and tear.
For instance, a root canal treatment often compromises the integrity of a tooth, so dentists usually follow up with a crown fitting. Sometimes, crowns are also used to strengthen the teeth that anchor a dental bridge in place. A crown fitting is the last step in a dental implant procedure. Once it has fused with the bone in the jaw, securing it in place, the dentist will attach a crown to the top of the implant.
What is involved in a crown fitting?
Preparing your tooth and fitting a crown usually takes place across two appointments. During the first visit, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic before filing your tooth down to the right size and shape for the crown.
They will then take an impression which they will use to make the permanent crown you will receive later. Your dentist will fit a temporary crown on top of the prepared tooth.
Once the permanent crown is ready, you will attend a follow-up appointment for your fitting. During this visit, your dentist will remove the temporary crown, replace it with the permanent crown, and seal it with dental cement. They will make sure the crown is the right shape, fit, and color for you, as well as ensuring you can bite correctly.
What is a dental crown made of?
Crowns are available in several different materials. Often, the final choice comes down to a compromise between cosmetic preferences and what the patient can afford. Here are a few of the most common materials used for making dental crowns.
Metal Crowns — This type of crown is very durable, and it can easily cope with the force of biting and chewing. However, it can be noticeable to others depending on its position in the mouth.
Composite Crowns — Composite crowns look more natural and hold up well against chipping, but the polished surface tends to wear away with brushing and leaves the crown susceptible to staining.
Ceramic Porcelain Crowns — These tooth-colored crowns look the most natural and work well for people will metal allergies, but they may exhibit wear and tear over time.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal Crowns — These are stronger than all-porcelain and more cosmetically appropriate than metal. However, if your gums begin to recede, the underlying metal may show, impacting the aesthetic benefits of the porcelain material.
Final words
Having a crown fitted is a common dental procedure. If you have a damaged tooth and are interested in having a natural-looking crown fitted, contact a reputable dental professional skilled in fitting ceramic porcelain crowns in Birmingham, MI.
