subject: Are Dental Crowns the Right Fit? [print this page] Are Dental Crowns the Right Fit? Are Dental Crowns the Right Fit?
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are shaped like teeth and act as caps in order to strengthen the tooth by covering the visible portion. There are many materials that can be used in crowns, each with their advantages and disadvantages.
Purpose of Dental Crowns
Crowns are used in order to cover an area of the tooth which has been drilled and filled due to decay, to support a worn down or cracked tooth, or to support a bridge.
Creation Process
Before receiving the crowns, the dentist will do a consultation in order to decide what the optimum course of action is. The dentist will also discuss your previous dental and medical history as well as the current condition of your teeth in order to determine whether dental crowns are the best choice.
X-rays will then be taken in order to analyze the condition of the teeth as well as the jaw. If there has been a significant amount of damage done to the roots of the teeth, a crown may not be possible without the presence of a root canal.
The dental crown dentist will then shape the tooth so that the crown can be applied. Before the procedure is done, the patient will typically be administered general anesthesia. A filling may be required in order to reshape the tooth prior to inserting the crown.
An impression of the tooth is then made so that the crown can be appropriately shaped to accurately fit the tooth. A laboratory that crafts the required crowns then processes these molds. A temporary crown is usually used to protect the teeth until the permanent dental crown is inserted.
The Different Types of Dental Crowns
There are several options for the material that is used in the making of the crowns. These include:
Gold Crowns: Gold crowns are typically composed of several different metals such as platinum, silver, palladium, tin, copper and, of course, gold. The mixture of metal depends upon the density of the existing tooth, its size, the material's durability, as well as the space present for the crown. This type of crown is typically used in the back of the mouth, as they are typically strong enough to undergo frequent biting.
Resin Crowns: The type of crown is more affordable as well as efficient. Reinforced resin is used to construct the crown and, although cheaper, this material requires more upkeep as it is more fragile than the metal options.
Porcelain Crowns: Perhaps the most popular of crown materials, porcelain allows for a very realistic look while still protecting the natural tooth within. Unlike resin, porcelain is more durable and resists the occurrence of both stains and breaks. The material can also be matched to the surrounding teeth so that the crown does not look artificial.
The goal of the crown is to produce a naturally looking cap that both covers existing damage on the tooth as well as protects that tooth from undergoing any further damage or infection. With the help of the dentist, you will be able to determine whether a crown is the best choice for you and for your teeth.
