What is a crown?
A crown is a piece of metal, plastic, ceramic, or porcelain that covers a damaged tooth. It's designed in the shape of the original tooth and can strengthen the tooth and restore its appearance. The crown goes over the original tooth and is bonded into place, so the tooth is completely covered, from the gum line up.
Why would I need a crown?
There are a number of reasons Franklin Dental Group's knowledgeable dentists might recommend a crown. A crown can cover a strangely-shaped or dark tooth, or a dental implant.
In addition to making a tooth more aesthetically appealing, a crown can serve a practical purpose by strengthening a natural tooth. Teeth that are weakened by decay or extremely large fillings are at risk of breaking unless they're strengthened with a crown.
Many patients are great candidates for dental crowns, for both cosmetic and restorative reasons. Whether you need a crown to fix the appearance of a tooth or strengthen a weak tooth, a dental crown can protect teeth for years to come.
Are there different kinds of crowns?
Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including:
- Stainless steel
- Gold or another alloy
- Porcelain fused to metal
- Resin
- Ceramic
The choice of material depends on multiple factors. For example, stainless steel is usually the preferred material for temporary crowns. Prefabricated stainless steel crowns are a frequent choice for children who have decayed baby teeth and need crowns.
Metal crowns are sturdy and able to tolerate the force of biting and chewing, but due to their color, they’re usually reserved for use in the back of the mouth.
Porcelain fused to metal crowns are closer in appearance to natural teeth than stainless steel crowns; however, they do have some disadvantages. For example, the metal portion of the crown might show as a dark line close to the gums. The opposing teeth may also experience more wear than they would with another type of crown.
All-ceramic crowns are the best choice for patients who have metal sensitivities. All resin crowns are one of the most affordable crown options, but they're also more susceptible to cracking.
What are the steps in a dental crown procedure?
A majority of the time, a minimum of two appointments is required to complete a dental crown procedure. At the first appointment, you'll have X-rays taken so that your dental professional at Franklin Dental Group can determine the health of the tooth that needs a crown.
Next, your dentist will administer anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues. The tooth is built up or filed down so that the crown will fit snugly. Once the tooth has been prepared, your dentist will make an impression of your teeth, which will be sent to the dental lab and used to construct a custom crown. Your dentist will create a temporary crown to protect your tooth until the permanent crown can be placed.
If you think you may need a crown or would like to discuss your dental needs, contact the professional team at Franklin Dental Group or schedule an appointment online.
