What Are Dental Crowns and Its Different Types?
Restorative dentistry has significantly evolved over the past two decades. With regular usage, the teeth can lose their natural shine, strength, and appearance. Apart from chewing and biting the food, teeth help you to speak distinctly. Restorative dental prostheses can improve the appearance and strengthen a chipped or broken tooth.
What is a Dental Crown?
Although the term dental crown might seem like a small crown on the teeth, dental crowns are dental caps fitted on weakened or chipped teeth to improve their appearance and support the teeth. Unlike other dental processes, the dentist in Winter Haven does not extract the affected tooth. Instead, the chipped or cracked tooth can remain in place with a protective cap to provide them renewed appearance and strength.
The dental crowns are custom-made and can be temporary or permanent. Dental crowns are meant to stay for a long time but depend on the care and material of the dental crown. Dental crowns enhance appearance and provide strength to weak teeth. Dental crowns can also replace the whole teeth or fill dental gaps when used along with dental implants.
When Is Dental Crown Needed?
Dental crowns can be used for several reasons:
- Protecting an impacted tooth or a weak one
- Restoring a broken tooth
- Covering a large dental filling
- Holding a dental bridge in place
- Covering a severely discolored tooth
- Covering a dental implant
- Covering a tooth subjected to root canal treatment
- Maintaining and supporting a chipped tooth
Preparing for Dental Crown
Generally, it takes two visits to the dentist to complete the dental crown. The first visit is for a comprehensive oral examination that might include X-rays and 3D imaging to get a clear picture of the oral cavity. The dentist goes for extensive imaging to detect decays or infections.
Periodontal infections can be dangerous and affect the whole oral cavity. Such infections affect the gums and the pulp. A fine network of blood vessels and capillaries lie under the pulp along with nerves and connective tissues. The crown can effectively protect them all.
After a thorough inspection, the hygienist cleans the teeth and gums. A temporary tooth cap may be placed until the custom-made permanent crowns are prepared. The adjacent teeth might need to be reshaped to accommodate the crown.
The second visit is meant for placing the permanent crown by removing the temporary one. Some portion of the enamel might need to be scrapped to place the crown firmly. If needed, dental crowns may be placed under the influence of local anesthesia.
Types of Dental Crowns
Depending on the type, dental crowns can be temporary or permanent. Generally, the temporary crowns are used as a stop-gap measure until the permanent crowns are made. Permanent crowns are made from different materials as:
Metal Crowns
Different metals, including chromium, palladium, nickel, and gold, make dental crowns. The metals are durable, long-lasting, and chip or break rarely. The metal crowns are best suited for the molars and premolars as they withstand more pressure and biting force. The drawback of metal crowns is their poor aesthetic value. The golden color peeping from the gum line can dent your confidence.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain or ceramic crowns are mostly used due to their resemblance with the natural color of teeth. They are also a good choice if you are allergic to metals. They are not very strong and can chip or break if subjected to immense pressure. Porcelain crowns are a good choice for the front teeth.
Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns
As the name suggests, these crowns have metal and ceramics fused together to provide strength and durability. Although the porcelain can match the natural teeth color, the metal fusing appears as a dark line, reducing the aesthetic value.
All Resin Crowns
Crowns made from resin or composite materials are the least expensive and can break down easily. Resin crowns can be used as temporary crowns.
It is evident that you need to visit the dentist to undergo dental crown treatment. Winter Heaven Dental can be your dental clinic if you look for a dental crown near you. You may book an appointment here and experience competitive advantages regarding family-friendly multilingual staff providing dental care with advanced technology.