What is a Dental Crown?
Also called a “cap”, a dental crown is layer of material that covers the entire exposed top portion of a tooth. It strengthens and protects the tooth and is necessary when there is not enough tooth remaining to hold a filling properly.
It restores the tooth’s function and appearance. They are also used to restore teeth that are cracked, fractured, or otherwise weakened. Crowns are an essential component of a dental implant. Crowns are also highly recommended after root canal therapy on the posterior teeth. They may also be used as an anchor for bridgework or to improve bite. Many people also include them as part of their cosmetic dentistry treatments to change a tooth’s shape or color
What Type of Crown Should I Get?
The various types you may have heard about differ in the materials they are made of, but achieve the same goals with various pros and cons. Crown and Denture Solutions will work with you to choose the best type of crown for your needs and personal priorities.
Types of Crowns
All Porcelain
All Porcelain crowns have the most natural look but they can chip and break. They are recommended only on anterior teeth
Porcelain Fused to Metal
Porcelain Fused to Metal crowns are strong and can provide good esthetics.
All Metal
All Metal crowns will not break or chip because they are made of gold or metal alloys. They are reserved only for the posterior teeth due to the fact that they are most obvious in appearance.
All Ceramic
All Ceramic crowns are highly esthetic and very strong; it can be used in both anterior and posterior teeth.
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel types are pre-made temporary crowns sometimes used in emergencies. They are most commonly used for children
The Process
On examination, we will assess your need and discuss your options. The crown procedure involves two visits. At the first appointment, you will be anesthetized and we will remove decay, if any, and build up the missing portion of the tooth. The outer portion of the tooth will be carefully prepped away to make room for the crown. An impression will be made and you will leave with a temporary crown in place. Your impression will be sent to the lab and in approximately two weeks you will return for the second visit.
The second appointment involves removing the temporary crown and the adjustment of the crown to fit the tooth, if necessary. We will take an x-ray to make sure the crown is sealed at the margins and, if it is, we will permanently cement the crown. Most patients do not need to be anesthetized for this second visit; however, your comfort is our priority so Dr. Haygood will anesthetize the tooth, if necessary. This 2-visit process permits the use of stronger more durable materials.
