When working on a patient's mouth, a dentist may find that one or more teeth are in need of restorative work. If this work is needed to correct the appearance, strength, size or shape of the tooth, he or she may recommend a crown be used. The crown is a cap shaped like a tooth that is placed over the natural tooth. Once the crown has been cemented in place, it completely encases the visible portion of the tooth at and above the gum line. Patients often wonder if and when a dental crown is needed and what the benefits are of selecting this treatment option.
When Are Dental Crowns Called For?
Dentists recommend crowns when a patient has a tooth that has weakened as a result of decay or when the tooth has cracked and needs to be held together. …show more content…
Stainless steel is one option and is often used for a temporary crown or for the primary teeth of children. Metal crowns, such as those made from alloys, require less of the natural tooth be removed for placement of the crown and are extremely durable. Porcelain crowns that are fused to metal can be matched to adjacent teeth in terms of the shade, yet these crowns may chip or break. In addition, the metal used in the crown may show with time.
Other options include all-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns, all-resin crowns and milled or Zirconia crowns. Many patients opt for the ceramic or porcelain crowns, as they appear the most natural. In addition, individuals allergic to metal need to choose this option, but they aren't as strong as their porcelain-fused-to-metal counterparts and they tend to wear the opposing teeth more. The all-resin versions are cost effective, yet are prone to wear and fractures. Zirconia or milled crowns require no impressions be made and can allow the crown to be produced immediately, eliminating the need for a temporary …show more content…
The first visit involves the preparation of the tooth for the crown. The dentist numbs the tooth and files it down to make space for a crown or builds it up, if the tooth has significant decay. An impression of the tooth is then made to ensure the patient's bite won't be impacted. This impression is then sent to the dental lab for the crown to be made, and a temporary crown is installed until the permanent crown is ready.
During the second visit, the permanent crown is checked to ensure it is the proper shape, size and color. Once this has been done, the dentist may numb the patient to ensure there is no discomfort. Once this has been done, the new crown will be installed and permanently placed with special cement.
The Life Span Of A Crown
Crowns generally last approximately five to 15 years. This depends on wear and tear on the crown, oral hygiene and more. Individuals must remember that the tooth is still prone to decay, thus brushing and flossing remain of great importance. In addition, grinding of the teeth, biting fingernails and chewing ice can all impact the life span of the
When Are Dental Crowns Called For?
Dentists recommend crowns when a patient has a tooth that has weakened as a result of decay or when the tooth has cracked and needs to be held together. …show more content…
Stainless steel is one option and is often used for a temporary crown or for the primary teeth of children. Metal crowns, such as those made from alloys, require less of the natural tooth be removed for placement of the crown and are extremely durable. Porcelain crowns that are fused to metal can be matched to adjacent teeth in terms of the shade, yet these crowns may chip or break. In addition, the metal used in the crown may show with time.
Other options include all-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns, all-resin crowns and milled or Zirconia crowns. Many patients opt for the ceramic or porcelain crowns, as they appear the most natural. In addition, individuals allergic to metal need to choose this option, but they aren't as strong as their porcelain-fused-to-metal counterparts and they tend to wear the opposing teeth more. The all-resin versions are cost effective, yet are prone to wear and fractures. Zirconia or milled crowns require no impressions be made and can allow the crown to be produced immediately, eliminating the need for a temporary …show more content…
The first visit involves the preparation of the tooth for the crown. The dentist numbs the tooth and files it down to make space for a crown or builds it up, if the tooth has significant decay. An impression of the tooth is then made to ensure the patient's bite won't be impacted. This impression is then sent to the dental lab for the crown to be made, and a temporary crown is installed until the permanent crown is ready.
During the second visit, the permanent crown is checked to ensure it is the proper shape, size and color. Once this has been done, the dentist may numb the patient to ensure there is no discomfort. Once this has been done, the new crown will be installed and permanently placed with special cement.
The Life Span Of A Crown
Crowns generally last approximately five to 15 years. This depends on wear and tear on the crown, oral hygiene and more. Individuals must remember that the tooth is still prone to decay, thus brushing and flossing remain of great importance. In addition, grinding of the teeth, biting fingernails and chewing ice can all impact the life span of the