Anytime your teeth become damaged or if you suffer from a cavity, you will need to have restorative care. One of the most common procedures is the placing of a crown to protect the tooth from further damage. Our Surrey dentists explain what dental crowns are, the different types and when they may be used.
Restorative Care: Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a hollow cap that is placed over a tooth, commonly after fillings, to help strengthen the tooth and provide a healthy appearance. The primary purpose of this dental crown is to help prevent any further damage or decay to your natural tooth. Dental crowns are also used when a patient is looking to completely change the cosmetic appearance of the tooth.
What are the different types of dental crowns?
Did you know that there are a number of different materials that dental crowns can be made of? The choice of material is usually based on the location of the crown as well as the patient's budget. The most commonly used materials for dental crowns include:
Porcelain - For a Natural Appearance
Porcelain dental crowns are created to closely match the colour of your teeth helping them blend in. They are, however, more prone to chipping and wear than other materials. As a result, they are only used in a small percentage of cases to replace teeth.
Composite - A Higher Resistance
Composite crowns are another material that closely resembles natural teeth in appearance. While they may not wear down as quickly as porcelain, they may experience chips and stains.
Metal or Gold - More Strength & Durability
Dental crowns made of metal (usually gold) are usually quite strong and durable. They should not wear down or stain like composite crowns, but they are not the most natural looking which means that they are not commonly used on the front teeth.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal - A Good Blend
These dental crowns typically have the most natural appearance. While they should be chip and stain-resistant, the metal may show through due to their placement and construction.
The Dental Crown Procedure
You will need to visit our office two times to have the dental crown procedure completed. Your dentist should administer a local anesthetic during your first visit to keep you comfortable.
During this visit, your dentist will file down the tooth requiring a crown and will take an impression of the tooth. This will be used to make the crown. While you are waiting for your new crown your dentist can provide you with a temporary one.
Why would I need a dental crown?
Dental crowns are a common type of dental restoration but like other treatments, it may not be right for everyone. Your dentist will be able to help you decide if a dental crown will work best for your needs. However, the following issues are fairly common and almost always necessitate the use of a dental crown.
Situations Where Dental Crowns May Be Used:
- Large cavities that can't be repaired with a dental filling
- To cover a tooth that has had a root canal
- To prevent weakened teeth from breaking
- To hold together a cracked tooth
- To restore a broken tooth
- To provide support to a dental bridge
- To conceal misshapen teeth
- To cover dental implants
- To disguise discoloured teeth that won't respond to teeth whitening