What are dental crowns?
When you hear a dentist throw around the word “crown,” it is reasonable to tense up and get nervous. For years, dental crowns have had bad reputations amongst the public, but do you actually know what a dental crown is? Well, after learning more about them and why they are helpful, you will gain a much better perspective on dental crowns.
What are dental crowns and what do they do?
A dental crown is a cap that goes over a tooth that has been damaged. Sometimes, your teeth can become so damaged that fillings won’t do anything. Then, the dentist needs to install a crown to protect what is left.
At its most simple level, you can picture a dental crown as a hat for the tooth. Because there is an issue with that tooth, the crown protects it and helps restore its integrity over time.
What are dental crowns made of?
There are a few main materials that dental crowns are composed of. The most common is metal. Gold and nickel are two of the most-used metals for crowns. This is because they are very durable and do not corrode as quickly as other metals.
Another material is ceramic. Along the same lines, porcelain is used as well. Although these are not the strongest materials, they are perfect for people with metal allergies. Unfortunately, these can chip and compromise the integrity of the crown. In some cases, dentists will fuse metal with porcelain to create a stronger, more natural looking crown. The metal reinforces the structure, and the porcelain better matches your natural tooth color. The other main material is resin. This is one of the cheaper options. However, you generally get what you pay for, so these crowns won’t last as long as some of the others.
Do you need a dental crown?
The most common time that a dental crown needs to be introduced is when a tooth has decayed so much that fillings can no longer do the job. Getting a crown is never the first thing dentists consider. They will go down the line of possible solutions, then a dental crown will be discussed if they get to that point.
Dental crowns are best when:
- Your tooth is cracked. A cracked tooth won’t heal and a crown is the best way to hold the tooth together so it won’t breakdown further.
- A large portion of the tooth needs filling. If a big portion of the tooth needs filling, a crown might be a better option.
- Your tooth is weak. The crown can prevent it from cracking and weakening further, so you can avoid dental implants and dentures if possible.
- Another big reason why you may need a dental crown is if you have a broken tooth. If an unfortunate accident happens and part of your tooth become broken, a crown can be an option. Depending on how bad it is, it may need to be pulled and replaced. But, a crown is a standard option in this case.
- Some other reasons for a crown include covering a discolored tooth, protecting a root canal, holding in a dental bridge, and protecting an implant. As you can see, there are a number of reasons why a dental crown would be used. A crown looks like a regular tooth. The dentist will match the color, size and shape so that it’s aesthetically pleasing as well as functional.Dental Crowns in Ypsilanti
In conclusion dental crowns can protect a weak tooth, restore broken tooth, support a tooth with a large filling or to hold a dental bridge in place. Dr. Suede, your dentist in Plymouth, MI will be happy to talk to you about the pros and cons of getting a crown.
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