Simply put, a dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap, which is installed on top of a damaged tooth to restore its appearance and function. If properly installed, the crown will comprise the visible part of your tooth that lies above the gumline.At Grove Street Family Dentistry, we offer all types of dental crowns to fix your decayed or damaged teeth.
When Do You Need Dental Crowns?
You may require a dental crown if you have the following conditions:
| • | To protect a damaged and weak tooth. |
| • | To restore a damaged or decayed tooth too worn down to be fixed by a filling or veneer. |
| • | To cover dental implants. |
| • | To support a dental bridge. |
| • | To make certain cosmetic modifications. |
| • | Some types of crowns may also be used to protect baby teeth from decay and damage. |
Types of Crowns
Crowns are made of a variety of elements, including:
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel crowns are usually pre-made temporary crowns and may be placed while you are waiting for your permanent crown to be made. It is also used to protect the primary teeth in children from decay. When the baby tooth falls off, the stainless steel crown falls off with it.
Metals
Crowns may also be made of gold alloy or base-metal alloys, which include nickel, chromium or cobalt. These crowns are very strong and can withstand a lot of pressure, which is why they are preferred for molars and premolars. However, gold crowns can be very expensive and base-metal crowns may cause allergies in some people.
Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal
PFTM crowns consist of a metal base covered by a layer of strong porcelain. These crowns are made to match the natural color of your tooth and are very strong. However, the porcelain in the crown may crack or break if it is subjected to a high amount of pressure. Additionally, a thin line of metal may show above the gumline. This is why these crowns are commonly placed on the back teeth.
All-Porcelain
All porcelain dental crowns are the most natural looking crowns and are great for people with metal allergy. Their drawback is that they are not as strong as metal-based crowns and may chip. That’s why they are most commonly used for low-pressure front teeth.
All-Resin
A resin crown is made of composite resin material and can blend in with your natural teeth. However, these crowns are not as realistic-looking as porcelain crowns. They are also prone to fractures and are less durable than other crowns, but they are also less expensive.
What to Expect During a Crown Placement Procedure
A crown placement procedure usually takes about two sessions:
| • | At Grove Street Family Dentistry, Tania Tran, DMD will first anesthetize the tooth and will remove some of its outer structure so that it can accommodate the crown. The decayed part is removed and we think additional support is needed, we will build up the core of the tooth. |
| • | We will then take an impression of the tooth either by placing a mold onto your tooth or by scanning it digitally. This mold will then be sent to a lab to create a permanent crown for you. |
| • | While you are waiting, we will provide you with a temporary filling or a crown. The time to create a crown takes about two weeks. |
| • | Once the crown is ready, you will be called back to the office where we will place the crown on top of your tooth and make any necessary adjustments. |
This crown should feel and function just like your natural tooth.
How Long Do Crowns Last?
Dental crowns can last anywhere from 10 to 40 years, depending on the material used to make them. If you want to lengthen the durability of the crown, you should take care to follow good oral hygiene and eating habits.
Crowns are the most effective option when it comes to restoring a damaged tooth. If your tooth is severely damaged, placing a crown may save it. For a consultation, call us at (360) 659-3200 today.
