Crowns

What is a dental crown?

A crown is a piece of metal, plastic, ceramic, or porcelain that covers a damaged tooth. It's designed in the shape of the original tooth and can strengthen the tooth and restore its appearance. The crown acts as a protective covering, as it's fitted over the original tooth so that the visible portion of the tooth is encased. It's sealed in place with dental cement.

Do I need a crown?

The dentists at Walker Family Dentistry may recommend a crown in a variety of situations. A crown can cover a dental implant or stained or worn tooth.

In addition to making a tooth more aesthetically appealing, a crown can serve a practical purpose by strengthening a natural tooth. Crowns can strengthen teeth that have been weakened by excessively large fillings or that are in danger of breaking.

Many patients are great candidates for dental crowns, for both cosmetic and restorative reasons. Whether you need a crown to fix the appearance of a tooth or to strengthen a weak tooth, a dental crown can protect your teeth for years to come.

Are there different kinds of crowns?

There are a variety of dental crown materials to consider. Crowns can be made from:

• Stainless steel
• Gold or another alloy
• Porcelain fused to metal
• Resin
• Ceramic

Different materials are used for different purposes. For example, stainless steel is usually the preferred material for temporary crowns. Stainless steel crowns are incredibly durable. Prefabricated stainless steel crowns are commonly used in children who need crowns on baby teeth.

Metal crowns are durable and able to tolerate the impact of biting and chewing, but because of their color, they're commonly reserved for rear molars.

Porcelain fused to metal crowns have a more natural appearance than metal crowns, but they do come with some downsides. For example, the opposing teeth may endure more wear than they would with other types of crowns, and the metal portion of the crown may show as a dark line near the gums.

All-ceramic crowns are the best choice for patients who have metal sensitivities. All resin crowns are one of the most affordable crown options, but they're also more susceptible to cracking.

What should I expect when I get a crown?

A majority of the time, a minimum of two appointments is required to complete a dental crown procedure. At the first appointment, you'll have X-rays taken so that your dental professional at Walker Family Dentistry can assess the health of the tooth that requires the crown.

Next, your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and its surrounding tissue. The tooth will be filed down or built up so that the crown will fit properly and securely. Afterward, the dentist will make an impression of your teeth, which a lab will use to manufacture the crown.

Your dentist will create a temporary crown to protect your tooth until the permanent crown can be placed.

Getting a dental crown can be a simple, easy process. To discuss your crown options, contact the experienced team at Walker Family Dentistry or make an appointment online.