A dental crown, a restorative service, is a cap placed on a damaged tooth by one of our dentists. Crowns are helpful in protecting your tooth and restoring its functionality. These are used in response to infection or other tooth damage as well as following certain dental procedures. There are several different types which each have their pros and cons. When you meet with our dental professionals at Summit Dental Group, they will explain the procedure and consult with you on the best material to use.
The Importance of Crowns
Crowns are a great option for repairing tooth damage and protecting your tooth from further damage or infection. They are used in a variety of situations such as covering a cavity, injuries, or tooth breakdown, following a root canal, and preparing for dental bridges or tooth implants. Crowns mimic your natural tooth so you can have normal functioning for eating, drinking, and other everyday activities.
Types of Crowns
Crowns come in four different types of materials including ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, gold alloys, and base metal alloys. Ceramic crowns blend very well with natural teeth, but they tend to be less durable than other types. Porcelain and porcelain fused to metal crowns also blend well with your natural teeth and are stronger than ceramic. Gold and base metal alloy crowns are the strongest types you can get, but they do not blend well with natural teeth.
There are a few factors to consider when deciding a material and your dentist can guide you through this process. Some considerations include cost, function, tooth location, gum position, amount of natural tooth remaining, and color of the surrounding teeth.
In addition to the different materials, you can also get different types of crowns. For instance, you may need a full crown or just a partial, depending on the extent of the damage. You may also get a temporary crown with a basic adhesive while waiting for a permanent crown to be made.
Process
Most crowns take more than one visit to complete, but this may differ depending on your specific circumstance. In general, the first appointment will involve your dentist taking x-rays and making a mold of the tooth needing a crown. This is done so that the permanent crown matches your teeth and gives you the best look and functioning possible.
The tooth is then filed and part of it may be removed. Your dentist will make an impression of the trimmed and surrounding teeth which, again, ensures that the permanent crown matches. You will then get a temporary crown placed with a simple adhesive. This will not match your tooth perfectly, but it serves its purpose while you wait for the permanent crown to be made.
For your second appointment, you will get the permanent crown placed. This is made in a lab using the impression taken at the first appointment. This crown is cemented into place so it is more durable and functional than a temporary crown. From start to finish, this process can take several weeks. If you have any questions or are in need of a crown, contact Summit Dental Group today.