Dental Crowns – All You Need to Know About Them
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are like caps that are used to cover the top of flawed teeth. It is used as a protective cover to help restore the natural shape and function of teeth – especially in cases when the dental fillings are not a solution. Dental crowns are made of different materials such as porcelain, ceramics, metals, and resin composite. There is no special care routine for dental crowns, except for regular oral hygiene routines.
In time, there are chances for natural teeth to be damaged. It can occur due to various reasons such as damage or decay in the tooth, natural deterioration of the tooth, accidents or injuries caused to the tooth, etc. Natural teeth also tend to lose their size or shape. Dental crowns are caps that are shaped like the tooth and used to cover the top of the tooth. The dental crown is sealed into place using tooth cement and enclosed in the exposed part of the tooth. Dental crowns help in restoring a tooth’s function, strength, size, shape, and overall appearance. Visit a dentist in Chaparral today to better understand what a dental crown is.
Why do dentists recommend getting dental crowns?
A dentist in Chaparral may recommend getting a dental crown for many reasons. Some of the common reasons are listed below.
- To protect a tooth that is weak from tooth decay or damage.
- To keep a week tooth together or protect it from Breaking
- To restore some functionality to a worn out or broken tooth
- To protect and cover a tooth with an extensive filling
- To hold and support a dental bridge
- To cover discolored or severely stained teeth
- To protect a tooth after a root canal treatment
- To cover a tooth after a dental implant procedure
Types of materials used to make dental crowns
Dental crowns are made out of several different materials. Some of the most common materials used are explained below.
Metal: It is one of the most common materials used to create dental crowns. Metals used to make dental crowns include chromium, nickel, palladium, and gold. The advantage of using metal is that the material rarely breaks or chips. Metal dental crowns also have the longest lifespan in terms of wear and tear and do not require a large portion of the tooth to be removed. Metal dental crowns are also able to withstand bite forces and chewing pressures. The biggest disadvantage of using metal dental crowns is that the color of the metal is extremely visible. Metal dental crowns are best used on the least visible teeth.
Porcelain fused with metal: Dental crowns made of this material are more naturally colored and can be made to match the color of the tooth beside the crown. One of the major disadvantages is that the metal beneath the crown’s cap may be visible as a dark line. The other disadvantages include portions of the crown chipping off or breaking, wear and tear of the crown and the teeth surrounding the crown. This type of dental crown is best suited to be placed on the front or the back teeth.
Resin: Resin dental crowns are generally cheaper than other dental crowns. However, the durability of the resin crowns is less compared to porcelain fused with metal crowns. Resin crowns are more likely to break sooner than porcelain fused with metal crowns.
Ceramic or Porcelain Crowns: Ceramic or porcelain crowns are the best options to match the natural color of the teeth. It is also the safest option in case of metal allergies. The strength of ceramic or porcelain crows is less strong as compared to ceramic or porcelain crowns infused with metal. Ceramic or porcelain crowns also tend to wear down surrounding teeth sooner than other dental crowns. Ceramic or porcelain crowns are best suited for the front teeth due to their color.
Pressed Ceramic: These crowns are long-lasting and more durable as compared to porcelain or ceramic crowns. With a hardcore on the inside, pressed ceramic crowns oust the metal lining in ceramic crowns. These dental crowns use porcelain caps that are the same color as your natural teeth.
What are the risks associated with Dental Crowns?
Over time, there are several issues that you may experience with dental crowns. Here are a few of the most common problems associated with dental crowns.
Sensitivity in the teeth or discomfort: As the anesthesia wears off to post the dental crown procedure, you may begin to experience discomfort in your teeth or extreme sensitivity. Your dentist may recommend brushing your teeth with a toothpaste meant for sensitive teeth. If the dental crown is placed too high, you may experience pain or sensitivity when you bite. Call your dentist immediately if you experience pain while biting into food.
Chipped crown: Porcelain crowns may sometimes chip or break off. In the case of small chips, the crown can be fixed. The crown may require replacement in case there is a larger chip in the crown.
Loose crown: The dental crown can become loose when the cement that holds the crown in place is washed out from beneath the crown. It also creates a gap between the tooth and the dental crown allowing for bacteria and food particles to collect and cause decay in the tooth. Contact a dentist near you in case you feel like your dental crown is loose.
Fallen off the crown: Dental crowns can sometimes fall off. Most times it happens because the crown does not fit your tooth properly or there isn’t enough cement holding the crown in place. In case this happens, visit your dentist immediately.
Allergic reaction: Sometimes, individuals may have an allergic reaction to dental crowns. The metal that is used to make dental crowns is usually a mix of different types of metal. Individuals may have an allergic reaction to either the porcelain or metal in the dental crowns. It is not a common occurrence, but it isn’t unusual either.
For more information on dental crowns in Chaparral, visit a dental clinic near you. A dentist is happy to help you learn all about dental crowns near you.

Comments
Post a Comment