Dental Crowns: Purpose, Types and Procedure
Dental crowns are big in the world of dentistry. They are useful appliances in correcting a variety of oral problems that patients have. In definition, dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are placed over teeth to protect them from damage. It is why they are sometimes referred to as dental caps. The crowns feature a strong material that is cemented on a damaged tooth to improve its functionality by boosting its strength.
When Are Dental Crowns Used?
A dentist in Raritan will recommend dental crowns as a suitable treatment for patients with some of the following oral problems:
- Decayed teeth – when a tooth is badly affected by tooth decay, its strength is highly compromised. Since the enamel of that tooth is damaged, dental crowns in Raritan are used to serve as a replacement. The crown is placed over the dentin of that tooth to restore its strength, and consequently, its appearance. In most situations, it can be used as an alternative to dental fillings.
- Broken teeth – the structure of a broken tooth can be repaired by using a dental cap to cover it. The oral crown reinforces its strength and makes it more appealing than before.
- Missing teeth – a dentist near you in Bridgewater will offer different dental treatments as options to replace your missing tooth. Dental crowns are used together with other dental procedures to replace missing teeth. For one, dental caps can be used with dental implants. An implant is installed in the jawbone of a patient, and then it is covered with a dental crown. Another way is to use dental crowns as anchors for dental bridges that also replace missing teeth.
- Cosmetic intervention – some oral problems are cosmetic. Such include discolored teeth or misshapened teeth. In such cases, a patient may be looking for a complete transformation of their teeth. A dentist will allow for the use of dental crowns to replace the ugly-looking enamel structure of teeth.
Types of Dental Crowns
Your dentist will inform you of the different types of dental crowns during your visit to the dental clinic. The different types are made to fit the varying patient preferences. The differences in the types of crowns are mainly marked by the type of material used in making them. The types include:
- Gold crown – it features a gold material. It is an expensive type of dental crown. Even then, gold material is sturdy and can last longer than some types of dental appliances. The color of gold is bright and attention-grabbing, and that can be a limiting factor for some patients.
- Metal alloys – a combination of different metals can be used to make dental crowns. Such metals include platinum, gold, nickel-chromium, cobalt-chromium, and more. The alloys make a sturdy dental cap that can withstand pressure from heavy chewing. However, some patients are allergic to metal, which can be a limiting factor for this type of dental crown.
- Ceramic dental crowns – all-ceramic crowns are tooth-colored, making them a more appropriate cosmetic solution for patients. They are, for this reason, mostly used for front teeth. The ceramic material is also sturdy, which also qualifies it for back teeth.
- Temporary versus permanent – other than the type of material used to make a dental crown, the longevity of the crown also differentiates the types. Temporary crowns are made in a dental office. They are used after a tooth is prepared for the procedure, but the permanent crown has not yet been readied for treatment.
The Procedure of Getting a Dental Crown
The procedure of a dental crown installation differs depending on the condition of your teeth. For some people, the procedure follows after endodontic treatment, while others get straight into the treatment. In the end, however, the process rolls down to the following steps:
- Shaving of the enamel – the enamel of your tooth has to be removed to make room for the dental crown. It is reshaped to match the shape of the dental crown that needs to be installed.
- Dental impressions – they help a dentist come up with the perfect dental cap to fit your tooth. After this, you may wear a temporary crown to cover your tooth before your permanent crown is ready for installation.
- Installation – the crown is bonded to your tooth with special cement