Which Type of Crown Should You Choose for Decayed, Broken, or Cracked Teeth?
A dental crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface, restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations and a crown may become necessary or desired, for one or more of the following reasons:
- Broken/Fractured Teeth
- Cosmetic Enhancement
- Decayed Teeth
- Fractured Fillings
- Large Fillings
- Root Canal
There are several different types of crowns. The most popular type of crowns are porcelain crowns, because they most resemble your natural teeth. Crowns are made durable and strong and are expected to last many years, but like most dental restorations, a crown may eventually need replacement.
Crowns serve a variety of purposes from repairing broken or decayed teeth, to strengthening teeth with structural damage, to completely replacing a missing tooth as part of a dental implant procedure. Dental crowns were traditionally made of metal alloys that provided durability and strength, however, this lacked the aesthetic look that patients were looking for.
With the advancement in technology, porcelain was laid over the metal alloy to better camouflage the crown, but this often left an unsightly dark gray margin along the gumline. Dr. Nadia at Paradise Dental in Melissa, TX will assess your dental health and provide you with the crown that best suits your needs. Today's all-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns are designed with both strength and aesthetics in mind. The crown looks so lifelike that it can blend in flawlessly with your other teeth and nobody will ever know that you've had dental work done unless you choose to tell them.
Crown Placement Process
Placing crowns is not a difficult process, but it usually requires two appointments. At the first appointment, Melissa dentist Dr. Nadia will shape your tooth so that the crown fits snugly and securely. Next, impressions will be taken to send to the lab. You will be fitted with a temporary crown at this time to restore functionality and reduce sensitivity. Crowns are designed to be long-lasting – just like your own natural teeth. With appropriate care, it's quite possible for your crown to last a lifetime!
Caring For Dental Crowns
Dental crowns don't need any extra care besides the regular brushing and flossing routine recommended by Dr. Nadia. Although the ceramic part of the dental crown will not decay in the same way that natural teeth can, without proper brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar will build up, leading to decay at the point of contact where the crown meets your original tooth as well as on surrounding teeth. Continue to visit our Melissa dental office for regular examinations and cleanings so that we may remove any buildup of plaque and tartar from your teeth and monitor the condition of your crown. We take your smile seriously, and routine checkups help to extend the life of your crown.