A dental crown is one of the most common and safe dental procedures around. The crown is a cap that goes over a tooth that may be broken or has a large, noticeable filling in it. The crown restores the shape and appearance of the broken tooth. The crown also provides full function to the damaged tooth area so it doesn’t impact your bite.
The three most common types of crowns are ceramic, porcelain and gold. The choice is dependent on where in the mouth it will be used, the aesthetic requirement and what kind of damage the cap will be covering. Ceramics are usually used in the front of the mouth where it will be most visible. The ceramic is easier to tint so the colour will look more natural next to your natural teeth. Porcelain crowns are usually fused with metal and form a stronger bond for back teeth. It is more durable and better suited for the hard work done by chewing. Gold is becoming less common because of how noticeable it is. However for people who grind their teeth, the superior strength and durability would make it a preferred choice.
Picking the right dentist is important when it comes to crowns. The crown’s lifespan can be greatly shortened if it is not fitted correctly. It can also collect bacteria when not done correctly. Making sure the precision fit is done correctly is the hallmark of all good dentists.
During the procedure the dentist will take a mold of the tooth being covered and send it to a lab where it will be made. In the meantime, a temporary crown is installed. Once the new crown is made and put in you will be back to normal. Maintaining good oral care and avoid really hard foods will help make your crown last a long, long time.
