A dental crown is a restoration that fits over your existing tooth to strengthen and improve its appearance. They are used in cases where a tooth is chipped, cracked, broken, worn down from grinding or acid erosion, decayed, discolored, or misshapen, or a filling needs to be replaced but is too damaged to be fixed with just a filling. In addition to strengthening your tooth and protecting it from further damage, a crown can improve its appearance by covering stains and discolorations and giving you back your natural white smile.
At Daniel Dentistry, we place dental crowns that are made from ceramic, metal, porcelain fused to metal, resin composite, and sometimes gold. Porcelain is the most popular choice for both aesthetic and durability reasons. Porcelain restorations can match your natural teeth color to blend seamlessly with your smile. On the other hand, metal crowns are durable but not as popular due to their silver-metallic color, which doesn’t match the natural appearance of your teeth. Gold is often used as another option, but it are not as strong as other restorative materials. Resin composite is used when a conservative approach is needed; however, this material is not as durable and could be prone to fractures.
The Benefits Of Dental Crowns
There are many benefits of using a crown to restore your smile. A dental crown is used when a tooth is heavily damaged or decayed, but it can also serve as the replacement for a missing tooth secured by a dental implant. Most patients choose to have a crown attached to an implant over other tooth replacement options because the titanium post of a dental implant can last for decades, providing a firm and secure foundation for the replacement tooth. This means the crown will not fall out unexpectedly as dentures have been known to do.
Covering the natural tooth with a crown can prevent further deterioration of the jawbone and prevent the need for extraction. By using a dental crown, you are preserving the natural root and keeping it in its place in the jawbone, preventing the need for a tooth extraction down the road. This also saves you from the discomfort and inconvenience of a procedure like bone grafting.
Patients who receive the crown will also experience an improvement in the alignment, shape, and appearance of their smile. The crown will cover any visible imperfections due to damage or large fillings, creating a more uniform smile.
The Procedure For Dental Crowns
Typically, your provider will numb the tooth that will receive the crown to ensure no discomfort during the process and enable you to relax. Then, they will remove any decay or old filling materials from the affected tooth. After that, they will create a mold of your bite using impression putty and place a temporary crown over the prepared tooth. This temporary crown helps to protect the prepared tooth until your permanent crown is ready to be placed. You will come in for your second appointment when your permanent crown is ready, and they will remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent crown in place.
If you are interested in learning more about crowns or other dental procedures, visit Daniel Dentistry at 19 Inverness Center Pkwy, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35242, or call (205) 967-0760.
