Dental crowns are caps placed on top of a tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength, as well as improve its appearance. They are typically made of porcelain or a metal alloy and can be made to match the color of your teeth. They are often used when a patient has a cracked tooth that needs to be strengthened or when a significant amount of decay has occurred and the affected teeth need to be protected. Your dentist can recommend a crown for various restorative and cosmetic needs.
Why Get a Crown?
A crown is a permanent covering that fits over an original tooth that is either decayed, damaged, or cracked. Crowns are used to treat teeth that cannot sustain fillings or other types of restorations. They are made of porcelain and look like natural teeth. Porcelain crowns are also durable, lasting many years with proper care.
Procedure
Getting a dental crown is similar to getting a tooth filled:
- First, your dentist will shape your tooth so the crown can fit over it.
- Then, the dentist will take impressions of the reshaped tooth and the surrounding teeth, which the lab will use to create your custom crown.
- Finally, the dentist will place a temporary crown on your tooth and schedule a follow-up appointment to deliver your permanent restoration.
Most patients find that their crown procedure is entirely comfortable. However, if you experience pain during the procedure, your dentist can administer local anesthesia to numb the area. After the procedure, you may experience some sensitivity in the area surrounding the affected tooth. This can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Your dentist may also recommend an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce the risk of infection following the treatment.
Types of Dental Crowns
Metal crowns: They are made from stainless steel and are usually quite apparent when placed on the teeth. Hence, the dentist usually recommends them for the rear teeth, where the teeth are not visible when you smile, and the chewing forces are stronger.
Porcelain crowns: They are crafted from strong, durable porcelain material. They can restore the appearance of damaged teeth and natural-looking smiles.
Metal-free restorations: These utilize ceramic-based materials and look like natural teeth. They are often preferred because they offer the same strength as traditional crowns and bridges without potential cosmetic concerns.
Crowns and bridges are restorations that are in place permanently. However, they may need to be reapplied or replaced in the future due to normal wear and tear.
To find out more about the dental services offered at our dental practice, call 925-687-8250 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit the dentist in Concord, CA at 1909 Parkside Dr, Concord, CA 94519.
