The Facts About Dental Crowns

When a tooth needs strengthening, dental crowns are an excellent option.  Many patients are unaware of their uses and how they can work to protect and strengthen teeth.  They are essentially a cap that is placed over a tooth to cover the top and sides of it.  This creates a protective barrier that is also extremely durable.

Dentists always use them after a root canal has been performed on the posterior or back teeth.  In a root canal, the dentist removes the dental pulp which is the soft center of the tooth. A filling is placed into the tooth, but it still may not be strong enough to sustain constant and powerful biting and chewing.  This requires an additional step in order for patients to have the full functionality of their tooth.

A dental crown is able to provide patients with the strength and durability they cannot get from a filling alone.  Where a filling simply closes a gap or hole, a crown surrounds the tooth and prevents bacteria and plaque from reaching it.  The crown also enables people to eat and bite down like they normally would without fear of harming the tooth.

Previously, dental crowns were only made of metal materials.  To this day, many people walk around with metal crowns still intact.  They are very durable and strong but look unattractive.  This has prevented many patients from crowns.  Fortunately, technology has improved so that now a patient can have the benefits of a dental crown without the appearance of one.  They can be made of porcelain-on-metal, all-porcelain, and all-ceramic.  All three of these options will deliver a natural looking crown, but the porcelain-on-metal combines the best of both worlds by being strong and looking good.  They can be used on all teeth and are extremely effective.

Dental crowns are also used when a patient needs to have a tooth replaced.  A dentist can create a bridge, and in order to do so, a crown is placed on either side of the missing tooth.  A “bridge” is created, and the new tooth is able to be attached to it.  This is a non-surgical solution for giving people the appearance and functionality of a tooth and is easy to care for once in place. Dental implants are another good option.

We work with patients that need to have their teeth restored, strengthened, and replaced.  During the initial consultation or dental exam, we will find out what a patient’s goals are for their smile and start to discuss options for achieving it.  We believe in educating, informing, and empowering patients to make dental care decisions that work for their lifestyle goals.  When a crown is the best solution for achieving those goals or protecting a tooth, we will inform you and start to discuss the procedural steps. 

Call us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about dental crowns!