Cracked, weak, and worn-down teeth require professional dental care so patients can avoid severe dental pain, infection, and disease. In many cases, dentists recommend a tooth crown (also known as a dental crown) to protect and restore the damaged tooth. Patients who undergo root canal therapy or receive dental implants or a dental bridge also require dental crowns.
Wondering if you need a tooth crown? Curious about the procedure? Have questions about the effectiveness of a dental crown? In this blog, we answer all these questions and more.
Types of Dental Crowns
Most people picture a dental crown as silver or gold. These used to be the most common types of crowns, but modern dentistry has introduced new, more appealing materials, such as:
- Porcelain
- Ceramic
- Zirconia
- Composite resin
- Porcelain fused to metal (PFM)
The ultimate decision is up to you, but dentists consider several factors before making a recommendation. The most important factors include the location and function of the tooth. For example, dentists typically recommend metal or gold crowns for molars because the material is extremely durable, and the tooth is hardly visible.
The Tooth Crown Procedure
Placing a dental crown can be done in one or two days. Both procedures include the following steps:
- Examination of the tooth
- Taking a mold of the tooth
- Removal of dental enamel from the tooth
- Another impression is made
Next, the dentist either places a temporary crown or a permanent one. If a temporary tooth crown, the patient returns at a later date for the permanent one to be cemented to the tooth.
Caring for a Dental Crown
Caring for a dental crown looks a lot like caring for natural teeth—brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and protecting the teeth from clenching and grinding. Dentists also recommend avoiding hard foods like ice and hard candy as they can break the crown.
Tooth Crown Alternatives
In most cases, a dental crown is the best choice for patients with damaged, weak, or worn-down teeth. However, fillings and dental veneers can sometimes be used instead.
For teeth with small cavities, dentists are most likely to recommend a filling. Dental veneers can be placed on teeth in the smile zone with minor damage. These options don’t offer the same amount of strength or stability as tooth crowns so patients should always be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of every option.
Candidacy for A Dental Crown
Patients with the following conditions are candidates for a tooth crown:
- Advanced dental decay
- Missing teeth
- Broken, cracked, or fractured teeth
- Large fillings
- Root canal therapy
For a crown to be placed over a patient’s natural tooth, the patient must have at least one-third of the tooth structure left. Dentists also attach dental crowns to a dental implant in people who have missing teeth.
I Need A Tooth Crown in Duncan, OK
If you are experiencing dental pain because of a damaged, worn, or diseased tooth, don’t wait any longer to find relief. At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges provides gentle, conservative, and effective dental care to patients of all ages.
A tooth crown may be just what you need to achieve optimal oral health and relieve the pain from your tooth. Contact our friendly dental team today at (580) 255-4880 to schedule an appointment.
