Do you want to know something interesting? A dental crown in Wendell is one of the most requested procedures in the dental industry. Every year, millions of dental crowns are fabricated in labs and dental offices across the country. If you are scheduled to get a dental crown, we’re sure you have many questions, especially if it is your first time. We’ve compiled some of the commonly asked questions about dental crowns for your peace of mind.
FAQS on Dental Crowns
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a permanent tooth restoration designed to improve the appearance and structure of a severely damaged tooth. Your dentist will place a tooth-shaped dental cap over your affected tooth to bring back its strength, size, and shape. The new crown will also significantly improve your tooth’s overall appearance. Once in place, it will completely cover the visible portion.
Are There Other Options Besides Dental Crowns?
The answer depends on your needs. For example, if your concern is to restore a damaged tooth, then a crown would be the ideal option for you if dental fillings, inlays, and onlays cannot address the issue. However, if your primary problem is purely cosmetics, you do have other options like dental bonding or veneer application.
Who Would Make a Good Candidate for Dental Crowns?
Patients who are advised to get dental crowns usually suffer from the following problems:
- Severe tooth decay
- Large dental fillings that cause the walls of your teeth to become weak and prone to breakage
- Fractured, cracked, and broken teeth
- Severely eroded teeth
- Patients who just had a root canal therapy
What Are the Different Types of Dental Crowns?
Although all dental crowns serve the same purpose, they can be made from different materials like metal, stainless steel, ceramic, all-resin, or porcelain-fused-to-metal.
Metal
The metals used to make dental crowns are alloys that contain high concentrations of platinum or gold or base metal alloys like nickel-chromium alloys or cobalt-chromium alloys. The biggest advantage of metal crowns is they are extremely strong and durable, and they can withstand the force and pressure of chewing and biting.
Compared to other dental crown types, metal crowns last the longest. Chips and breaks are rare in metal crowns. Perhaps the only drawback of metal crowns is their apparent metallic color, so they are only used for your back teeth.
Stainless Steel
These crowns are prefabricated and are only used as a temporary solution. In children, they are used to cover primary teeth to prevent further decay. If the primary tooth comes out to make way for the permanent tooth, the crown just comes out with it.
Ceramic
All-ceramic or all-porcelain is an excellent option if your primary concern is aesthetics. These crown types offer a more natural appearance since they match the color and translucence of natural teeth. They are also great for people who suffer from metal allergies. You may use all-ceramic crowns for your front and back teeth.
All-Resin
The most cost-effective type of dental crown is the all-resin. Since all-resin crowns are cheaper, they don’t last long. In fact, they wear down faster compared to other crown types. All-resin crowns are also prone to breakage and fractures.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal – although porcelain-fused-to-metal contains metal, the crown’s color can be adjusted to match the color of your surrounding teeth for a more uniform look. Unfortunately, the opposing teeth can wear down quickly compared to resin and metal crowns. The porcelain portion of the crown is also prone to breaks and chips. But in terms of design and aesthetics, porcelain-fused-to-metals come after all-ceramic crowns because they closely resemble natural teeth.
The metal portion may appear grayish, especially for people who have thin or receding gums. It’s a great option for both front and back teeth.
How Are Dental Crowns Placed?
Dental crown placement usually takes two separate dental appointments spaced for over seven to 14 days. During the initial appointment, your dentist will assess your teeth and gums and decide if a crown is an ideal option for you.
When your dentist decides that a dental crown is the best solution for your problem, and once you agree to the treatment plan, your dentist will clean the affected tooth and make necessary preparations to allow the crown to smoothly attach to your tooth. An impression is obtained and sent to the lab to use as a guide when fabricating your crown.
While waiting for your permanent crown, you’ll be asked to wear a temporary crown to cover the tooth until your next appointment. During your second dental visit, the temporary crown is lifted and removed, your tooth cleaned, and the permanent crown is placed over your tooth using dental cement to keep it in place.
Do You Need a Dental Crown in Wendell?
If you need a dental crown, we’re here for you. At Tyron Family Dentistry, we offer excellent quality dental services personalized to address your unique needs. We take pride in our modern, clean office. It is well-equipped with state-of-the-art technology to give you a comfortable experience. Call today to book an appointment.
