Dental crowns are used to improve the appearance of the teeth, and to restore their size, shape and strength. In other words, a dental crown is a cap used to cover the tooth.
They are needed in the following situations:
1. When you have a cracked tooth - A dental crown is will be used by an Laurel MD emergency dentist to hold together the parts of your cracked tooth, and protect it from further damage.
2. To protect a weak tooth - A dental crown needs to be installed to prevent your tooth from breaking.
3. To cover a dental filling - When your tooth is too small, and a large filling is needed, a dental crown will cover, and support your damaged tooth.
4. Dental bridge - A dental crown keeps and supports a dental bridge in place.
5. Dental implant - Dental crowns are used to cover dental implants.
6. Discolored or misshapen tooth - A dental crown can be used to cover a severely discolored tooth, and restore the shape of your tooth.
7. Cosmetic modification -They are also used to cosmetically modify your teeth.
A dental crown is recommended for children when the damage to the tooth is so severe, that a filling can no longer be supported. It is also used to save the tooth from further decay, especially if the child practices poor oral hygiene. It is also used to minimize the frequency of anesthesia use, due to the childâs age, medical history, and behavior.
Various Types Of Crowns
These crowns are available in various types:
Stainless Steel - It is often temporary. It is used to protect the filling while the permanent crown is being manufactured.
Metal - Metal crowns are made from gold alloy, palladium, nickel, chromium, or other alloys and base-metal alloys. Lesser tooth structure is removed, and tooth wear to the opposing tooth is minimal. They are also more durable compared to other types, and they rarely break or chip off. They withstand the force of biting and chewing better compared to other types. They are often used for out-of-sight molars.
Porcelain Fused To Metal - It can match the color of your adjacent teeth, but the underlying metal can sometimes show as a dark line. That is why it is commonly recommended for back teeth. Compared to metal, it causes more wearing on the opposing teeth.
All-resin - It is much cheaper than the other types, but is more prone to fractures. It also wears down over time.
Ceramic or Porcelain - It provides a more natural look but wears down opposing teeth more, compared to resin and metal crowns. It is used for front teeth.
Zirconia/Milled - It is digitally constructed, and no temporary crown or impression is needed.
Dental crowns can last for about 5 to 15 years depending on your oral hygiene, and the wear and tear to which the crowns are exposed.