What is a dental crown?
If you’re considering getting a dental crown on your tooth, you may have several questions. You may wonder, “what is a dental crown,” “what are the types of crowns,” and “what is the dental crown procedure?” This article provides answers to all of those questions, providing all the information necessary to determine if you need dental crowns in Houston, TX.
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap for your tooth. It’s a prosthetic tooth designed to protect a weakened tooth, improve its cosmetic appearance, or cover a dental implant. The dentist files down your existing tooth to a small nub to accommodate the molar crown. Once your tooth is filed down, the dentist takes impressions of your tooth and sends the instructions to a dental laboratory that prepares the dental crown. Finally, the dental crown arrives, and the dentist places it on your affected tooth.
A dental crown has numerous purposes. It’s most commonly used after root canal procedures to protect a weakened tooth. During a root canal, the dentist removes the internal pulp tissues from your tooth, thereby weakening your tooth’s structure. As such, a tooth crown is necessary to strengthen the tooth and prevent damages. A tooth crown may also be attached to a tooth with cracks, worn-out surfaces, and deep cavities. In some cases, a dental crown may be attached over a dental implant to replace a lost or missing tooth.
What are the types of crowns?
When you decide you need a tooth crown or your dentist recommends a tooth crown, your first concern may be the type of material. You may wonder about the types of crowns available and the best material for your specific needs.
The following are types of dental crowns available:
- Gold Crowns: Gold tooth crowns combine copper, nickel, chromium, and gold, and they’re ideal for back restorations. Gold crowns are incredibly strong, but they’re also highly visible, so they’re not the preferred choice today.
- Porcelain Crowns: Porcelain tooth crowns are extremely popular because of their natural color and appearance. The dentist can prepare the porcelain crown according to the shade of your surrounding teeth, allowing it to blend perfectly in your mouth. Porcelain crowns are often indistinguishable from actual teeth. However, porcelain crowns aren’t as strong as gold crowns, and they’re more likely to break due to impact or bruxism.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns: PFM crowns are basically metal crowns with porcelain covers. They combine the benefits of both materials — metal’s strength and durability and porcelain’s aesthetic appeal. However, the grey lining of the metal might be visible at the end of the crown, making it fall a little short of a completely natural look.
- Zirconia Crowns: Zirconia tooth crowns are advanced ceramic materials that combine the strength of metal crowns and the aesthetic appeal of porcelain crowns. They have the same color and texture as natural teeth enamel, making them indistinguishable from natural teeth. Furthermore, zirconia crowns are metal-free and non-toxic.
What is the best material for dental crowns?
Zirconia and porcelain are the best materials for dental crowns. Even though porcelain crowns are more likely to break upon extreme pressure than gold crowns, they still last for long periods, and most patients don’t have any problems. However, your dentist will discuss your goals, examine your teeth, and recommend the ideal material for dental crowns for your specific goals and teeth location.
What’s the difference between a crown and a cap?
There is no difference between a dental crown and a dental cap. The term “cap” is an informal word used by dentists to describe the function of dental crowns — they are like “caps” for your teeth. However, they’re the same things.
How is a dental crown done?
Placing a dental crown is fairly simple. The dentist files down your affected tooth to a small size, takes impressions, prepares the crown, and attaches it to your affected tooth.
What is the dental crown procedure?
The following is a step-by-step overview of the dental crown procedures:
- The dentist files down your affected tooth to a small stub. This is usually done if your tooth has a large cavity or has undergone a root canal.
- The dentist takes impressions of your affected tooth and the surrounding teeth. This is done to produce dental crowns that look indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
- You have to wear temporary crowns while the permanent dental crown is prepared.
- Once the tooth crown is prepared, it’s attached to your affected tooth.
How long can I expect my crown to last?
Some dental crowns last a lifetime, but most need to be replaced after 10 to 30 years. Your dental crown’s longevity depends on several factors, including your oral habits, the crown’s location, whether you have bruxism, and the crown’s material.
How long do temporary crowns on front teeth last?
Your temporary crown stays in place for 2 to 3 weeks, following which it’s replaced by the permanent dental crown. However, your temporary crown’s longevity depends on several factors, and some of them can last several months, especially if you’re getting a dental crown for an implant.
How much is a dental crown?
The cost of dental crowns depends on several factors, including the location of your tooth and the type of dental crown. Please contact your dentist for a quotation on the cost of your dental crown procedure.
Schedule your dental crown procedure in Houston, TX.
URBN Dental is one of the most reliable dental clinics for dental crowns and restorative dentistry in Houston, TX. We use the latest and most effective material choices to ensure natural and durable restorations. Please schedule an appointment to discuss your dental crown options in Houston, TX.