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Dental crowns can be made of various materials, including metal alloys, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), all-ceramic or all-porcelain, Zirconia, and resin. The type of material chosen will depend on the tooth’s location and function, as well as the patient’s aesthetic goals. Overall, dental crowns are a common and effective way to restore and protect damaged or decayed teeth, as well as improve the brightness of the patient’s smile.
The Reasons That a Dental Crown Might Be the Best Option
The specific condition of the tooth and the patient’s overall health will have a big effect on how to best go about a dental crown treatment.
Some of the most common treatments that utilize dental crowns include the following:
1) Root canal (endodontic therapy). This procedure is used to treat a tooth that is infected or abscessed. The damaged or infected pulp (the soft tissue inside of the tooth) is removed, and the tooth is then cleaned and sealed. A dental crown is then placed over the tooth in order to both protect and restore it.
2) Cavity treatment. If a tooth has a large cavity that cannot be effectively treated with just a filling, a dental crown may be recommended instead, which will cover the entire tooth and protect it from any further decay.
3) Fractured or broken teeth. A dental crown can be used to hold together the pieces of a tooth that has been fractured or broken, and will help to protect it from any further damage.
4) Dental bridges. A dental crown is commonly used to hold a dental bridge in place, replacing one or more missing teeth.
5) Dental implants. A dental crown is often placed on top of a dental implant, which is a treatment that replaces the root of a missing tooth to provide support for a crown, in the cases where the original tooth requires extraction.
6) Cosmetic improvement. Lastly, dental crowns can also be used to improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, misshapen, or have gaps between them.
In all cases, the dentist will evaluate the tooth, the patient’s overall health, and the patient’s aesthetic goals to determine the best treatment plan, which may include the use of a dental crown.
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Commonly Asked Questions From Patients
“Can you get decay under your new dental crown?” Yes. A dental crown can protect your tooth, but it does not prevent new cavities. It is still very important that you take the time to flood and brush daily. Good oral hygiene will help you to prevent decay from developing under your new crown.
“Is it worth it to get a crown?” Yes, very. Dental crowns can make an excellent long-term solution for dental repairs. With the right care, they can last a very long time. Dental crown treatment has a high success rate when compared to other dental restoration options, and especially when compared to no treatment at all.
“Can you have tooth sensitivity or a toothache after placing a new crown?” Every tooth, unless you’ve had a root canal performed, has a live nerve inside. Furthermore, teeth tend to become sensitive to hot and cold after any sort of dental work. This is simply a normal part of the healing process. You can expect inflammation after most procedures as your tooth heals and recovers, including dental crown procedures. This will typically decrease within a few days, leading to a full and healthy recovery. However, sometimes, it is possible to experience chronic inflammation as a result of dental work. Chronic inflammation, unlike healing inflammation, does not go away with time and may sometimes require additional treatment, such as a root canal.
WATCH: “Why are dental crowns important?”
READ: “Dental Crowns”
