Crowns Q & A

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What is a crown?

A crown is a piece of metal, plastic, ceramic, or porcelain that covers a damaged tooth. It's designed in the shape of the original tooth and can enhance its strength and appearance. The crown acts as a protective covering, as it's fitted over the original tooth so that the visible portion of the tooth is encased. It's sealed in place with dental cement.

 

Do I need a crown?

There are a variety of reasons the experienced dentists at Coxsackie Dental Arts may suggest a crown. A crown can cover a dental implant or a discolored or oddly-shaped tooth.

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A crown can do more than improve the appearance of a tooth. It can protect and hold together a weak tooth. Teeth that are weakened by decay or extremely large fillings are at risk of breaking unless they're strengthened with a crown.

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Whether you need a crown for cosmetic reasons or to strengthen weakened or broken teeth, a dental crown can protect teeth.

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Are there different kinds of crowns?

Dental crown construction has advanced over the years. Crowns can be fashioned out of many materials, including:

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• Stainless steel

• Gold or another alloy

• Porcelain fused to metal

• Resin

• Ceramic

 

Different materials are used for different purposes. For example, stainless steel is the most common material for temporary crowns. Prefabricated stainless steel crowns are a frequent choice for children who have decayed baby teeth and need crowns.

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Metal crowns are durable and able to tolerate the force of chewing and eating, but because of their noticeable color, they’re usually reserved for use in the back of the mouth.

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Porcelain fused to metal crowns are more aesthetically pleasing than stainless steel crowns, but they aren't perfect. For example, the metal portion of the crown might show as a dark line close to the gums. The opposing teeth may also experience more wear than they would with another type of crown.

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All-ceramic crowns are the best option for men and women with metal allergies. All-resin crowns are cheaper than many other types of crowns, but more susceptible to wear and tear and therefore, cracking.

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What should I expect when I get a crown?

A majority of the time, a minimum of two appointments is required to complete a dental crown procedure. During the first visit, your Coxsackie Dental Arts professional takes some X-rays to determine the health of the tooth that needs a crown.

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Next, the dentist will administer anesthesia, then build up or file down the original tooth so that the crown will attach securely. After that, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth. The impression will go to the dental lab and be used to create a custom crown. Your dentist will cover your tooth with a temporary crown until the permanent custom crown is finished.

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Would you like to learn more about dental crowns? Think you might need a crown replaced? Contact the experienced professionals at Coxsackie Dental Arts or make an appointment online.