About Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are protective covers that are placed on top of teeth when they have been drilled for repair. Dental crowns help to re-create the original shape of the tooth making it function and appear normally. When major dental work is done to a tooth such as a root canal the tooth top needs to be replaced with a dental crown.

Dental crowns are also used when restorative tooth work needs to take place. The original tooth structure is drilled out and any decay is removed. The tooth is then cleaned out so that a dental crown can be applied. Dentists use crowns to close the tooth and to create the proper surface for chewing.

Dental crowns can be made out of various materials. Metal crowns are often used since they are strong and durable. Metal is typically gold or gold alloy or some other metal like nickel. Metal is often the least expensive choice and is quite durable. The main drawback to using metal for dental crowns is the color. Metal crowns are very noticeable in the mouth and may not be a good choice for teeth that are near the front of the mouth.

Ceramic or porcelain dental crowns are much more cosmetically appealing than metal crowns. Ceramic or porcelain crowns are easily matched to the color of your teeth making them appear very natural. Porcelain fused to metal is a good choice for teeth that are further back in the mouth. For teeth that are seen often the best choice is either all porcelain or all ceramic crowns. While these may cost a bit more they will be much more aesthetically pleasing making your smile appear perfect.

When dental work requires a crown, the dentist will need to take a few steps. First, the dentist will take an impression of the tooth. The dentist will assist the patient in choosing the type of crown that will best suit his needs and budget. The dental crown is made at a dental laboratory. In the meantime the dentist will place a temporary crown on the tooth. Once the permanent crown is available the dentist will replace the temporary crown with the permanent one.

Dental crowns are considered permanent installations. Most crowns hold up very well to chewing and brushing. The dentist will check the crown on regular checkups to ensure that it is intact and functioning properly. In the unlikely event that a crown loosens up the patient should have the dentist reattach the crown.