Crowns
Overview
A dental crown (cap) is a covering that encases a tooth’s entire surface and will restore the size, shape, and strength of the tooth. After it is permanently bonded in place, only a Roseville dentist or dental specialist can remove it.
With good oral hygiene and proper care of the crown, it would be expected to last from 5 to 15 years, but like most dental restorations, they will eventually need to be replaced.
There are several types of crowns. Porcelain (tooth colored) crowns tend to be the most popular. Other types of crowns consist of full metal or a combination of porcelain and metal.
Reasons for a Crown
- Restore and protect a tooth that is cracked, decayed, broken or worn
- Cosmetically enhance a tooth that is misshaped or discolored
- Protect and support a very large filling or after root canal treatment
- Used to anchor a bridge or another prosthetic device
- Repair a dental implant
Types of Crowns
There are three types of crowns. Each has its own characteristics and qualities that make them different from one another. Your Roseville dentist will examine your case and recommend which type of dental crown would be best for you.
Full Porcelain
Porcelain crowns are the most common crowns used. They are more attractive, strong, reliable, and highly resistant to wear, and contain no metals. Porcelain crowns provide the best aesthetic quality to the rest of your teeth giving you natural, long-lasting smile.
Full Metal
Full metal crowns are the strongest of the crowns. Your Roseville dentist may recommend a full metal crown for your back teeth where most forces from biting, and chewing tend to be. Another benefit of a full metal crown is that it requires removing less of the outer tooth structure in order to place it over the existing tooth.
Base metal crowns tend to be cheaper than most other treatment options. However, some patients may have an allergic reaction to metals or a discoloration of the gum line.
Porcelain Fused to Metal
Porcelain fused to metal crowns are another great alternative to full porcelain crowns. They offer the benefits of natural looking surface with the underlying strength of a metal crown at a reduced cost of a full porcelain crown.
Though there are many advantages to choosing this type of crown, it does require removing more of the original tooth structure in order to place this larger crown. Having to remove more original tooth structure may result in more discomfort during the procedure.
Patient Experience
A crown procedure usually requires two appointments.
- The Roseville Dentist prepares the tooth by removing the decay and shaping the tooth for the crown.
- An impression (mold) is then made of the tooth. Your crown will then be fabricated precisely to fit your prepared tooth.
- A temporary crown will be fitted to protect the tooth and gums until the crown is fabricated.
- During the second office visit, your dentist will permanently affix the crown to your tooth or dental implant.
If you have any questions about dental crowns please contact your Roseville dentist.
