Your dentist says that you need a crown. How flattering, right? However, this type of crown is to fix a problem tooth. In case you’re wondering, a crown in dental lingo is simply a cap or covering placed over a damaged tooth surface to restore its original appearance, function, shape, and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.
Crown me, please!
Crowns are a common solution for “cracked tooth syndrome”, which is a small crack in the tooth often too small to identify in an x-ray or one that sits below the gum’s surface. Sensitivity and pain are red flags that you might suffer from “cracked tooth syndrome”. Some common symptoms include pain while chewing or pain when the tooth is exposed to hot or cold temperatures such as coffee or ice cream.
Reasons to get a crown:
- Broken or fractured tooth (i.e. “cracked tooth syndrome”)
- Cosmetic enhancement for misshapen or discolored teeth
- Decayed teeth
- Fractured fillings
- Large fillings
- Protect a weakened tooth following a root canal
- Support a dental bridge
What type of crown is right for me?
Crowns come in a variety materials and colors. Typically, your dentist will suggest what’s best for your mouth, but sometimes you can choose depending on your preference or budget. Here are your options.
- Porcelain: This is the most popular choice due to the tooth-colored appearance. Porcelain crowns are highly durable and will last many years, but there is always a chance that the restoration might need to be replaced.
- Porcelain fused to metal: This is a hybrid type of crown consisting of a metal base and a porcelain veneer fused together. A great option for back teeth, porcelain fused to metal crowns are durable and stain-resistant.
- Metal: The least aesthetically appealing, metal crowns are made from alloys such as gold, silver, platinum, etc. They are extremely strong and can withstand heavy impact as well as wear and tear - another preferred choice for back teeth.
Getting Crowned
The crown procedure usually takes two appointments. During the first appointment, several molds will be taken in order to create your custom crown. At this visit, your dentist will give you a temporary crown to wear for a couple weeks while your custom crown is fabricated in a dental lab. Your tooth will be numbed while the dentist removes any signs of decay and shapes the surface to properly fit the crown. After preparing the surface, your temporary crown will be placed, and the dentist will check your bite.
When you come back for your second appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary crown, clean the surface, and place your permanent crown, ensuring that the spacing and your bite are just right. The royal treatment is complete!
If you have questions or concerns regarding crowns, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.