Dental Crowns: Purpose, Types, Care

Teeth tend to get damaged over time - at a different rate for each one of us. The sugary treats we eat, the various beverages we drink, using teeth to remove tags or bottle caps, chewing tobacco, and so on have harmful effects on our teeth. At the same time, the best way to prevent teeth from losing their shape and strength is to avoid all those stated here. If you have a missing or damaged tooth, dental crowns will come to your rescue.

Dental crowns are simple cap-like structures that are cemented over an existing tooth to restore its shape, appearance, and strength. They are placed at the gum line so that the crown covers the visible portion of the tooth.

Why do I need a Dental Crown?

A dental crown can be used in many scenarios, some of which are mentioned below:

• Replacing a worn out, broken, or missing tooth
• Protecting a decayed or chipped tooth by holding the weak parts together
• Supporting a tooth with a large filling
• Covering a severely discolored or misshapen tooth
• Holding a dental bridge in place
• Covering a dental implant as a tooth restoration
• Guard teeth on which root canal procedure has been conducted

Types of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns take two sittings at the dentist’s clinic. During the first visit, your tooth will be examined, and an impression of your mouth will be taken. A root canal may be conducted if necessary. Once the dental crown is prepared in the lab, you will be called to the clinic so that it can be cemented in place.

The choice of a dental crown depends on whether it is going to be placed in front or back, durability, cost, and strength. The types of dental crowns are as follows:

Metal Crowns: Available in chromium, nickel, palladium, and gold, metal crowns last long and need only a small portion of the tooth to be chipped to be placed. 

Porcelain: Porcelain crowns are the better choice for front teeth as they can be matched to the natural color of your teeth. 

Porcelain Fused to Metal: These crowns have a metal base and are covered with porcelain matching the color of neighboring teeth. These are believed to be more durable than all-porcelain crowns. 

Resin: All-resin dental crowns can also be matched to natural teeth colors.

How Should I Take Care of My Dental Crown?

No matter what material it is made of, the prolonged life of a dental crown depends on the care taken to ensure its durability. It is important to brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. If the area around your crown is sensitive to heat or cold, consider using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth. If you choose a porcelain crown, avoid chewing on hard foods as they could cause it to crack. If you are in the habit of grinding your teeth at night, let your dentist know so that they may recommend a nightguard.

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to dental crowns. Discuss with your dentist and choose a crown that tends to your specific needs.

To have a consultation with our dentists at Stein dental, please schedule an online appointment or call us at 615-540-0888, and we will be happy to help.