Crowns
The teeth are an incredible structure. They are the hardest substance in the human body and can withstand a significant amount of daily wear and tear. Despite their strength, however, it is still possible for them to become damaged or decayed. When these issues arise, it is important to seek treatment right away as they can lead to further damage and/or serious infections. Sussex Dental can restore damaged teeth with crowns.
Restoring Damaged TeethMost minor damage only impacts the aesthetics of your teeth and does not have any effect on your oral health. However, when the damages are more significant, your smile is affected, your oral health is put at risk, and the structural integrity of the tooth is compromised. In the event of more significant tooth damage, we can often restore the tooth with a crown. A crown is a dental restoration that resembles a cap for your tooth. It is designed to cover the entire visible surface area of the damaged tooth, providing the tooth with strength as well as protection from further damages and bacteria. With a crown, the tooth remains in place and eliminates the need for extraction.
Materials for CrownsThere are a few different types of materials that are used to make dental crowns. Common types of crowns include:| • |
Metal. Metal crowns have been in use the longest. The biggest advantage to metal crowns is that they have unmatched strength and are practically indestructible. Most metal crowns have a lifespan of 50 years or more. Because they are so strong, they are ideal for teeth at the back of the mouth. However, metal crowns are gold or silver in color.
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Porcelain fused to metal (PFM). PFM crowns were designed to provide the strength of metal, but also a more aesthetic alternative. These crowns have a metal base that surrounds and protects the tooth. The metal has a porcelain coating that allows the crown to more easily blend in with the rest of your teeth. While the porcelain does match the color of your natural teeth, there is often a metal line that shows through at the base of the crown.
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Ceramic. Ceramic crowns are the most popular option. They provide the best aesthetic results. Ceramic can be made to match the exact color of your natural teeth, and it reflects light just like tooth enamel. With a ceramic crown in place, no one will be able to tell the difference between the crown and your natural teeth. While not as strong as metal, ceramic crowns are still fairly strong and withstand most normal daily wear and tear. |
The Crown ProcessWhen a dental crown is required, the damaged tooth first needs to be prepared. Preparing the tooth, a process that is done under a local anesthetic, involves removing a portion of the enamel. By making the tooth smaller, we create the space necessary for your crown to fit in naturally and comfortably with the rest of your teeth. Once the tooth is prepared, we then take an impression. The impression is sent to our dental lab. Your crown is designed and then milled. Once complete, we check the crown to make sure that it fits properly and that your bite is natural before we cement the restoration into place.
Benefits of CrownsCrowns provide many benefits.| • |
They help to prevent further tooth damage.
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Your tooth is protected from the bacterial invasion that can otherwise lead to a serious infection.
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The strength and integrity of the tooth is restored.
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The need for extraction is prevented.
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Ceramic crowns help to restore the aesthetics of your tooth, which then restores the quality of your smile. As a result, you regain your confidence.
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Crowns are also common following root canal treatment or implant treatment. |
When teeth are damaged, immediate treatment is necessary. Crowns can help to restore damaged teeth, preventing the need for a tooth extraction. For more information, call Sussex Dental today at (262) 246-6806. |
