Everyone desires to have beautiful teeth. A wonderful smile symbolizes charm, health, and success. When not happy with your smile, a Spruce Grove dentist can find an appropriate solution. Perhaps you need dental crowns. This article offers all you should know about dental crowns before taking the plunge. You are going to discover their benefits, types, and other appropriate information.
Why a dental crown?
A dead tooth in the mouth is like a dead branch on a tree. This looks solid but without essence and can break any time causing considerable damage to other parts of the tree. A dental crown preserves a damaged tooth and the jaw structure. Having a devitalized tooth not protected by a crown is prone to breaking up gradually until extraction is the only solution. Crowns limit problems that might affect other healthy teeth. A diseased tooth without a dental crown might damage healthy teeth.
When planning to get a dental crown, the cost is of great concern. However, insurance can cover the cost of your dental crown, especially for elderly folks. A dental crown fitting is essential for oral health by avoiding future teeth repair costs, dental implantation, and teeth extraction. With more people looking for dental treatment, crowns limit some of the issues that affect teeth.
When to get a dental crown
You are highly recommended to visit the best Spruce Grove dental clinic at least twice annually for consultation and teeth cleaning. During the appointment, the dentist can discover damaged teeth requiring a crown. The best period to go for a dental crown is when your damaged tooth is showing signs of early decay or broken. According to the Canadian Dental Association, a child should have the first dental visit 6 months after the first tooth appears or on making one year.
There is no possibility of a cavity at this age but the dentist might detect other dental issues. The dentist recommends a dental crown for a broken tooth or damage to the tooth natural structure. A crown is a hollow prosthesis for covering a damaged tooth for protection from external damage. This acts like a shell that becomes the tooth’s visible part. A dental crown is necessary when your tooth susceptible to situations including:
- Damaged
- Discolored
- Fragile
- Worn
- Broken
Types of dental crowns
Ceramic crowns
These crowns restore front teeth and blend well with the natural color of your teeth. Ceramic crowns are a good choice for anyone allergic to metals. Keep in mind that these crowns might wear down opposite teeth a bit more compared to other types of crowns. The best thing about ceramic dental crowns is matching well with the natural color of front teeth.
Porcelain crowns
Dental crowns made from porcelain are infused with metal for a stronger bond better than regular porcelain. These crowns are durable and are matched to the color of teeth near them. However, the porcelain part of the crown might show as a dark line. Additionally, the porcelain portion of the crown might break off or chip to wear down opposite teeth in the mouth. Porcelain crowns are ideal for front and back teeth.
Gold alloy crowns
These crowns are made from a combination of copper, gold, palladium, chromium, and nickel. Gold alloy crowns offer a strong bond to a tooth protecting it from fracturing without wearing out the tooth. These dental crowns never break or chip making them the most durable type of crowns. Gold alloy crowns require a tiny amount of tooth removed and withstand chewing and biting forces. However, these crowns come in metallic color making them ideal for out-of-sight molars.
How a dental crown is set
The dentist applies local anesthetic. Afterward, part of the tooth is shaped for a seamless milling process of the crown. Then, an impression of the damaged tooth and nearby teeth is made. An imprint is for producing a custom crown to perfectly suit your tooth. A temporary crown is placed over the tooth for protection until the dentist has a permanent crown ready. This permanent crown is set on the tooth during the next dental appointment.
A regular dental crown encircles a tooth like a shell for protection. When the tooth is severely damaged, the dentist has to fix the crown on a post. This is a metal rod is an anchor for the core. It requires placing an inlay-core for attaching to the tooth root. This is where the crown is set after a preliminary intervention.
Expectations after getting a crown
There is possibility of feeling some pain when getting a dental crown. With time, the gum might begin to grow on the tooth causing some pain after placement. A temporary feeling of compression might also come from where the crown is fixed. Installation of a dental crown is painless and any kind of pain is bound not to last long.
Bottom line
Dental crowns fix various issues with teeth. However, ensure to visit a dentist to determine whether your issue requires a crown and the complexity of the problem.