Everything You Need To Know About Dental Crowns
What Are Dental Crowns, and What Are the Different Types?
A dental crown is a cap that may be recommended to help get a damaged tooth in shape. It can be made from metal or porcelain.
When Can a Dental Crown Be Recommended?
Before we look at the different types of dental crowns, we need to understand in what circumstances a tooth crown would be recommended. After a thorough examination, the dentist could suggest that you opt for a dental crown in Knoxville if:
- A weakened tooth is severely decayed or damaged.
- An implant needs to be covered.
- Large fillings need to be replaced.
- A root canal has been performed on a tooth.
The doctor may also recommend dental crowns for those wishing to achieve a beautiful smile. Through this procedure, the size, shape, and color of the teeth can be altered.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are crafted from different materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, metal, and composite resin.
They also may be made from a combination of materials. For example, instead of having an all-porcelain dental crown, one can have a porcelain tooth crown fused with metal. While selecting a material for the crown, the doctor considers various factors. The tooth’s location and function, as well as the color of the surrounding teeth, the position of the gum tissue, and any remaining tooth will all help to determine what sort of crown will be the most helpful. The dentist may also take your preference into account.
Gold Crowns
Gold crowns are made from copper and other materials like nickel or chromium. Strength and durability are the advantages of gold crowns. For restoration of back teeth and taking into consideration the patient’s need, the dentist may recommend gold crowns. Gold dental crowns wear down slowly and last for a long time when taken care of well. When implanting the gold dental crowns, the dentist may have to remove a minor portion of the natural teeth.
All-Porcelain Dental Crowns
Porcelain or ceramic crowns can provide the best natural look. They can match the surrounding teeth’s shape, size, and overall appearance. It is also one of the best options for tooth restoration. As no metal is used to create them, the porcelain dental crowns are biocompatible or toxic-free.
Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal (PFM)
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns provide strength due to their metal structure porcelain coat that covers the cap adds to its aesthetic value. They have been around for more than five decades, and they are known to work well. Additionally, the PFM crowns could be less expensive in comparison to their metal crown counterparts.
Zirconia Crowns
The zirconia crowns are also well known for their aesthetics. Plus, they are strong and offer fewer possibilities of chipping or breaking. The process of having a zirconia crown may be less time-consuming as the height is cut to shape at the dentist’s office. It may not be required to send the measurement to the lab to make the dental crown. As they are metal-free, zirconia crowns may cause fewer allergic reactions.
E-Max: Lithium Disilicate Crowns
E-Max is a type of all-ceramic dental crown crafted from lithium disilicate. Light and thin, they offer great aesthetic value and can be durable and robust. Thus, they can double up as a perfect option for both the front and back teeth.
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
Not necessarily! In some cases, temporary tooth crowns are used. As its name suggests, the temporary crowns are meant to stay temporarily in the mouth. An adhesive that can be easily removed is used to fix the height of the tooth. It is not as strong as the permanent ones. The temporary crowns may be recommended for those waiting for the permanent dental crown. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of temporary crowns.
One-Day Crown
Also known as the same-day crown, this one is made at the dentist’s office and installed on the same day. Thanks to the advancement in technology, with the help of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), the dental crown is designed and developed from a ceramic block. On most occasions, the patient could get a dental crown in a single appointment.
Onlay or 3/4 crown
Depending on the need, the dentist could suggest the 3/4 crown. It can be recommended when the entire tooth doesn’t need to be covered with a crown. Dental crowns offer several benefits. In the next section of our blog, we have discussed a few advantages.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns have many uses, from protective to cosmetic.
They Can Help Save a Severely Damaged Tooth
The outer layer of the tooth may become weak or broken as a result of the trauma, stress or tooth decay. In this situation, the dentist may be left with just two options to save the tooth which include extracting the entire tooth or using a dental crown.
They Can Help Protect a Dead Tooth From Falling Apart
An infection in the tooth pulp may cause the death of the inner tooth. A dentist could remove the infected pulp by performing a root canal. After this, the dentist could restore the tooth either by sealing the tooth with a filling or by covering it with a dental crown.
They Can Be the Best Option for Those Who Have a History of Tooth Decay
The dentist in Knoxville might recommend dental crowns for a tooth that has been tested for tooth decay multiple times. Instead of going ahead with a filling or using a dental onlay, the doctor could suggest a dental crown to protect the tooth.
Things to Consider Before Getting a Dental Crown
Knowing how dental crowns are classified lets us know what one should consider when getting one. A dental crown will be implanted to fix a problem with your teeth. Thus, before you opt for a particular crown, it is advised that you weigh your options well.
If you think dental crowns can help you cope with the trouble you are experiencing with your teeth, you can reach out to our team of medical specialists at Knoxville Dental Associates will recommend the best treatment option for you. Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help you care for your beautiful smile!