Why Do People Get Dental Crowns?
There are a number of reasons that somebody might need a dental crown:
- To keep a tooth from breaking apart due to decay, or to hold a cracked tooth together.
- To heal a worn down or partially broken tooth.
- To contain filling when most of a tooth has been worn out.
- To keep a dental bridge stable.
- To cover up teeth that have severe discoloration.
- To cover up a tooth implant.
Dental Crowns For Children
Sometimes kids will have a crown put in. The crown might be needed because the tooth is too decayed for filling. It can also help guard against decay, particularly for kids who are having difficulties with their hygiene. Crowns are also used more because many kids can’t have general anesthesia, so a crown is used as an alternative method to fix the problem. Usually, a Boynton Beach dentist will use a crown made of stainless steel for a young patient.
There are many different types of crowns and many patients prefer one over another. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Stainless Steel Dental Crowns
These crowns are meant to be used to temporarily cover a tooth. This crown can protect the tooth and protect it from further decay. The nice thing about these is that if it is used on a child, when the child’s tooth comes out, the crown goes with it. Stainless steel crowns are cost-effective and quite popular.
Crowns Made of Other Metals
You have probably seen some famous people with gold crowns on their teeth. You can also get a crown made out of chromium, nickel or palladium. The advantage with metal crowns is that less of the original tooth has to be removed to fit these on. Metal crowns are highly resistant and take a very long time to wear down. They generally do not chip or break. Some people don’t like the way they look, so for the most part metal crowns are used for teeth that are in the back of the mouth.
Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal Crowns
These crowns are made so that they look just like your other teeth. The drawback to these is that they are more prone to being chipped or worn down which might result in the underlying metal being exposed. Many people like the way they look and opt for them often.
All-Resin Crowns
These are a very inexpensive option. They also look quite like normal teeth, but they will thin out over the course of a few years and are prone to cracks and fractures.
All-Ceramic Crowns
These crowns look the most realistic and will often exactly match the color of the other teeth. Many people choose these for their front teeth. They do wear down faster than metal, but are a pretty popular choice.
Temporary Crowns
Temporary crowns are usually worn for just a few months and are often made from acrylic. Permanent crowns need to be made in a dental laboratory and they can take a few weeks before they are ready.
Getting a Dental Crown
Usually it takes two visits to get a crown put in. On the first visit, the dentist might take some x-rays to examine the interior of your gums. If the tooth has a lot of decay, it could get infected. A root canal might be needed before the crown can be put in.
When all of that is taken care of, the dentist will numb your mouth and file down your tooth so that the crown can be fitted properly. If the tooth is cracked or damaged, the dentist will use filling to stabilize it. That is the point where the wait comes in. The dental lab will need a few weeks to make the crown.
On the second trip to the dentist, your temporary crown will be removed and they will place your permanent crown. Your mouth will be numbed and the crown will be cemented in place.
Most People Have A Dental Crown
Most people have a crown. If you feel like you might need one or if you have more questions, give the Boynton Laser Dental Center a call. We have the expertise to make your crown look and feel perfect!