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Dental crowns are an effective way to restore damaged teeth. In many cases, dental crowns can also improve the appearance of your smile. Crowns are made to fit over your existing natural tooth, and they can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, and metal. When getting a dental crown, you must choose between metal crowns, porcelain crowns, porcelain fused to metal crowns, gold crowns, metal or resin crowns, and other dental crown materials depending on your unique goals and concerns.
If you have a natural tooth that is cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged, a dental crown can help to restore it to its original shape and size. Dental crowns can also be used to support natural teeth that have been weakened by decay. In some cases, permanent crowns are used to improve the appearance of natural teeth that are discolored or misshapen. Dental crowns are a good solution for a tooth decay, weak tooth, or other dental concerns.
If you are considering getting a dental crown, it is important to speak with your dentist about the best dental crown options for you. In some cases, other treatments, such as dental bonding, may be more appropriate. URBN Dental is led by highly-skilled dentists who can help you select the ideal type of dental crowns. We prepare permanent crowns the country’s leading dental laboratory, ensuring the results look completely natural. You can find our dental lab in Uptown Houston, Midtown Houston, or Montrose, making it accessible to people in or around Houston.
Please schedule a consultation to learn more about dental crowns and the dental crown procedure. You may continue reading for a deep dive into dental crowns.
What Is A Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are commonly referred to as caps. A dental crown is used to describe two different dental applications. The term dental crown describes the anatomically distinct portion that protrudes from gums and bone in the teeth. The crown of the tooth does not contain tooth roots, i.e., it’s the visible part of your natural tooth. The term dental crown also means a dental restoration covering the entire dental anatomic crown. A tooth crown covers most exposed tooth surfaces and replaces all enamel, and it can be used for numerous purposes, such as to protect a weak tooth after a root canal, replace a missing tooth, or treat a dental decay.
Is It Painful To Have A Dental Crown Placed On Your Tooth?
It’s not always painful to get dental implants. During your dental crown procedure, you may feel some discomfort, but you shouldn’t feel any pain if you are treated properly. All dental crown treatments performed using a local anesthetic should have a relaxed feel and be carried out in a comfortable environment. Typically, you may notice that the tooth is slightly irritable after the initial dental crown procedure, just like symptoms after a dental filling. The pain should fade after a few hours, so your mouth will look and feel completely normal.
What Steps Are Involved In Preparing A Tooth For A Crown?
Dental crowns are used to entirely cover teeth. They are usually made of porcelain and are used when a tooth is damaged, decayed or cracked. In order to place a crown, the tooth will first need to be prepared. This involves removing any damaged or decayed tooth material, as well as shaping the remaining tooth so that the crown can fit over it. The entire dental crowns process usually takes two dental appointments – the first for the temporary crown and the second for the permanent crown.
The first step is to numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue. This is done using a local anesthetic. Once you are numbed, the dentist will use a drill to remove any damaged tooth material. They will also remove any old fillings or crowns. The dentist will then shape the tooth so that the crown can fit over it. An impression of the tooth will be made so that the crown can be custom made. A temporary crown will be placed over the tooth to protect it until the permanent crown is ready.
The second appointment will be to place the permanent crown. The temporary crown will be removed and the new crown will be checked for fit. Once it is determined that the permanent crown fits well, it will be cemented into place.
Why Do Some Teeth Need Dental Crowns?
When a tooth is severely damaged or decayed, a dental crown may be needed to restore it. A crown is a “cap” that covers the tooth to make it stronger and improve its appearance. There are several reasons why a dental crown may be recommended:
- To protect a weak tooth from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth
- To restore a tooth that has been severely worn down
- To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t a lot of tooth left
- To hold a dental bridge in place
- To cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth
- To replace a missing tooth structure by fitting over a dental implant
Tell Me The Different Types Of Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns can be manufactured in many materials. Several substances have better aesthetic properties than others, and some of these substances have stronger strength to endure high stresses. The following are examples of commonly used tooth crown materials.
Porcelain Fused To Metal Crowns
The crowns which are more popular over the last couple of years are porcelain-filled materials. It has a silvery base and is coated in tooth-colored porcelain. Its aesthetic advantages outlast those of gold crowns. This crown is strong and durable, but can break under severe force.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia is a relatively new material whose color is similar to porcelain crowns, like tooth-coloured ceramics, but possesses strength properties similar to metal crowns. Zirconium lacks a dark metallic colour, and it is very hard to break it. Zirconia crowns and porcelain crowns are the most natural-looking dental crowns.
Gold Crowns
Gold crowns are made of gold alloys, but they’re usually placed in the back teeth because they’re extremely visible. Gold crowns are also extremely strong and durable. These days, most dentists offers porcelain crowns or porcelain fused to metal crowns instead of gold crowns.
Please schedule an appointment at our dental clinics in Houston to discover the right dental crowns for your specific needs.