Welcome to my blog! Here I’ll be sharing my thoughts and musings on all things related to teeth. From the mundane to the extraordinary, I’ll be delving into everything teeth. So sit back, relax, and enjoy!
Introduction: What are dental crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth — to cover the tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and improve its appearance. The crowns, when cemented into place, fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.
The many benefits of dental crowns.
Dental crowns are an amazing way to restore your smile and improve the look of your teeth. There are many benefits to getting dental crowns, including:
· They can be used to protect a tooth that is damaged or has been weakened by decay.
· They can be used to hold together parts of a cracked tooth.
· They can be used to support a dental bridge.
· They can be used to cover up a misshapen or discolored tooth.
· They can be made to look just like your natural teeth!
How do dental crowns work?
Dental crowns are commonly known as tooth caps. They are covers that are placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. A dental crown can also improve the appearance of your smile.
Crowns are made from different materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these materials. Your dentist will help you choose the material that is best for you based on the location of the crowned tooth, your bite, and your cosmetic goals.
Porcelain and ceramic crowns can be made to match the color of your natural teeth. Metal crowns are usually used on back teeth because they are stronger than porcelain or ceramic and less likely to wear down against chewing surfaces. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns have a metal core with porcelain tiers added on top. These types of crowns provide good strength with a natural look.
A dental crown procedure usually takes two visits to your dentist. During the first visit, your dentist will take X-rays and make an impression of your tooth (or teeth). Your dentist may also remove any decay or damage in the tooth before making the impression. This impression will be sent to a dental laboratory where your permanent crown will be made by a skilled technician.
At your second appointment, your dentist will place the permanent dental crown over your prepared tooth and ensure that it fits well. Once it has been checked for fit and bite, your dentist will cement it into place with special dental adhesive
The types of dental crowns available.
When you hear the word “crown,” you may think of a king or queen’s regal headwear. But in dentistry, a crown is a restoration that covers a tooth to bring it back to its normal shape and size. A crown can make your tooth stronger and improve its appearance.
There are several types of dental crowns available, which your dentist will discuss with you based on the location of the tooth being restored, its function, and how visible it is in your smile. The most common types of dental crowns are:
-Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) dental crowns: These areStrong and durable, PFM crowns can be used on teeth located in any part of the mouth. They are made of metal covered by porcelain, which can be color matched to the shade of your natural teeth. However, because metal is visible at the gum line, PFM crowns are not always the best choice for restoring front teeth.
-Ceramic dental crowns: Made entirely of porcelain or a porcelain-like material, ceramic crowns can be color matched to your natural teeth for a very natural look. Ceramic crowns are often used to restore front teeth.
-Gold dental crowns: Gold alloys are well tolerated by gum tissue and don’t wear down opposing teeth like other metals can. For these reasons, gold is often used for back teeth that undergo a lot of chewing force (molars). Gold alloys can also be mixed with other metals for strength and durability. downside to gold crowns is that they are very visible and not suitable for restoring front teeth
How to care for your dental crowns.
Here are some things you can do to help make your dental crowns last:
Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Floss once a day.
Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
Eat a balanced diet and avoid chewing on hard objects.
Limit sugary and acidic drinks.
Caring for your dental crowns is important to maintaining your oral health. Be sure to brush and floss regularly, and visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Eating a balanced diet and avoiding hard objects will also help extend the life of your dental crowns.
The cost of dental crowns.
The price for a dental crown varies based on the type of crown material and whether you have dental insurance. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are usually the least expensive, while all-gold crowns are usually the most expensive. If you don’t have dental insurance, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $3,000 for a single dental crown.
The risks and complications associated with dental crowns.
Dental crowns are an important tool in oral health, but as with any dental procedure, there are some risks and complications associated with them. It’s important to be aware of these before you undergo treatment.
The most common complication associated with dental crowns is infection. This can occur at the site of the tooth or at the gum line. It’s important to keep the area clean and free of debris to minimize the risk of infection. If you do develop an infection, it will likely need to be treated with antibiotics.
Another potential complication is nerve damage. This can occur if the nerve is located close to the tooth that is being capped. In most cases, the nerve will recover on its own, but in some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the nerve.
Finally, there is a small risk that the dental crown will come loose. This is more likely to happen if you have inadequate oral hygiene or if you grind your teeth. If your crown does come loose, it will need to be replaced.
FAQs about dental crowns.
Dental crowns are an ideal way to restore a tooth that has been damaged or is misshapen. A dental crown can also be used to protect a tooth that has been weakened by decay.
Dental crowns are available in a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, and metals such as gold and silver. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are the most popular choice because they look like natural teeth.
Dental crowns are usually placed over a tooth that has been treated with a root canal. This is because the tooth will be weaker and more likely to break. However, dental crowns can also be used to improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth.
It is important to keep in mind that dental crowns are not permanent, and they will need to be replaced every few years as they become worn down.
