Questions And Answers About Dental Crowns

Dentist Blog

There are multiple instances in which a dentist may choose to apply a dental crown. They are often applied after a tooth is damaged by decay or trauma. Here are a few questions and answers about prosthetic crowns:

What are crowns?

Crowns are tooth-shaped dental caps that are used to completely cover the natural crown of a damaged tooth or the abutment of a dental implant. 

How are crowns used?

  • To protect a tooth that has become brittle
  • To hold together a cracked tooth
  • To restore a tooth that is worn away
  • To support a tooth that has a large filling
  • To hold a bridge in place
  • To cover a dental implant
  • To cover a tooth that has had a root canal
  • To cover and improve the appearance of a deformed or discolored tooth

What are crowns made of?

Crowns can be made of the following:

  • Gold
  • Stainless steel
  • Porcelain fused to metal
  • Ceramic
  • Acrylic resin
  • Metal alloy

Porcelain, resin, and porcelain-over-metal crowns can be colored to match the natural color of your teeth, so there's virtually no difference in appearance. Metal crowns are best for back teeth, since they are not tooth-colored, tend to be stronger than porcelain and ceramic, and hold up well under chewing and biting pressure.

What kind of crown should you get?

The type of crown material chosen will be partially determined by the tooth's position in your mouth. In addition, whether or not you suffer from bruxism can affect the material choice since the grinding of your teeth can cause porcelain to chip or crack. Your dentist will help you decide which crown is best for you.

How often do they have to be replaced?

Crowns generally last up to seven years or longer. Some have been known to last for 40 years. Daily brushing, flossing and regular dentist checkups help your crowns last longer and keep your teeth healthy.

Depending on the type of crown you have, the longevity varies. Porcelain, resin, and ceramic crowns are more prone to chipping, while metal crowns last longer and don't get worn down easily.

Do crowns require special treatment?

You can treat you crown like you would a natural tooth. However, avoid biting down on hard foods or objects that could chip or crack the cap.  

Consult with a dentist from a company like Picone Dental - Vincent J Picone DDS for more information about dental crowns. He or she can advise if this application is an appropriate treatment option for you.

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21 March 2016

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