What is a Dental Crown and Do I Need One?

dental crown

Dental Crowns And Why They Are Needed

A dental crown is a cap shaped like a tooth placed on top of a patient’s tooth to help restore its size, shape, and strength and enhance its appearance. Crowns are classified under restorative dentistry because they help save a tooth from complete damage.

When put in place, the crown covers the entire tooth on and above the gum. Sometimes, patients can consider having partial crowns that cover only the affected part of the tooth.

Anytime patients consider having a crown, they should choose the best dentist in Surprise, AZ.

There are several types of crowns that patients can choose from.

  • Stainless steel crowns—They are placed over permanent teeth temporarily to protect them or protect a filling while a permanent crown is being made. They can also be used in kids, where they are placed over primary teeth to keep them from decaying. When the primary tooth is removed, the crown comes off with it. They are affordable and fast to fit over the tooth.
  • Metal crowns—Metal crowns can withstand chewing and biting and last the longest. Most are made from alloys containing platinum or gold. However, they are very costly and are mostly recommended for molars at the back of the mouth.
  • Porcelain—Metal crowns—These crowns are made with metal coated with porcelain and can be made to match the teeth. However, sometimes, the metal’s color can show over the porcelain as a dark line, mainly at the gum line.
  • Sometimes, the porcelain part of the crown can break or chip off. They can be used for teeth at the front or back of the mouth.
  • Resin crowns are the least expensive crowns available. However, they are more prone to wearing down and fractures than other crowns.
  • Ceramic and porcelain crowns are better if the patient needs crowns to match the adjacent teeth. They are also suitable for people who are allergic to metal. They can be used for teeth in front or at the back of the mouth.

Crowns can be permanent or temporary. Permanent crowns are mostly made in laboratories, while temporary ones can easily be made by the dentist in the office. Most temporary ones are made from stainless steel or acrylic-based material while awaiting a permanent crown.

It may be difficult for patients to determine whether they need a crown or not. It is also difficult to determine when someone needs restorative dentistry because, most of the time, only general dentistry is done.

Patients can know if they need a crown if they notice these signs:

  • A huge cavity on the tooth that may be too large for a tooth filling.
  • A severely worn-out tooth.
  • A crack on the tooth.
  • A weakened tooth.

A crown may also be needed immediately after a root canal since the tooth becomes weak and needs to be protected. If the dentist needs to put a tooth implant or dental bridge into a gap in the mouth, a crown is also recommended.

Benefits Of Dental Crowns

Crowns have various benefits to general dental health and appearance.

1. Protect Teeth From Damage

It is normal for teeth to have small cracks, given the work they do every day. However, not managing those small cracks can cause havoc over time. They might grow into cavities, cause sensitivity, or even pain.

Continuous chewing on a cracked tooth will eventually weaken it and damage its structure. Having a crown cemented on the tooth protects it from further cracking and prevents food build-up in the cracks, preventing cavities and decay.

They also strengthen the tooth and maintain its proper structure, ensuring that it remains strong and healthy no matter how long it is chewed.

2. Beautiful Smile

Everybody wants to show off that healthy pearl-white smile in big crowds and photos. Well, crowns will help with that. Even with teeth that have sustained a lot of damage, cracks, or even discoloration, it is possible to have a beautiful, healthy smile.

Crowns can be made the same color as the adjacent teeth to make the users feel beautiful and confident. They can also be customized to the color that the patient feels will suit them best.

They correct many dental problems, such as crooked or misshapen teeth, that may make it hard for people to smile.

3. Get Rid Of Discomfort

Having a weak tooth can cause a lot of discomfort, sensitivity, and even pain. Also, teeth can be cracked, leaving sharp edges that may cut into the mouth, gums, or cheeks, making chewing a real struggle.

Another problem that may cause discomfort is tooth decay or a cavity. A root canal can also weaken the tooth, which may bring about sensitivity and discomfort. Having a crown on the affected teeth will help eliminate all those problems.

They help support weak teeth and cover up cracks and sharp edges that may cut into the gums or cheeks.

Other benefits that crowns have are:

  • Holding dental bridges in place
  • Covering dental implants
  • Making cosmetic modifications
  • Protecting children’s teeth from decay mostly when kids can’t keep up oral hygiene daily

Crowns are a dental procedure that helps solve a wide range of problems for patients. Getting the best dentist to fix them will determine the quality of the services and how long the crowns last.

Patients can visit West Bell Dental Care in Surprise, Arizona, for the best dentist surprise and affordable dental care. They have the best prices and the most quality dental services patients can request.