What Is A Dental Crown And What Types Are Available?

A dental crown or cap is a fixed prosthetic object used to repair a tooth that has been damaged, possibly due to decay. Crowns are made by reducing the size of your tooth so that the crown fits perfectly. Next an impression is made. Your dentist may place a temporary crown whilst you permanent one is made.

Why Might I Need A Crown?

• A large cavity that is too big for a filling
• Your tooth is severely worn down
• Your tooth is cracked
• Following a root canal

Types Of Dental Crown

• Ceramic – These are used for fixing your front teeth as they blend in with your natural teeth. The crown is made of a porcelain based material. However, they are not as strong as metal crowns. They can last a long time but they need to be looked after.
• Porcelain fused to metal – This crown provides a stronger bond because it is connected to a metal structure.
• Gold alloys – This is a mix of gold, copper and other metals. As well as providing a strong bond to the tooth, it doesn’t fracture or wear away the tooth.
• Base metal alloys – This crown is made of metals that are highly resistant to corrosion and make a very strong crown. This material also requires the smallest amount of tooth to be removed prior to fitting.

What To Consider When Deciding What Type Of Crown You Need

When selecting a material for your crown, your dentist will consider multiple factors when deciding what crown they think is best for you:

• Your tooth’s location
• How much of your tooth is visible when you smile
• Position of your gum tissue
• The function of the tooth that requires the crown
• How much natural tooth is remaining
• Colour of the surrounding teeth.

How To Care For Your Dental Crown

• Be careful when brushing. If you are not already brushing your teeth twice a day, you should definitely start now. If your crown or the teeth around it are sensitive to hot or cold, try using a sensitive toothpaste.
• Avoid hard foods. Chewing hard foods could cause your crown to crack.
• If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist might recommend a night guard to protect your crown.

If you need any more information, visit the healthline website, or contact us on info@newbydental.co.uk