A dental crown is a tooth-like cap that is installed over an existing tooth. Crowns perform a number of functions including restoring the shape and size of a tooth and providing structural strength to a tooth or its root structure. An existing tooth that is to be fitted with a crown undergoes a certain amount of preparation which usually includes the taking of x-rays and the making of a tooth impression of not only the tooth to be crowned but of the other teeth in the jaw as well to ensure a good fit. Other preparations may include some shaping of the tooth and the installation of a temporary crown while the final one is being made for you. Once the final crown has been fitted correctly it is cemented in place.
A dental crown may be recommended to address a number of issues. Some of these may include a weakened tooth after a root canal or a deep cavity filling. Often these procedures result in a significant portion of the tooth being removed, therefore weakening it and making it more susceptible to future damage or breakage. Installing a crown after such procedures restores the appearance of the tooth and strengthens and protects the remaining tooth structure. A crown may be recommended to repair a broken tooth, a badly worn tooth, or a misshaped Brushing Teeth With Baking Powder tooth. A crown applied in these cases restores the tooth to the correct size and shape. A crown may also be the solution for severe tooth discoloration. Often tooth discoloration can be resolved by a veneer or cosmetic filling, but when neither method is suitable, a crown may be a viable option. When a patient requires the installation of a bridge, depending on the condition and health of the adjacent teeth, a crown may also be installed to help hold the bridge in place. It is also a great option for covering a tooth implant, when needed.
Crowns are made from a variety of materials. The main categories include metal, porcelain, or a combination of the two. The combination crown is typically made up of a metal sub-shell encapsulated by a porcelain outer covering. The different types vary Jaw Surgery Or Tooth Extraction in price, with the metal crown typically being the least expensive and the porcelain crowns the most expensive. Even within the categories, there are many sub-categories, such as different metal alloys or different porcelain qualities or grades.
The crown that is best for your case will depend upon the goals and objectives you want to achieve, such as strength, durability, and appearance. Your dentist can best help you select from the many available alternatives the crown that both fits your budget and meets your dental needs.