If you’ve sustained damage to a tooth, your dentist may recommend looking into dental crowns. This procedure is also known as a “cap,” and your dental professional can determine which material is best to repair your tooth.
Crowns are fixed prosthetic devices. Unlike removable devices such as dentures, which you can take out and clean, crowns (and bridges) are cemented onto existing teeth or implants. They can only be removed by a dental professional.
A crown is used to fully cover or "cap" a damaged tooth. Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape or alignment. A dental crown can also be positioned on top of an implant to provide a tooth-like shape and structure for function. Porcelain or ceramic dental crowns can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. Gold and metal alloys, acrylic and ceramic are generally stronger than porcelain and they may be recommended for your back teeth. Porcelain bonded to a metal shell is often used because it’s strong and looks natural.
When a single tooth restoration is all that is required, crowns are an ideal treatment. A crown fits over the damaged area.
A dental crown might be needed in the following instances:
To protect a weak tooth (often due to decay) from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth
To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that’s been severely worn down
To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn't a lot of tooth left
To hold a dental bridge in place
To cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth
To cover up a dental implant
To make a cosmetic modification
Permanent crowns can be fashioned from stainless steel, all metal (such as gold or another alloy), porcelain-fused-to-metal, all resin, or all ceramic. Common materials Dr. Bleeker uses for his patients include:
Gold - extremely strong for patients who clench or grind their teeth
Porcelain-fused-to-metal – especially durable to mimic the strength and aesthetics of back teeth
Ceramic dental crowns - most often used on front teeth as all composite crowns do not have a line near the gums and will not discolor over time
Dr. Bleeker makes his recommendations for dental crowns on a case-by-case basis, always with the full involvement of his patients.
Are you looking to repair tooth damage and achieve a beautiful, healthy smile? Schedule a consultation with trusted Scottsdale prosthodontist Dr. Bleeker today to see if dental crowns might be needed.
