Dental Crowns: Types, Benefits, Definition & Necessity

What Is A Dental Crown?

Most people are familiar with “dental crown,” though some call it a “cap.” The term “crown” has two meanings in dentistry. The part of each tooth’s anatomy that emerges from the gums and bone is called a crown. A crown can also refer to a particular dental restoration that completely encases a tooth’s anatomical crown. A dental crown often replaces all of a tooth’s enamel and covers the exposed area. This implies that a dental crown’s margin—its outer edges—rests very closely against the gums that encircle the teeth.

What Are The Types Of Dental Crowns That Are Available?

Dental crowns are currently constructed from a range of materials. Some materials are vital to endure powerful forces, while others offer superior cosmetic qualities. We’ll provide a brief description of the critical characteristics of the materials that are most frequently used to make dental crowns.

Full gold dental crowns are a relatively uncommon material. The benefit of gold is that it bites against the opposing tooth exceptionally gently. Additionally, it may be pretty thin, protecting the sound tooth structure. Additionally, metallic crowns have certain antibacterial qualities that make them slightly more resistant to developing cavities at the edges.
The porcelain-fused-to-metal substance has been the most popular type of crown over the past few decades. This crown features a tooth-colored porcelain surface over a silver-colored metal core. In comparison to gold crowns, it has clear aesthetic advantages. The metal core gives the crown an opaque aspect. Although they will break when subjected to powerful or destructive pressures, these crowns remain sturdy and resilient for decades.
The most stunning and natural-looking crowns your dental lab can create are made of all porcelain. Similar to natural enamel, they are translucent and let some light through. Because it doesn’t include any metal, the crown doesn’t look to be dark or have any metal showing through. All-porcelain crowns are more likely to shatter, less conservative, and call for a significant amount of tooth removal.
Zirconia is a relatively new material with the ultimate strength of metal crowns but is tooth-colored ceramic-like porcelain. Zirconia lacks a heavy metallic tone and is incredibly strong—almost impossible to shatter. Nearly all-porcelain crowns have a better cosmetic aspect. The disadvantage of zirconia crowns is that they are less translucent than your teeth.

Why Do I Need A Dental Crown?

A dental crown may be required for a tooth for several different reasons. A usual response to this query is that a tooth needs a dental crown when the enamel stops serving its purpose since a dental crown replaces the enamel covering of a tooth. The most substantial component in the human body, the enamel, is made to withstand the mechanical, chemical, and thermal stresses that food and drink place on our teeth. But regrettably, it is not unbeatable. Enamel is prone to deterioration, acid erosion, and cracking (cavities). A crown might be required as a result of any of them.

Reasons For A Dental Crown Procedure

The enamel is weakened and undermined when a cavity deepens, making it incapable of supporting proper chewing. To determine whether a tooth needs a filling or a dental crown, your dentist will assess the extent of the cavity and the amount of sound tooth structure still there. In many instances, the cavity is so big that the tooth’s remaining structure can’t sustain a filling.
A dental crown may be required when a tooth already has a large filling.
Patients with severe acid reflux, GERD, or those who regularly consume sodas frequently experience considerable enamel erosion. To stop further harm and perhaps even the eventual loss of the tooth itself, these teeth must be rebuilt, and the missing enamel must be replaced.
The mechanical wear and tear that results from intense clenching and grinding during sleep is another area of considerable enamel loss. As the enamel gradually wears away, this causes the teeth tobecome shorter and flatter. Rebuilding damaged teeth help stop more harm and eventual tooth loss, like acid erosion.
A tooth that receives a root canal typically needs a dental crown to protect it completely.

Benefits Of Getting A Dental Crown

Restores a tooth entirely to its proper size, shape, and function
Safeguards the tooth’s underlying structure from additional harm.
Enhances a tooth’s appearance, allowing the patient to feel more confident in their smile
Long-lasting with the maintenance of good health

A dental crown can rebuild and preserve your teeth, providing you with proper functionality for years to come. We take pleasure in providing each patient with superior care. Visit our dental office for further queries regarding dental crowns.

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