Preserve and Enhance Your Smile with Dental Crowns at Morgan Family Dental in Metairie
Severe tooth decay can occasionally lead to significant tooth damage, making a filling insufficient for maintaining the tooth’s structure. In these instances, dental crowns are employed to safeguard the remaining tooth.
At Morgan Family Dental, dental crowns are among the essential restorative treatments we provide. A crown can salvage a damaged or decayed tooth by holding it together and shielding it from further harm. Additionally, it can serve as an attractive substitute for a displeasing tooth.
Commonly referred to as a cap, a crown is an effective method for covering discolored or poorly shaped teeth and dental implants. Crowns can fortify your tooth and enhance its appearance. Once your crown is placed, treat it like a natural tooth by maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental checkups.
Understanding Dental Crowns
In dentistry, a crown or cap is an artificial tooth that fits over a damaged tooth. Customized to complement your smile, crowns are designed for longevity. Several conditions require crowns to protect your teeth, and you may need a crown following specific dental treatments. A root canal or extensive filling can weaken the affected tooth, making it susceptible to cracking or breaking, necessitating a crown for protection. Crowns can also serve as a cosmetic treatment to enhance the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth.
There are various types of crowns available, each with its unique features regarding appearance and strength.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns consist of gold or other alloys. They are the most durable type of crown and least likely to wear down your opposing teeth. However, metal crowns do not blend with your smile, which may be a concern for highly visible teeth.
Ceramic Crowns
Ceramic crowns are made of porcelain and primarily valued for their aesthetic appeal. They can match the exact color of your teeth and are an excellent option for restoring front teeth. However, they are the least durable crowns. Porcelain may be too fragile for teeth under significant strain, such as molars, and can also be rough on your other teeth.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) crowns combine ceramic and metal alloy crowns’ properties. With a porcelain exterior and a metal interior, these crowns offer strength and aesthetics. However, they have some drawbacks: the metal portion’s edge may become visible at your gum line, affecting its appearance, and the outer porcelain layer can wear down your other teeth or become damaged like all-porcelain crowns.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia is a type of metal that is naturally tooth-colored, making it a popular crown material for many dentists. Like other metal crowns, it is also extremely durable. Unfortunately, zirconia is neither as aesthetically pleasing as porcelain nor as gentle on the teeth as metal alloys.
Procedure Overview
After determining the best crown type for you, we will schedule two appointments. During the first appointment, the dentist prepares your tooth for your custom-made crown. At the second appointment, they will permanently place the crown.
Before preparing your tooth for a crown, the dentist must remove any tooth decay and perform fillings or root canals if necessary. Next, they need to remove enough of your tooth enamel for the crown to fit over it. You will receive local anesthesia to numb your tooth before the dentist begins to trim it down. The amount of tooth enamel that needs to be removed depends on the type of crown you choose, with metal crowns requiring the least removal.
Once your tooth has been prepared, we will take an impression (mold) of your teeth. The dentist will carefully pull the gums away from the prepared tooth using a small cord. Then you will need to bite down on putty-filled trays for a few minutes. This putty mold is sent to a lab, which will create an aesthetic match of your damaged tooth to fit comfortably alongside your original teeth. If you are getting a ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or zirconia crown, the lab will match your crown to the color of your other teeth.
The final step of your first appointment is receiving a temporary crown. The dentist needs to place a temporary crown over the prepared tooth to protect it from any damage while you wait for your next appointment.
It will take a couple of weeks for the lab to craft your personalized crown. Once it is ready, you will come in for your second appointment so the dentist can ensure it fits comfortably and securely. When they find the right fit, they will permanently attach the crown with a bonding resin.
Dental crowns require the same care as regular teeth. While the crown itself can’t decay, the tooth underneath it can. Regular brushing and flossing are essential to maximizing your crown’s lifespan. If properly cared for, a typical crown can last anywhere from 10 to 50 years!