What is a Dental Crown and When Are They Needed?

Published On: January 26, 2022

Dental crowns are caps placed on the teeth to protect them from further damage. The dental crown is usually made of porcelain, metallic alloys, or gold. Porcelain crowns are usually cheaper than ones that are made of gold. These crowns can be fabricated in laboratories and bonded onto the tooth by the dentist during regular visits. They are often used when other restorations, like fillings and inlays, are no longer options. Dental crowns can be placed over a single tooth or several teeth at one time, depending on the severity of damage that your teeth have sustained.

The most important thing to know about crowns is that they last longer than natural teeth, so they are often preferred by patients who can’t afford to remove all of their teeth. One of the main reasons people have dental crowns made is chipping or cracking.

The dentist will numb the mouth with an anesthetic before working on your tooth. They will remove any old fillings and then shape the tooth by grinding and polishing it to make room for the crown. A temporary crown is then made to hold the tooth while the permanent one is made. 

When they are needed

Dental crowns aren’t needed in all dental emergency situations. Some of the most common reasons why dentists may utilize a dental crown include:

Weak tooth

A dental crown is needed when there is a problem with a weak tooth. This could be because of decay, or it could be due to an injury where the tooth could become broken or chipped. The only option left is to place a crown over the tooth to protect it.

Dental bridge

Dental crowns are devices used to hold dental bridges in place. A dental bridge partially replaces missing teeth, allowing it to chew food and speak properly again. Bridges are often needed when large numbers of teeth are missing. The main advantage of a dental bridge is restoring the facial structure, which is usually relatively impaired by the lack of teeth.

Covering a dental implant

In this process, a dentist will make an impression of your mouth’s teeth and gum area to create a model of your mouth. This model helps the dentist make a crown for you by using porcelain or a similar material. The purpose of dental crowns here is to protect the tooth from any further damage and give your tooth strength.

Replacement for discolored and misshapen teeth

Dental crowns are a great way to restore your teeth to their natural beauty. They are solid and durable. Since they are custom-made, they will fit your mouth perfectly. They also come in various styles and materials that an individual can choose from.

Covering a tooth treated with root canal

They are usually placed after root canal therapy, which saves a badly decayed tooth. The pulp tissue inside the tooth is removed, and the space is filled with medication that relieves pain and helps prevent decay from coming back. The whole process can take several weeks. The crown is made from an impression of the damaged tooth, which is sent to a dental lab where it’s shaped, hardened, and polished into its final form.

For more information on dental crowns or to see if you are eligible for a dental crown, contact the experts at RenovaSmiles.