What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" that is placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. When cemented into place, crowns fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.
Dental crowns can be made from several different materials, including:
- Ceramics: Ceramic crowns are made of a porcelain-based material and are used most often for front teeth. They are popular because they blend naturally with your tooth color and are biocompatible, meaning they will not cause allergic reactions.
- Composite Resin: Composite resin crowns are an affordable option that can be color-matched to your natural teeth. While they may not be as durable as other materials, they are a good choice for certain situations.
- Porcelain: Porcelain crowns offer the most natural appearance and are an excellent choice for restoring front teeth. They are strong, durable, and resistant to staining.
- Metal Alloys: Metal crowns, including gold alloy and base metal alloys, are extremely durable and require less tooth structure to be removed. They are often recommended for back teeth where the forces of biting and chewing are greatest.
Why do I need a dental crown?
There are many reasons why your dentist may recommend a dental crown. Crowns are one of the most versatile restorations in dentistry and can address a wide range of dental problems. You may need a crown if you have a tooth that is severely decayed, cracked, broken, or weakened. Crowns are also used after root canal therapy to protect and strengthen the treated tooth, and they can be placed on dental implants to replace missing teeth.
What does a dental crown do?
A dental crown serves several important functions:
- Cover: A crown covers a discolored or misshapen tooth to improve its appearance.
- Refurbish: A crown refurbishes a tooth that has been worn down from grinding or other damage.
- Protect: A crown protects a weak tooth from breaking or holds together parts of a cracked tooth.
- Restore: A crown restores a broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down.
- Support: A crown supports a tooth with a large filling when there isn't enough natural tooth structure remaining.
- Replace: A crown is placed on top of a dental implant to replace a missing tooth.
How do I care for my dental crown?
While dental crowns are strong and durable, they still require proper care to ensure they last as long as possible. Here are some tips for caring for your crown:
- Avoid hard foods: Chewing hard foods like ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels can damage or dislodge your crown. Be mindful of what you eat and avoid biting down on very hard substances.
- Regular checkups: Continue to visit Chester Family Dental for regular checkups and cleanings. Dr. Gut will examine your crown at each visit to ensure it is in good condition and functioning properly.
- Use ADA-approved products: Brush twice a day and floss daily using ADA-approved dental products. Pay special attention to the area where the crown meets the gum line, as plaque can still accumulate there and lead to decay.
If you think you may need a dental crown, or if you have questions about the procedure, please call us at (908) 879-0066 to schedule a consultation.