Types of Dental Crowns and Their Installation

A dental crown is a cap that your dentist uses to cover a damaged tooth. The dental crowns can vary in material and sometimes can either be temporary or permanent. Every tooth can get a dental crown. Therefore, you can get a crown on your molar that doesn’t show or one on your incisors that shows.

When choosing a dental crown, you should consider the following factors:

• Durability and strength
• Cost
• Smile aesthetics

Types of Dental Crowns

A dental crown can either be temporary or permanent. However, types of dental crowns vary depending on the material. Below are some of the types of dental crowns:

Metal Crowns

Metal tooth caps or crowns are alloys of gold, nickel, and zirconium. The dental crowns are more durable and expensive than any other type of tooth caps. However, metal crowns don’t match the natural color of your teeth. Therefore, the metal tooth caps are preferable for chewing teeth.

Porcelain dental crowns

Porcelain or all ceramic metal crowns are relatively strong and match your natural teeth color. Therefore, you can consider using porcelain crowns for the front teeth. However, all-ceramic dental crowns are prone to chipping and cracking.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns

If you are choosing dental crowns for any tooth, porcelain-fused-to-metal ones are the best. The ceramic material mimics the natural color of your teeth, while the metal framework provides durability.

All-Resin Dental Crowns

Composite resin dental crowns mimic your natural teeth color and are the cheapest among all types of tooth caps. However, All-resin dental crowns are not as strong as metal or porcelain dental crowns since the composite material is prone to chipping.

When Would I Need Dental Crowns?

Before getting dental crowns, you should consult with your dentist to determine if the crowns are the best restorative dental crowns for you. Some of the reasons you can consider getting dental crowns include:

• Broken or severely worn-down tooth
• Protect a weak tooth from breaking as a result of tooth decay
• Covering a tooth with a large filling
• Holding a dental bridge in place if there are missing adjacent teeth
• To cover severely stained teeth
• Protecting your tooth after a root canal treatment
• As a tooth cap for a dental implant

Dental Crowns Procedure

Dental crowns procedure requires more than one appointment.

Your dentist might recommend two dental visits when you are getting dental crowns in Port Hueneme, depending on the number of crowns you need. The first dental visit involves preparation, while the other is for placing the dental crown.

During the first visit, your dentist in Port Hueneme will examine your teeth to ensure dental crowns are the best restorations for you. The dentist can also take dental x-rays to check the conditions of your teeth. After examining your teeth, your dentist will take your tooth or mouth impressions to help to make your permanent dental crowns.

The dental crown procedure does not require anesthesia since it is painless. Therefore, the dentist will proceed to trim some parts of your enamel to allow space for your tooth cap. Next, the dentist will take impressions of your trimmed tooth and send them to a dental lab for the making of your permanent tooth cap.

Before releasing you to go home, the dentist will place a temporary crown and schedule the next appointment.

The permanent dental crowns take up to two weeks to arrive from the dental lab. During the second dental visit, your dentist in Port Hueneme will remove the temporary dental crown and replace it with a permanent one. During the procedure, your dentist will check if the crown fits and the bite as well as make necessary adjustments before cementing it into place.

Taking Care of Your Dental Crowns

The durability of your dental crowns depends on how you take care of them. However, if your dental crowns are damaged, don’t hesitate to visit a dentist near you for a replacement or repair.

At All Care Dental By The Sea, we recommend the following dental crowns aftercare tips:

• Brushing at least twice a day to remove food particles, preventing the accumulation of plaque
• Flossing once daily
• Regular dental cleanings and exams
• Avoid biting or chewing on hard objects or foods to prevent chipping
• Don’t smoke since tobacco can cause staining and discoloration