Dental Crowns
In cases of severe tooth damage, installing a crown may be necessary. A filling alone may not be sufficient to address this level of damage, however the root of the tooth may still be intact and able to support a restored tooth structure. Virtually the entire surface of a tooth from the gumline upwards, can be restored through a crown procedure.
A crown is a sort of cap for the tooth, that can be shaped to match the appearance of the old tooth. The crown is cemented to the remaining tooth structure, improving a patients appearance as well as having other restorative benefits, such as maintaining the spacing between the affected tooth and the other teeth. This is a better option than simply removing a tooth, as the spaces left can result in an improper bite and change one’s facial appearance. In effect, a crown rebuilds the tooth by bonding with what is left of the healthy tooth structure.
There are different kinds of crowns and materials, depending upon the individual patient’s circumstances. Here is a brief overview of each:
- Gold Crowns – Generally Gold is a great choice, because of their malleable properties. This means that it can easily be molded and shaped to provide an excellent fit. Gold crowns cannot chip, and are not likely to cause wear damage to other teeth. They are also among the easiest to apply. The most obvious drawback is their color, making it easy for others to see evidence of dental work. Since they are most often used in the teeth that are towards the back of the mouth, for most patients, visibility is rarely an issue.
- Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns – Because of their similarity in appearance to natural teeth, these are usually used with teeth at the front of the mouth, where their presence and color and shape make them almost indistinguishable to others. The installation of a crown requires a lot more preparation of the tooth structure than a gold crown does, and the exactness of fit is not the same as the softer gold. However the cosmetic value of this type of crown makes sense to for a lot of patients.
- Porcelain over Metal – This type of crown combines the best of both worlds between aesthetics and the structural strength of the tooth. While the center of the crown is metal, the exterior of the crown matches the color and shape of the surrounding teeth, resulting in a more natural and durable result. As such, it continues to be a popular choice among patients.
Dr. Jennifer Bartlett has been installing crowns in her patients for years, helping them to enjoy a better life, with renewed confidence and improved oral health care. She can advise what type of crown procedure is best for your needs. Give Dr. Bartlett’s office a call if you have any questions concerning crowns. One of her friendly staff are always willing to help.