Dental Crowns Randolph MA
Dental crowns are a type of restoration that your dentist uses to cover the chewing surface of teeth that have become damaged or discolored. Crowns are also commonly used to cap dental implants and serve as a chewing surface for the patient.
Most modern dental crowns are made from ceramic or porcelain. Other choices include gold, metallic alloys or acrylic.
What are the capabilities of dental crowns?
The most popular uses for dental crowns are:
- Replacing a missing tooth or for use with a bridge
- Repairing a worn-down tooth or one that is broken
- Strengthening and protecting a tooth that has undergone a root canal
- Repairing a tooth with extensive decay, or chips and cracks
- Replacing the chewing surface of a tooth for a dental implant
Key Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns provide a range of benefits, including:
- Saves natural teeth: Tooth decay, stress, and trauma can severely damage teeth. In some cases, a tooth becomes so weak that it must be extracted or fitted with a dental crown to save it.
- Prevents dead teeth from falling apart: Crowns are commonly used to strengthen and protect teeth that have undergone root canal therapy.
- Helps teeth that have had several fillings: If a tooth has had multiple fillings, a crown can be used to protect the tooth. The dental crown will cover the entire area, forming a barrier to lock out harmful bacteria.
Types of Dental Crowns
Some of the most popular materials used for the creation of dental crowns include:
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)
PFM crowns are the most popular type. They are colored to match surrounding teeth and are quite strong and reasonably priced. This type of crown is most commonly used for the rear teeth, since the metal provides the strength capable of withstanding pressures exerted on teeth when chewing.
Full Porcelain or Ceramic
These materials offer the best natural appearance and are typically used for front teeth that are highly visible. The drawback of porcelain and ceramic is that they are not as strong as PFM dental crowns, making them less appropriate for back teeth.
Zirconia
If you are looking for the strongest type of dental crown, look no further than zirconia, which also has a very natural appearance. Zirconia is almost indestructible and appropriate for use on both front or rear teeth.
The main drawback of zirconia crowns is that they are so strong that they can wear on other teeth. They are also more expensive than other types of crowns.
How long does it take to fit a dental crown?
In most cases, getting a dental crown requires two appointments. In the first, your dentist will make a mold of your teeth to allow for the creation of your dental crown. At a subsequent appointment, you would return to have your new dental crown fitted.