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Dental crowns have been used to restore teeth for decades. While a dental filling may be used to repair a cavity or minor fracture in a tooth, a dental crown may be needed for larger cases of decay or significant damage. A dental crown can be considered for a variety of reasons, including the following:
- Fix fillings that are no longer working
- After root canal therapy
- To restore teeth after extensive decay
- Repair broken teeth or tooth fractures
- As a implant restoration
- Improve smile aesthetics
A dental crown is a custom “cap” that encases all visible surfaces of your tooth above the gum line. It is designed resemble the natural appearance of your tooth and restore its strength and function for years to come.
Types of Crowns
When it comes to dental crowns, there are many types to choose from. Stainless steel crowns are typically used on a temporary basis to protect a tooth until a permanent crown is created. Permanent crowns can be made of gold or alloys as well as ceramic or porcelain. Your dentist can determine the best type of dental crown for your personal needs, lifestyle preferences and budget demands.
The Placement of a Crown
If you’ve been told that you need a crown, it helps to understand what to expect during the procedure. It will be necessary to take x-rays first to make sure you have enough root and bone structure to support a crown. During your procedure, the affected tooth and surrounding area will be numbed. Your tooth will then be carefully filed down to prepare for the crown placement. An impression will be taken of the tooth so that a dental lab can fabricate a custom crown to match the precise size, shape and color of you tooth. In most cases, you will wear a temporary crown for a couple of weeks until the permanent crown is ready to be placed.
The Longevity of a Crown
How long your crown lasts depends on the type of crown that was used and how well you take care of your crown. Patients that grind their teeth may need to have a crown replaced sooner than those who do not. However, the average lifespan of a crown is 5 to 15 years. Some crowns last 25 to 30 years!
If you have more questions about dental crowns or our menu of restorative dentistry options at the office of Dr. Mitzi Morris in Roswell, please give us a call. We value the importance of educating patients about their oral health.