Crowns

What is a dental crown?

Your dentist securely places dental crowns on top of damaged teeth. It acts as a cover or cap. Your dental crown is specially sculpted to the shape of your original tooth and should completely cover the visible portion of your tooth above the gum line. 

Why would I need a dental crown?

Your dentist might suggest a dental crown for various reasons, such as to cover a cracked or discolored tooth.

A crown can hold together, strengthen, and protect a weak tooth and improve the appearance of your tooth. A crown can also cover an oddly shaped tooth or a dental implant.

Are there different kinds of crowns?

Crowns can be derived from various different dental materials, such as:

• Stainless steel
• Resin
• Gold or another alloy (zirconia)
• Porcelain fused to metal
• Ceramic

The right material depends on several factors.

Metal

Metal crowns are able to tolerate the force of chewing and eating since they’re particularly strong. Metal crowns are typically used in the back of the mouth due to their color.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is most commonly used for temporary crowns. Stainless steel crowns are especially reliable and durable.

Porcelain fused to metal

Porcelain fused to metal crowns can give you a more natural appearance compared to metal crowns, but the metal portion of the crown might be visible as a dark line close to your gums.

All-ceramic

All-ceramic crowns are a great choice for those with metal sensitivities. All-ceramic crowns are a popular choice because they mimic the texture and color of normal teeth.

All-resin

All-resin crowns are an affordable choice, but they’re susceptible to cracking.

What’s involved in a dental crown procedure?

A dental crown procedure usually involves at least two visits to Downtown Dental Studio. Your dentist takes X-rays to evaluate the health of the tooth requiring the crown.

After X-rays and an evaluation, your dentist administers anesthesia and builds up or files down your original tooth to make sure your crown attaches securely. Your dentist creates an impression of your teeth and sends it to a lab where a technician constructs your custom crown.

In the meantime, your dentist creates a temporary crown you can wear to protect your tooth. After about a week or two, you return to Downtown Dental Studio where your dentist seals your permanent crown to your tooth with special cement. 

Explore your crown options by calling Downtown Dental Studio or use the online scheduling system.