The Advantages of Dental Crowns

A crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. At McConnell Dental Care, dental crowns cover and protect teeth broken or severely damaged by decay. Crowns can also improve the appearance of misshapen or severely discolored teeth.

Most dental crowns are made from ceramic because they look natural and are strong. Porcelain is often used for front teeth, while gold and metal are sometimes used for back teeth. Metal crowns are less robust than porcelain but can better withstand the biting pressure exerted by the back teeth. Gold is popular because it can be cast very thin and blend well with natural teeth. Metal crowns can strengthen a weak tooth structure when bonded with healthy tooth material.

While a crown can restore your tooth’s strength and function, it is not protected from decay. It is essential to continue to brush and floss your teeth each day to prevent tooth decay from occurring under the crown. You must also visit your dentist regularly to monitor your smile's health.

The Dental Crown Procedure

An initial consultation will help your dentist determine if a crown is your proper treatment. During the appointment, the dentist will take X-rays and impressions of your teeth to send to the lab where your crown will be fabricated. Next, you will schedule a second visit to the office to have your crown permanently placed in your mouth. The dentist will numb your tooth before gently removing damaged enamel and reducing the tooth size so that the crown fits comfortably. Then, they will take digital impressions to fabricate your permanent restoration precisely. Once the crown has been crafted, it will be cemented in place. Finally, you will have a custom-fit temporary crown to wear until your next visit. During your final visit, the temporary crown will be removed, and the permanent one will be placed.

Then, you can go home with your new, beautiful smile! The entire process typically takes two visits to complete, though this can vary depending on the state of your smile and the needed restoration type.

Why Would I Need a Dental Crown?

A crown is a restoration that completely covers a tooth, protecting it from further damage or decay. They are most often used for teeth that are cracked or broken, worn down from grinding and clenching, poorly shaped, or large fillings that are failing.

Unlike a filling which will only cover a small portion of the tooth, a crown will cover the entire surface of the tooth down to the gum line. They look and feel natural and are an excellent option for restoring your smile.

Crowns match the color and shape of your natural teeth and will also fit comfortably. To learn more about crowns, visit McConnell Dental Care at 263 Country Club Dr #102, Stansbury Park, UT 84074, or call (435) 249-0482.