What is a crown?
A dental crown is a customized cap designed to resemble the shape of your natural tooth. It serves various purposes and can be used in several cases.Adults may benefit from dental crowns if they have:
- A vulnerable tooth that requires care
- A separated or worn tooth
- Preventing a bridge from moving
- Working on the appearance of distorted teeth
- Encasing a medical device.
- Supporting a tooth that has an enormous filling.
Children can also benefit from dental crowns for many reasons, including:
- Restoring a tooth that is extensively damaged or decayed
- Protection for high risk of decay
What Are Crowns Made Of?
Crowns can be made out of different materials. Here are some common examples:
Porcelain: They provide the most natural appearance of the other types. These crowns are highly attractive and blend seamlessly with the neighboring teeth. In our dental office, we are dedicated to providing biocompatible dentistry options.- E-Max: These crowns are crafted using highly durable and opaque lithium disilicate ceramic. E-Max crowns are highly durable and blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth, creating a natural-looking smile.
- Metal: Metal crowns are made entirely of metal and are a great choice for durability. They have a reduced risk of fractures and do not cause excessive wear on neighboring teeth. Moreover, these crowns require less tooth grinding for proper fitting.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns are a mix of metal and porcelain crowns. Metal is used to create the underlying structure of the crown that fits snugly over the tooth, while porcelain is utilized to craft a white, realistic outer surface. This variety of crowns enables a precise fit and combines the aesthetic appeal of porcelain crowns with the robustness of metal.
- Zirconia: On the other hand, these crowns are highly durable and resistant to chips and cracks. They have a remarkably natural appearance alongside neighboring teeth and exhibit high transparency.
Porcelain: They provide the most natural appearance of the other types. These crowns are highly attractive and blend seamlessly with the neighboring teeth. In our dental office, we are dedicated to providing biocompatible dentistry options.What To Expect When Getting A Dental Crown?
To begin the crown placement process, a digital X-ray will provide a detailed view of the tooth’s roots and identify any decay in the surrounding area. In cases with extensive decay or risk of infection, additional treatments may be necessary alongside the crown. The crown procedure typically involves two minimally invasive appointments at our dental office in Encino. During the first appointment, the tooth and the surrounding area will be numbed, and our Encino dentist will gently shape the tooth to create space for the crown. An impression of the tooth and the surrounding area will be taken to ensure a custom fit for the crown. This impression is sent to our skilled laboratory technicians who fabricate the crown. At the subsequent appointment, once the crown is ready, it will be carefully fitted and permanently cemented.
How do I care for crowns?
Taking care of dental crowns is easy. You can continue to eat and drink normally without any restrictions. Your regular oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing remains unchanged. Maintaining good oral hygiene and scheduling regular professional cleanings and exams at our office are important to keep your mouth healthy. If you want to learn more about how a crown can benefit your oral health, contact our dental office in Encino today.Dental Crowns Before and After
