Teeth can get damaged due to reasons like decay or injury. This may lead to the teeth losing their shape, aesthetics, or strength. If you have a damaged or weak tooth, your dentist may suggest covering the damaged tooth with a dental crown.
What are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth-colored cap that covers a damaged tooth to shield its vulnerable body and restore strength, structure, contour, functionality, and appearance.
When Does A Patient Need a Dental Crown?
A dental crown serves to restore the strength, structure, and functionality of damaged teeth and improve the overall appearance of your smile. A patient may require a dental crown due to the following reasons:
To prevent tooth decay
- To conceal discolored teeth
- To hold together a cracked tooth
- To restore the structure of a damaged or broken tooth
- To hold a dental bridge in position
- To cap and protect a dental implant
- To protect a root canal treated tooth
- To support a tooth having a large filling
- To make cosmetic teeth transformations
What Are Dental Crowns Made Of?
Crowns can be prefabricated or made to order as per the patient's measurements in a dental laboratory. Prefabricated crowns are usually temporary ones manufactured from plastic or stainless steel. They serve to protect a tooth until a permanent crown is made.
Permanent dental crowns can be made of:
- Metal - gold alloy, palladium, base-metal alloy (nickel or chromium
- Zirconia
- Porcelain fused to metal (PFM)
- Porcelain fused to zirconia
- All ceramic
The PFM or all-metal dental crowns are stronger than ceramic crowns, and they make better choices for back teeth. PFM and all-ceramic crowns are ideal for the front teeth as they have the same color as the natural teeth.
Dental Crown Placement - Procedure
- First Visit
During your first dental visit, our dentist will discuss with you and choose the best crown options based on your gum tissues, bite, and severity of your oral problem. Afterward, the dentist trims down your damaged tooth to prepare it for the dental crown to fit in. An impression of the trimmed tooth will be obtained and sent to a dental lab to fabricate the crown. Until then, the dentist may give you a temporary crown.
- Second Visit
The dentist will replace the temporary crown with the permanent one during the second visit. After confirming the contour and size, we will etch the tooth's surface to prepare it and bond the crown using dental adhesives.
Pharr Road Dentistry is equipped with the latest technologies and efficient dentists who offer the best dental care facilities to patients. Call 404.261.1486 and book an appointment with the Dentist in Atlanta, GA to know more about dental care services and to receive a complete dental checkup for you and your family.
