Dentist in Mississauga explains all the things you need to know about dental crowns and crown purposes
Sports injuries, biting into an apple or a piece of hard candy, or even just an accident can damage the teeth. A damaged or missing tooth disrupts the form and function of the smile. Dental restorations such as crowns address the damage and complete the smile once more. At Dentistry on 10 in Mississauga, Dr. Rina Kotecha explains all the things you need to know about dental crowns and why they are used.
A crown is essentially a cap that covers a natural tooth or a dental implant. Shaped like an actual tooth, the crown fits snugly over the tooth to protect it from further damage. By placing a crown, the tooth is restored to its natural size and shape. The tooth’s strength is also improved. A crown covers, protects, and improves a single tooth. It sits above the gums restoring the visible portion of the tooth. Unlike bridges or dentures which may be removable, a crown is a fixed dental device that can only be removed by a dental professional.
Crown materials
A crown may be made of different materials.Your dentist will determine the appropriate material for your needs. The most common materials include:
- Stainless steel – These may be a temporary solution while an individual waits for a permanent crown. Stainless steel crowns are commonly used to protect children’s primary teeth to protect them from additional decay until the secondary teeth are ready to erupt.
- Metal – Metal crowns may include alloys with gold, platinum, cobalt-chromium, or nickel-chromium. They are durable, long-lasting, and rarely break.
- Ceramic or porcelain – The white color of ceramic or porcelain crowns make these the most aesthetically popular. The material closely matches a natural tooth in color and opalescence. Patients with metal allergies or sensitivities may also prefer this option. These crowns are strong and durable.
The purpose of a crown
When a crown is placed over the tooth or dental implant, it forms a sturdy restoration. The smile’s appearance is complete once more. Functionally, the natural balance is restored. The patient can eat and speak normally. Crown purposes may include the following situations:
- Restoring teeth with large cavities
- Protecting a tooth after a root canal
- Addressing a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth
- Improving or altering the appearance of a natural tooth
- Covering a dental implant
- Anchoring a dental bridge
When a tooth has been badly damaged by decay, a large amount of the tooth may need to be treated. A crown helps strengthen the tooth and protect it from further damage. If the decay has spread far enough, a root canal may be recommended. Following the root canal treatment, a crown may be placed to restore the tooth.
Cosmetically speaking, if a tooth is chipped, discolored, or damaged, a crown corrects the tooth’s appearance. It also keeps the natural tooth from further deteriorating. If the tooth is badly broken, the crown restores the structure of the tooth.
For patients who are missing a tooth or teeth, a bridge or a dental implant may be needed. In the cases of traditional dental bridges, these devices contain two crowns placed over natural teeth or dental implants with a false tooth in the middle. The crowns anchor and give the bridge stability and support. On the other hand, a dental implant is a small cylinder placed directly in place of a missing tooth root. When topped with an abutment and crown, the structure functions as and looks like the natural tooth structure.
Crown placement
Before a crown can be placed, the natural tooth must be prepared. The damaged portion of the tooth must be removed to ensure it does not spread or worsen. The integrity of the tooth remains intact. Then, the dentist takes impressions of the tooth and makes notes regarding the color, size, and shape of the tooth. This ensures the crown matches the adjacent teeth for a result that looks natural. In some cases, a temporary crown may be placed while the impressions and notes are used to create a permanent restoration. The permanent crown is bonded into place.
Restore your teeth with dental crowns. Contact Dr. Rina Kotecha and the team at Dentistry on 10 in Mississauga, ON to schedule your appointment. Call (905) 455-9262.
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