A Comprehensive Guide to Dental Crowns

A human tooth consists of different layers and parts, all of which play essential roles in ensuring proper function. The part of your tooth that sits over the gum line is known as the crown. If your tooth suffers damage, your dentist may recommend getting an artificial crown to restore the function and form of your tooth.

A dental crown, in the simplest terms, is a tooth-shaped cover for a tooth. It may be tooth-colored or made from other differently colored materials. Dental crowns treatment allows you to make full use of a previously damaged tooth while also improving your smile’s aesthetics.

If you’re searching for a reputable dental office that provides dental crowns procedure in South Hadley, MA, please call South Hadley Dental Group to schedule an appointment.

Reasons for Needing Crowns

Various forms of dental damage can necessitate dental crowns treatment. In particular, dental crowns are usually required for the following scenarios:

• To support a large filling
• To restore an extensively damaged, decayed or worn tooth
• To rebuild a tooth after root canal treatment
• To transform a severely discolored or misshapen tooth
• To support a dental bridge
• To cap a tooth implant

Types of Crowns

Dental crowns are crafted from different materials, including stainless steel, porcelain, metal alloy, porcelain fused to metal, resin and zirconia. These materials offer varying pros and cons, which must be weighed when making a decision. Besides budget considerations, some factors taken into account when determining the best crown include:

• Function and location of the affected tooth
• If and how much of the tooth shows when you’re smiling
• The color of your surrounding or adjacent teeth
• If the patient grinds their teeth

Based on these and other considerations, the dentist guides you into choosing the best material for your restorations. For instance, while porcelain crowns are incredibly natural-looking and stain-resistant, they may not be ideal for patients who grind their teeth. In contrast, while some people couldn’t care for the aesthetics of gold crowns, these crowns resist chewing pressure incredibly well.

Regardless of the material chosen, crowns work the same way and are ideal for patients looking to overcome dental damage and regain full use of their smile.

The Patient Experience

The steps involved in dental crowns treatment are as follows:

• The dentist examines the affected tooth and obtains dental x-rays and impressions if necessary.
• The dentist files down or trims off some tooth enamel to make room for the crown.
• The dentist obtains impressions of your filed or reshaped teeth.
• The dentist uses a temporary crown to cover your tooth.
• The dental impressions are sent to the dental lab, which creates your custom crown from your preferred material.
• On your subsequent visit, the dentist removes the temporary crown and replaces it with your permanent restoration.

Please note that the treatment process may differ slightly depending on the patient’s needs. For instance, if you require dental crowns to cover tooth implants, you’ll need to undergo implant surgery as a pre-requisite step.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Crowns

As is usually the case with any other dental treatment, dental crowns come with a set of pros and cons.

Advantages

• Dental crowns can fix severely damaged or decayed teeth and restore their full function.
• Tooth-colored crowns are natural-looking and offer excellent aesthetics.
• Crowns protect teeth and prevent further damage.
• You can choose from different materials that correspond to your needs, budget and preferences.
• Dental crowns are versatile as they can fix multiple dental problems at a go.
• With proper care, crowns can last anywhere between 15 to 30 years, making them reliable, long-lasting restorations.

Disadvantages

• To place a crown on an existing tooth, the dentist must first permanently reshape your tooth. This process is irreversible.
• Ill-fitting crowns can allow bacteria to access the tooth, leading to decay and, sometimes, tooth loss.
• Crowns can get fractures, necessitating repair or replacement.
• Trimming off tooth enamel can make you prone to tooth sensitivity.

Schedule Your Consultation

Are you looking for a trusted dental practice that offers personalized dental care to patients of all ages? If so, please reach out to South Hadley Dental Group to experience dental care that exceeds expectations. You can trust us with your dental crowns procedure as well as other preventive, cosmetic and restorative treatments.