Dental Crowns Can Restore A Weakened Tooth

Your teeth need to be able to withstand considerable force. Biting and chewing can put your teeth under strain, and a weakened tooth may not be equipped to handle these pressures. A dental crown can be inserted over a tooth that your dentist has deemed in need of protection. Crowns can be made from several different materials, and can be specially designed so that they are visually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. If you have a damaged tooth, or if you have received a root canal treatment, a crown can provide crucial reinforcement.

Who Needs A Crown?

There can be several reasons why a tooth needs a crown. If you lose too much of a tooth during a cavity treatment, your dentist may opt to support the remaining tooth with a crown, rather than try to use a filling. A root canal treatment often leaves the affected tooth in need of a crown. A crown can also stabilize and strengthen a tooth that has been chipped or cracked. In some cases, a crown can be affixed to a dental implant, and serve as a replacement for a lost tooth.

What Are Crowns Made Of?

A crown can be crafted with ceramic material, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), or with gold. The ceramic material is the most adept at imitating the appearance of a natural tooth, making it especially desirable for a crown that will be more visible. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can also mimic the appearance of a natural tooth. These crowns, along with gold crowns, are stronger than ceramics. This added strength makes them preferable options for your back teeth, which are less visible, but endure greater stress from chewing.