If a dentist near you has recommended that you get a dental crown in Grand Rapids , you may be wondering what to expect. A dental crown is a cap that is placed over the top of a tooth to protect or restore it after it has become damaged. Here are some important facts that you should know about dental crowns before you visit your family dental office.
When Dental Crowns are Necessary
Dental crowns can restore a tooth that’s badly damaged due to trauma, illness, or decay. When your dentist restores a broken or cracked tooth with a dental crown, your risk of requiring a root canal is diminished. Dental crowns can also protect a tooth from breaking after a root canal. Crowns are used in cosmetic dentistry to restore the shape, size, and appearance of a tooth. They can make your smile whiter, brighter, and more even. If you receive a dental implant, your dentist will use a dental crown to replace your missing tooth with a semi-permanent, natural looking prosthetic.
The Materials Used to Make Dental Crowns
Dental labs can use many different materials to construct dental crowns. They can be made out of a gold alloy, metal alloy, stainless steel, porcelain, ceramic, composite resin, zirconia, or porcelain fused to metal. Gold dental crowns are the most durable, though newer ceramic crowns are becoming more and more durable than they were in the past. Porcelain crowns are often preferred because they can be dyed to match the natural shade of your surrounding teeth, and are thus almost unnoticeable. Stainless steel crowns are typically recommended for young children.
The Dental Crown Procedure
The procedure for getting a dental crown is safe, painless, and relatively quick. Your dentist near you will make dental impressions and take images of your teeth, which the dental lab will use to create a customized dental crown for you. When the crown is ready, your dentist will administer local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. The crown is then affixed to the tooth with permanent cement or dental glue.