Dental Crowns

Your teeth are the strongest substance in your entire body. They are even stronger than your bones. While they are incredibly strong, they are not indestructible. Facial trauma, biting down on something too hard, or severe tooth decay can leave a tooth weak and vulnerable. The tooth is at risk for splitting, shattering, or developing a painful, dangerous infection. At Harry Albers DDS, we can restore damaged teeth, allowing them to remain in your mouth, with dental crowns.

What Is A Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a restoration used to treat a damaged tooth. It is a small, cap-like restoration that is designed to cover the entire surface of a damaged tooth and encasing it. A crown is often recommended for more significant damage that cannot be treated with more conservative methods like cosmetic bonding, veneers, or fillings. A crown protects a damaged tooth and prevents infections. It also restores strength to a damaged tooth, allowing it to continue functioning normally.

Dental Crown Materials

Crowns can be made from one of several materials. Each material has its benefits and drawbacks. Metal crowns are the strongest types available. They are practically indestructible and can last 50 years or longer. Metal crowns also require the least amount of tooth enamel to be removed. While virtually indestructible, metal crowns are silver or gold in color. As a result, they stand out against the rest of your teeth. Metal crowns can also cause complications for those with metal allergies.

Porcelain fused to metal crowns consist of a metal base that has a porcelain coating. This crown provides the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain. In some cases, a metal line can be seen through the porcelain. Additionally, the metal can cause issues for those with allergies to the material.

Ceramic crowns are the most aesthetic and most popular crowns. They are made entirely from ceramic. This material can be stained to match the exact color of your natural teeth. It also reflects light just like tooth enamel. In addition to restoring the health of a damaged tooth, a ceramic crown also helps to restore the aesthetics of your smile. Moreover, ceramic crowns are completely free of any metals.

Getting Your Dental Crown

Getting a dental crown usually takes two appointments. During the first appointment, the damaged tooth is prepared. This process requires removing a portion of the enamel from the affected tooth, reducing it in size so that your crown will fit comfortably and naturally. Preparing the tooth is done under a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort. After preparing the tooth, an impression is taken.

The impression is sent to a dental lab, where your restoration is designed and created. This process can take up to 2 weeks, so a temporary restoration is placed on the tooth while you wait to protect it. At your second appointment, we check your finished crown to ensure a proper fit and bite. If no adjustments are necessary, the crown is then bonded into place.

The Benefits Of A Dental Crown

A dental crown provides many significant benefits. These benefits include:

• Protecting a tooth from further damage.
• Preventing infections.
• Restoring strength to the tooth so it can function normally.
• Preventing the need for a tooth extraction and replacement.

A dental crown restores a damaged tooth, protecting it and restoring its strength so it can continue to function normally. If you have suffered tooth damage, call Harry Albers DDS at (707) 575-1190 to schedule your appointment today.