What are the Types of Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns at Burch Dental are a commonly used dental solution that can be used to solve a wide range of dental problems. From a broken tooth that cannot be repaired to a protective permanent shield over a tooth which has had a root canal, dental crowns can provide an effective and lasting solution in a number of different situations. This article will outline some of the most common situations in which dental crowns are used, as well as the types of crowns and materials used in their construction. As you will see, there are more uses than you will have likely imagined!
Dental Crowns Used as Protective Caps
If you have ever had a root canal performed, then you likely have a crown that covers the top of the affected tooth. As implied by the name, dental crowns are designed to cap or crown a tooth whose structure has been in some ways compromised. In the case of a tooth that has required a root canal, this is often caused by infection or decay, but there are other instances in which a crown might be required.
For example, a tooth that breaks in such a way that neither dental bonding nor the placement of a veneer is can adequately restore the tooth might be a good candidate for a dental crown. In cases like these, the crown can be made to fit over the top of the existing tooth, thereby protecting the sensitive interior pulp of the tooth.
Dental Crowns Used as Replacement Teeth
If a tooth is lost due to extraction or injury, an implant crown can also be used as a prosthetic tooth. Typically, these are supported by either a bridge or a dental implant. In these cases, there is no tooth below it that is capped; the crown simply fills in the space and carries out the function of the missing tooth.
Dental Crowns Used as Support
Dental crowns can also be used to support a tooth that is weak or in danger of being lost due to occlusal trauma. This is usually occasioned by repeated pressure that the tooth cannot withstand, either due to behaviors such as bruxism (the clenching and/or grinding of one’s teeth, often at night when the person is unaware) or a bite problem resulting in undue stress placed upon one or more teeth.
Likewise, dental crowns can also be used to provide support to a dental bridge or to a tooth that has been filled. This means that they can cap a tooth, replace a tooth, or simply provide support to one or more teeth.
Materials Used in the Creation of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are typically composed of dental amalgams, ceramics, and alloys that can withstand a good deal of pressure as well as look attractive. Typically, gold and metal-based alloys are used in the back of mouth, where they can provide unparalleled strength and durability but also provide a telltale flash of metal in the mouth that belies their presence. Ceramics, porcelain, and zirconia are usually used in more visible locations for cosmetic reasons. Though they may be more relatively more susceptible to fractures and chips, they are strong, durable materials that are designed to last.
For more information on how a dental crown could solve an existing dental problem, give our office a call today!