What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a restoration used to repair a tooth that has been damaged. It’s also known as a “cap.” A crown fits over a tooth that is broken, cracked, chipped, or worn down. A crown also can correct the look of a misshapen or misaligned tooth.

Your crown can be made from ceramic, porcelain, gold, or porcelain fused to gold. The crown is custom made in a lab and designed to fit over your tooth.

How are dental crowns made?

Crowns are usually made out of porcelain, ceramic, or resin. They can be made to match the color and shape of your existing teeth.

A crown covers the top of your tooth, restoring it’s shape and size. They are often needed after a tooth has been treated with a filling, root canal, or has been fractured.

Caring for dental crowns

Here are some things you can and should do to care for your dental crown and teeth.

Use a soft toothbrush.

The toothbrush you use to care for your teeth should fit comfortably into your mouth. Too large of a toothbrush can damage gums and can even irritate the gums and cheeks.

Use toothpaste that contains fluoride.

Fluoride can help protect the tooth enamel from decaying. If your tooth enamel is decaying, the dental crown is likely to be damaged as well.

Floss daily.

Flossing helps remove plaque and food debris from between your teeth. Plaque and food debris can contribute to gum disease.

Schedule regular dental visits.

Dental visits are an important part of dental care. The dentist can check your dental health and let you know if you need any additional treatment.

When to replace dental crowns

A dental crown may be suitable for both restorative and cosmetic purposes.

In some situations, such as after a root canal, a dental crown may be the only way to restore a tooth. In other situations, you may require a dental crown as a temporary solution while waiting for a permanent option like a dental implant. Either way, a dental crown can provide numerous benefits. However, over time, you may find that the dental crown needs replacing due to damage or decay. Before replacing dental crowns, your dentist will thoroughly examine and inspect the dental crown.

Alternatives to dental crowns

Dental crowns can last a long time, but they’re not permanent. The crown itself can chip or break. A tooth can still become decayed, and decay around a crown can cause the entire crown to need replacing. It does take some care to keep a dental crown in good shape, but it’s worth it.

A dental crown can protect a tooth from further damage. Crowns can also cover a tooth that’s misshapen or discolored. They’re also a good alternative to dental fillings since they don’t cover an entire tooth. Instead, they only cover a portion of a tooth that needs restoring.

When is a dental crown necessary?

Your dentist may recommend a dental crown for a damaged tooth. The crown is a cap that covers the entire visible part of the tooth, restoring its shape and size.

Dental crowns vs. fillings for cavities

Inlays and onlays are also referred to as indirect fillings. They are a type of dental restoration that is used to “fill in” a cavity so that the tooth can be restored to its original shape. Inlays and onlays differ from fillings in that they are created in a dental lab, whereas fillings are molded right in the dental office.

Dental crowns vs.

Dental crowns are caps that cover the entire tooth. They are used to repair teeth after tooth decay, after a root canal, and to cover a tooth after a large filling. Dental crowns can also be used to improve the appearance of teeth.

Dental crowns can be made of porcelain fused to metal, zirconia, or gold alloy. These dental crowns can be made to match the color of your other teeth.