4 Things To Know About Dental Crowns
Do you have a tooth that is in need of a dental crown, but do not know much about them? Here are some things that you will want to know about dental crowns.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is like a cap that is designed to replace the natural crown of your tooth. They give the tooth the strength and stability that it needs in order to keep the natural tooth in your mouth and not disrupt the root in your jawbone.
What Are Dental Crowns Made Out Of?
Crowns can be made out of metal materials, such as silver or gold, which have great strength and durability compared to other materials. However, the color of the crown often means that it is only used for rear molars that are not easily seen. Your dentist may not even use a metal crown unless you request it, because it is not frequently used.
Porcelain fused to metal crowns have a more natural look than metal crowns, but they are not as durable. The layer of metal and porcelain also requires that more of the natural tooth be removed to fit this crown on your tooth. Ceramic crowns will blend in better with your natural teeth, which is why they are often used for front teeth that are very visible. However, it is the crown material that is the least durable of the three options mentioned.
How Do You Care For Crowns?
Some dental crown materials can become stained, so you will need to take care of them by watching what you put in your mouth. This is often a problem with people that smoke, but it can also happen to people that drink a lot of coffee, drink dark beverages, and eat foods that are more likely to cause teeth staining.
In addition, it's still important that you brush your teeth every single day and visit your dentist for regular cleaning. Even though you have a dental crown, the natural tooth underneath is still susceptible to gum disease and the problems that can happen as a result.
What Do You Do If A Crown Breaks?
It is possible for a dental crown to break off a tooth at some point. Try to save the crown if this happens. It is possible to repair and reattach a crown, which can save you money by not having to create a brand new dental crown.
For more information on dental crowns, contact a dentist near you.
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