Learn why you may need a dental crown and what you can expect. 

According to the American College of Prosthodontists, single crown placement is the most frequently performed restorative procedure in dentistry. A dental crown is the preferred method to save your natural tooth rather than extracting it. Let’s look at why you may need a dental crown and why it’s beneficial for oral health.

Why you may need to get a dental crown

The most common reason for getting a dental crown is when an extremely large cavity cannot be treated with a standard filling. It’s also recommended if the tooth is so fractured it can only be saved by capping it with a crown. Crowns can cover a dental implant, stabilize a dental bridge, or complete a root canal. A crown can strengthen the remaining natural tooth, making it less vulnerable to further damage. 

A crown may serve a cosmetic purpose, as well. The appearance of stained or misshapen teeth can be significantly improved with a crown. A newly restored smile with a crown can boost your self-confidence and help you chew normally again.

The six types of crowns

To match your tooth’s natural color and shape, your crown will be crafted from various materials. The types you can choose from include:

Metal. Made of gold, palladium, nickel, or chromium, metal crowns are the most durable. However, because of their metallic color, they are the most noticeable. Metal crowns are suitable for molars in the back of the mouth.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal. More natural looking than metal crowns, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns are used on front and back teeth. On the downside, a PFM crown can chip easily and may wear down the enamel on the teeth it touches when you close your mouth.

Pressed ceramic crowns. This type of crown is similar to a PFM crown, but the core is made of ceramic instead of metal.

Ceramic or porcelain crowns. All ceramic or porcelain crowns are typically made of zirconium dioxide and appear most like natural tooth enamel. A ceramic or porcelain crown would be a good choice if you have metal allergies.

Resin crowns. Less expensive than other types, resin crowns are also more fragile. Temporary crowns are often made of resin.

Same-day crowns. Getting a crown often necessitates two office visits. But with a same-day crown, you’re fitted with a new crown in one appointment with special technology.

Whatever type you choose, your crown can last as long as 15 years. But that depends on how well you take care of your crown. Like your natural teeth, crowns need proper care, which means brushing and flossing daily and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce harmful bacteria and plaque on your teeth. Avoid hard, sticky foods that could damage the crown (and your other teeth). And don’t forget your regular dental visits to see if you need another crown or other dental treatments.

Time to get a crown? See an Espire Dentist

Schedule an appointment at Espire’s Oklahoma City, OK, location today! Our highly trained dentists are experts in dental crowns and will fit you with one to improve your oral health. Don’t live near our Oklahoma City, OK, office? Find one of our other locations near you.

Oklahoma City, OK
12448 St Andrews Drive
Oklahoma City, OK 73120