If your dentist has told you that a crown will be needed for one of your teeth, you may feel overwhelmed by this new information. With there being several reasons why a crown can be necessary, with different materials that make up the crown, you can feel a bit lost about the whole situation. Here is what you need to know about dental crowns.
Why Are Dental Crowns Needed?
A dental crown is necessary for several reasons, and you may have only one or a combination of several reasons that requires you to get a crown. For those getting dental implants, a crown will be necessary the cover the implant. Crowns can also be used to correct misshaped teeth, restore a tooth that is worn down, or add strength to a tooth that is weak.
Teeth often become weak due to decay, which is caused by the food that you eat and bacteria. The crown is used to strengthen the tooth by essentially holding it all together.
Decay can be prevented by simply brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding foods that are high in carbs and sugar, and quitting smoking.
What Are The Different Types of Crowns?
With so many different types of crowns out there, you need to know the differences between all of them to make the best decision about which one to get.
It's common to use a stainless steel crown on a permanent tooth as a temp crown. It can be used to protect a tooth while the mold is being made for the final crown. Children also can have stainless steel crowns placed on baby teeth because they will eventually come out along with the tooth.
Metal crowns made with nickel or gold alloy are used in situations where a lot of the natural tooth can be saved. The material is durable and capable of withstanding normal chewing and biting. Metal has a color that others can notice, so it's typically used on rear teeth.
An all-resin crown is an option for those that are looking to save money, but the material does wear down faster over time. They also can chip easier than other materials. Ceramic or porcelain crowns are great because they will blend in with the surrounding teeth, which makes them ideal for your front teeth.
For more info on dental crowns, speak with your dentist about it during a consultation. They can advise you on what crown will be best for you. For more information, visit a site like http://www.nwidentist.com/.
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