Missing teeth and tooth pain can hamper your day and your smile. Procedures like tooth-colored fillings, dental bonding, and root canal therapy can protect the root, but a tooth can only withstand so many repairs. A dental crown may be the right option for you if you have a tooth or multiple teeth missing or have suffered severe damage or many procedures.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a restorative device used to reshape, resize, and strengthen a tooth that has been broken or worn down by an accident or decay. The crown is a type of cap that attaches to the tooth with an adhesive. It acts as the tooth’s outer surface, protecting it from further damage and helping patients avoid more complicated procedures like extractions or root canals.

Common Types

Crowns are available in various materials. The type used depends on the state of the tooth and other unique factors:

• Porcelain & Ceramic: These are visually appealing and give patients the closest match to a natural tooth.
• Metal-Alloy: This mixed-metal version is made of gold and a metal compound like silver, platinum, copper, or tin.
• Porcelain-Metal Fusion: This type provides a stronger bond than regular porcelain and is frequently used by dentists because of its longevity.
• Resin: Initially, composite resin offers an inexpensive option and bears a close resemblance to natural teeth. Unfortunately, they tend to wear down faster than other materials when not cared for properly.

Purposes

Dental crowns are used for many reasons, including protecting a weak tooth, restoring a broken or worn-down tooth, or covering and supporting a tooth with a large filling or dental bridge. They are also used to cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth, a tooth that's had root canal therapy, or a dental implant. 

Aftercare

Caring for a permanent crown is not much different from caring for your natural teeth regarding eating, chewing, and biting. However, temporary crowns require some care because they are more easily damaged than permanent ones.

If you have a temporary crown, avoid sticky foods since they can dislodge it. It's safest to chew on the side opposite your temporary crown and avoid crunchy or hard foods like raw vegetables or potato chips. You'll want to continue flossing, but slide the floss out from between the teeth instead of lifting it out.

If you suspect that you could benefit from a dental crown, visit Gregory Sy, DDS & Associates in Amherst, OH. They provide comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry services to patients of all ages. From preventive exams and teeth cleanings to crowns, bridges, implants, and root canals, they help keep your smile healthy and bright. Visit them online to learn more about their cosmetic dentistry procedures, or call (440) 282-9550 to schedule an appointment.