Dental Crowns

Dental crowns, also called “dental caps,” offer a solution for teeth that are too badly damaged to be corrected with tooth-colored fillings or veneers. They are used to cap or completely cover a tooth that is being restored. The dental crown is attached to the prepared natural tooth or a dental implant. Crowns can restore both strength and beauty to natural teeth.

Types of Dental Crowns

• All-ceramic dental crown
• Dental crowns with porcelain fused to metal
• Dental crowns made of gold

All-ceramic crowns

contain only ceramic material and provide the ultimate aesthetic results. All-ceramic crowns do not have a metal core. Therefore, light can shine through the restoration as it does in natural teeth. In addition, the adjoining gum will show no dark metal edges.

The only disadvantage to all-ceramic crowns is that they are not as strong as porcelain fused to metal crowns and may not be the best solution for teeth that require more strength, such as rear molars.

Porcelain dental crowns fused to metal

provide a very natural appearance. Porcelain fused to metal crowns affords a good compromise of strength and a more natural appearance.

Porcelain crowns have a metal substructure covered with an opaquer before the porcelain is added to match the appearance of adjacent natural teeth. Occasionally a darker line will be visible at the edge of the crown when the gum recedes with time.

Dental crowns made of gold

Gold crowns are used when appearance is not a priority. Gold is very workable, making a precise fit. While there is always a slight possibility of chipping with porcelain crowns, gold crowns provide no such susceptibility.

Dental Crowns Procedure Overview

Crowns are fitted as part of a two-stage process. During your first visit, your tooth is evaluated using x-rays to determine the amount of damage that needs to be repaired. Dr. Garelick will discuss which type of crown offers you the best restoration for your needs.

Except for All-Ceramic Dental Crowns, which require color-match, the procedures are very similar.

Your tooth will be prepared by removing a portion of the enamel around and across the top to support the crown.

A dental mold is made of the treated tooth, the opposing and adjacent teeth, and then sent to our dental lab for fabrication. You will be fitted with a temporary acrylic crown.

When your dental crown arrives, it will be bonded to your tooth using a strong dental cement and polished. The restored tooth looks natural and feels comfortable when biting and chewing.

A local anesthetic is generally used during both the preparation and installation phases. Sedation dentistry options are also available.

Learn more about dental crown restoration and your options.

Call the Chandler Dentist today and make an appointment!