CROWNS

Ideally, a restoration (fixing a tooth) for a child should leave the tooth strong and free of pain. Compromised, or less-than-ideal, treatments often result in failure of the restoration, leading to additional cost, time and inconvenience for a family.

Teeth with large cavities, often involving the nerve or very broken down, are best protected with a crown. Crowns are usually more cost-effective treatments because they cover the entire tooth, including areas prone to future cavities.

Stainless steel (also known as “silver” or “metal”) crowns are a very reliable and durable option.  At Smiles on the Canal, we also offer zirconia (“white”) crowns for the molar teeth.

What is a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns, also known as “teeth caps,” or “dental caps” are restorations that are placed over your natural tooth. It is a natural looking, artificial restoration that fits over the remaining part of your tooth and makes it stronger. If you have a tooth or teeth that have been broken, or have been weakened by a filling or tooth decay, crowns are an ideal way of repairing them.

There are several materials that can be used to make a crown, such as all resin, porcelain, metal alloys with high content of platinum or gold, and stainless steel. Due to the color and reflective quality, porcelain is considered the most effective material. It is most popular as it gives the most natural look. Porcelain crowns are also in demand as they are stain-resistant. They are best suitable for those with allergies and they can be used for front and back teeth as well.

When is a Dental Crown Needed?

A missing tooth changes the way your jawbone supports the lips and cheeks and your appearance changes when you lose a tooth. It can also cause early decay by affecting the remaining teeth. Dental crowns restore the tooth close to its previous form and ensure that your appearance is not affected. There are several situations that require a tooth to be restored with a dental crown. The most common ones are:

  • A cracked tooth: A cracked tooth is a common occurrence caused by a fall or an accident. Fractures inside a tooth causes unbearable pain when chewing in a certain way. The condition is called cracked tooth syndrome. A crown will hold the fractured tooth together and redistribute the stress evenly throughout the tooth.
  • Large filling: A crown is used to cover a tooth when the tooth has a filing due to a large fracture or cavity. Usually the cavity involves half the width of the tooth or more.
  • Root canal: A root canal treatment leaves the tooth hollow and predisposed to cracking. A dental crown is used to restore the teeth.
  • Wear and tear of teeth: Teeth can wear away due to teeth grinding, acid erosion caused by acid reflux or an acidic diet. When the enamel wears off, the only way to restore the tooth is by using a crown.
  • Broken cusps: The part of the tooth that takes the most stress while you chew is called the cusp. Trauma or large existing fillings are the main reasons for the cusps to break off. To avoid further damage, they must be protected by covering them with a crown.
  • Undesirable appearance of teeth/tooth: If you find your teeth to be undesirable due to its size, shape, and color, among other reasons, a crown can restore a natural-looking appearance to your teeth.