Comprehensive Guide to Dental Crowns, Their Types, and Uses in Restorative Dentistry
A dental crown is a cap that covers a severely damaged tooth to restore its size, strength and appearance. The procedure usually takes two visits: On the first visit the dentist will shape; prepare the tooth to fit the crown and take an impression (mold) of your bite.
A damaged dental crown can lead to toothache & gum swelling if not treated promptly. It can also indicate poor oral hygiene or bruxism.
Porcelain Crowns
Dental crowns Tampa is a type of tooth cap that is applied to damaged teeth to improve their appearance and strength. Applying crowns is a highly specialised skill set that, when performed properly and meticulously, can dramatically improve the longevity, strength and aesthetic of your natural teeth.
Porcelain crowns can be made to look like your natural teeth in terms of both shape & color so that they can blend seamlessly into your smile. They are the most popular crown option & are commonly used on front teeth.
During your first appointment, the dentist will prepare your tooth by cleaning & shaping it to fit your new crown. A temporary crown will then be attached with acrylic cement while your permanent crown is fabricated in a lab. Once finished, the dentist will numb your tooth again attach it with permanent cement. Then, the bite will be checked & any necessary adjustments will be made. Dental crowns last a long time, but they can chip or break down over time if you have a habit of grinding & clenching your teeth, also known as bruxism.
Metal-Free Crowns
Dental crowns Tampa or caps, are placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size & strength. They also protect it from infection & further damage. There are several indications for this treatment, including large fillings that weaken a tooth & can fracture, root canal therapy & traumatic injuries to teeth like cracks & chips.
Unlike composite (tooth-colored) or amalgam fillings, which are visible in the mouth, crowns cover a damaged tooth above the gum line & blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. They are the preferred restoration for patients who have extensive decay or broken teeth.
The placement of a dental crown requires a two-step process; may take up to an hour or more. During the first visit, we prepare the tooth by shaping it taking an impression. We then place a temporary crown & send the impression to a laboratory for fabrication. Patients can expect the final restoration to last between 15 & 30 years, depending on the type of crown & patient maintenance.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
In addition to repair front teeth, crowns can also enhance the appearance of your smile. We offer a variety of materials and styles to choose from, so you can pick the one that best matches your natural tooth color.
We use crowns to strengthen teeth after a root canal or large filling, or to cover a cracked or discolored tooth that cannot be saved with other restorative treatments. They can also be used to attach bridges or top dental implants, or to hold a denture in place.
Metal crowns have been used for many years they are still an excellent choice for back teeth that need extra strength. However, they are not as attractive as other types of crowns, & they can cause sensitivity or a metallic taste in some patients. In addition, they can conduct heat & cold may require replacement over time due to corrosion. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (PFM) are a good compromise between strength & aesthetics. They are made from a base of non-noble metals which are durable & biocompatible, & a porcelain layer which can be color-matched to your natural tooth.
Porcelain Bridges
Dental bridges are a great solution for patients missing one or more teeth. They typically consist of two crowns placed on healthy teeth on both sides of the gap and a false tooth (also known as a pontic) connecting them. The crowns may be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys or a combination of these materials.
Porcelain fixed bridges are the most popular type of tooth bridge as they offer a superior cosmetic and durability result. The bridges are made from high-strength porcelain that can be color-matched to the surrounding teeth for a seamless appearance
During your first visit, the dentist will prepare the healthy abutment teeth by shaping them and creating impressions to use as blueprints for the crowns that will be used to fabricate your porcelain bridge. A temporary crown will be placed on the abutment teeth until your porcelain bridge is ready, usually around a week later. This will also allow the dentist to test the fit and look of your bridge.