Dental crowns are fixed prosthetic devices that are cemented onto existing teeth or dental implants. They are commonly used to entirely cover or “cap” a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, size, and strength, or to cover a dental implant, providing a functional and aesthetically pleasing replacement for a missing tooth.
When Are Dental Crowns Necessary?
Dental crowns are prescribed for several reasons, including:
- Restoring Teeth After Root Canal Treatment: Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy often need a crown to protect them from further damage.
- Addressing Severe Tooth Surface Loss: When a tooth has lost a significant amount of its structure due to decay, wear, or erosion, a crown can restore its integrity.
- Reinforcing Heavily Restored Teeth: If a tooth has been heavily filled in the past and is beginning to crack, a crown can provide the necessary strength to prevent breakage.
- Replacing Existing Crowns or Improving Appearance: Crowns can be used to replace old crowns or teeth with poor aesthetics, enhancing the appearance of your smile.
- Restoring Teeth and Preventing Further Breakage: Crowns are also used to restore and protect teeth that are at risk of breaking down further.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials, each chosen to match the specific needs of the patient:
- Metal Crowns: These crowns, often made from noble metals like gold, are known for their strength and durability.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns: These crowns offer the strength of metal with the natural appearance of porcelain, making them suitable for both front and back teeth.
- All-Porcelain Crowns: These crowns provide the best natural colour match and are an excellent option for restoring front teeth where aesthetics are a priority.
At LPID, we ensure that your dental crown not only restores function but also matches the colour and appearance of your natural teeth, creating a seamless and beautiful smile.
Crowns on Dental Implants
In addition to restoring damaged teeth, crowns can be placed on top of dental implants to create a tooth-like structure for normal oral function. This option provides a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for replacing missing teeth.
To learn more about dental implants and how they can work with crowns to restore your smile, click here.
