Dental Crowns- Uses, Types, Precautions, and Risks.
Is a damaged tooth falling apart? Dental crowns near you are a great option to consider. They can help protect a weak tooth from further decay or disintegration. You should think about restoring that lost tooth with dental crowns in Houston, either broken or severely worn down. Dental crowns have also found a place in holding dental bridges in place. Now, what are dental crowns? Read on to find out.
A dental crown is a cap that covers a tooth. This way, it masks the original tooth underneath, restoring its general appearance. It can also protect it from further damage. Dental crowns usually cover the portion of the tooth above the gum line. For young ones, they can help protect against tooth decay especially when a child has poor oral hygiene. Do you have misshapen or discolored teeth? Dental crowns in Houston, TX are the perfect cover you need. Based on the type of material used to make them, they can be divided into many types. Let’s see how.
Types Of Dental Crowns
Stainless steel is used to make crowns. Stainless steel crowns are generally a temporary measure used on teeth until a permanent one is made. They’re used a lot for children to cover their primary teeth and protect them from decay. When the permanent teeth come out, the primary teeth fall out with the crown. They’re very convenient to place and affordable too. But, they don’t match teeth appearance.
Metals are another option. Metal crowns are made of alloys- rich in gold/ platinum or cobalt-chromium and nickel-chromium alloys. They last longer than all other types and are a great choice for hidden teeth. Gold crowns are understandably expensive than every other option. Like stainless steel, metal crowns are easy to identify because they don’t match other teeth.
All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns are the best when it comes to matching teeth’ appearance. However, they don’t last as long as porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. This type can also match teeth appearance and this makes them an excellent option too. But, they cause more wearing to the opposing teeth than other types, and the porcelain portion chips off sometimes.
All-resin kinds are the least expensive and least durable kind. They’re not a very popular choice since they don’t last long. Another way to group dental crowns in Houston, TX is based on their durability. Temporary crowns are usually made of stainless steel or acrylic in a dentist’s office. Permanent ones are made in dental labs using metals and other durable materials. Sometimes, a crown doesn’t cover the entire tooth above the gum line. These are referred to as 3/4 crowns. Onlays do the same thing.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
A dental crown can last anywhere between five to fifteen years depending on how well you use it. Avoiding sticky and chewy foods is one way to make them last longer. Of course, oral hygiene should be well maintained. Brush twice daily and floss regularly too. Do not chew too much on the side of your mouth that has a crown fitted. Do not chew ice or other hard foods. With these precautions, your dental crown can last years before replacement.
What Are The Risks Associated With Dental Crowns?
Some discomfort related to sensitivity is possible after the procedure. When the crowned tooth has a nerve in it, one may experience some heat and cold sensitivity. A dentist will recommend special toothpaste for this. If you feel pain in biting down, see your dentist because this means that the crown is too high on your tooth.
Crowns can chip off. This is common with porcelain material. Depending on the extent of the chip, the crown will be repaired or replaced. Sometimes, a crown is ill-fitting and comes off. This may be due to loss of the cementing material or further damage to the crowned tooth. Contact your dentist whenever this happens.
Some people have an allergic reaction to metals although this is quite rare. When this happens, a crown devoid of any metal will be made for them.