Sometimes a tooth is too severely damaged by either tooth decay or trauma to be able to be fixed with something as simple as a dental filling. In these instances, the tooth may require a special type of restoration called a crown to help save the tooth. Also known as caps, dental crowns are a kind of dental restoration that covers the affected tooth. This helps protect it and preserve it. When we here at Cane Bay Family Dentistry meet a patient who has a dental concern that requires more advanced treatment, often a crown can be exactly what they need to help them retain their tooth.

Dental crowns serve many vital purposes inside your mouth. They can help protect a tooth that has sustained a serious injury or has been broken. They can also treat a tooth that has been affected by tooth decay that is far too severe to be treated by a traditional dental filling. A dental crown can also help sustain a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy, and they can also support fixed dental bridges or cover a dental implant.

Dental crowns can also improve the appearance of your teeth, as well. If your teeth have been worn down or eroded, either by acid reflux or bruxism, a crown can help restore the shape and size of the tooth. Teeth that have resistant stains on them can also be improved with a crown.

There are three main types of dental crowns that are commonly used today.

One type that has been in use for many years is called an all-metal crown. All-metal crowns are great for your back teeth, such as your molars, as they are quite durable and strong. However, because they are quite visible, we do not typically advise them for your front teeth. They typically use a combination of alloys (such as nickel and chromium), but they may also be made out of gold or platinum.

Another popular choice for dental crowns is called a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown. These are better for your visible front teeth, as the porcelain crown resembles a natural tooth. However, as your gums erode over time, the metal components may become visible along with your tooth roots and gumline. This can be unattractive, and some patients do not choose this type of crown due to cosmetic considerations.

The third option for our patients is called a porcelain crown. We strongly recommend all-porcelain crowns to our patients for several reasons. For instance, porcelain is strong and durable, making it a good choice for your molars. However, because it has no metal components, it will not be as noticeable as your gums recede. Because they have no metals in them, they are also a great choice for patients with metal allergies.

Getting a dental crown is a minimally invasive, easy, and straightforward process. To learn more about the many benefits of dental crowns or to set up an appointment with us here at Cane Bay Family Dentistry to determine if you can benefit from one, please give us a call today at (843) 352-4454.