Sometimes, when you suffer damage to a tooth, it is so significant that it greatly compromises that tooth’s integrity. When this happens, one wrong move can destroy your tooth. Pulling the tooth is one option, but it is an option that leaves you requiring a replacement. At Ford Dental Group, it is our firmly held belief that informing you of all of your options allows for the best possible dental care. We offer another option to pulling a damaged tooth: dental crowns.
What Is A Crown?
A dental crown is a restorative device that is essentially a “cap” for a damaged tooth. It covers the entire visible portion of that tooth, providing strength, and giving it back both form and function. Crowns can be made from different types of materials, although one material is more popular than the rest:
- Metal: Metal crowns, usually made of alloys, are the strongest and longest-lasting option. However, metal stands out quite prominently from the rest of your natural teeth. Metal is also not suitable for those with metal allergies.
- Porcelain fused to metal: These crowns have metal under a porcelain exterior and can match the color of your teeth. The metal, however, often shows through.
- Resin: Resin crowns can match the color of your teeth, and are the least expensive option. They do have many disadvantages, though. They are the weakest material and are highly susceptible to wearing and breaking.
- Ceramic: Ceramic is the most popular choice for crowns. They can be made to perfectly match the color of your teeth, and will not be noticeable to anyone. They are also strong enough to withstand normal chewing forces.
Why Get A Crown?
Crowns are often used to strengthen a weakened tooth and protect it from infection or further damage. They can also be used for other purposes:
- Saving a tooth from being pulled, which also saves your jawbone from suffering deterioration.
- Replacing a large filling in a tooth that might otherwise face damage.
- Covering a discolored or misshapen tooth.
- Attaching bridges to surrounding healthy teeth.
- Covering screws for dental implants.
- Covering, strengthening, and protecting a tooth following a root canal procedure.
Crown Procedure
If a crown is determined to be the best course of action for your specific needs, the process will require two visits. The tooth, or teeth, needing the crown will be prepared. This means that the tooth will be trimmed (filed) down in order to accommodate the crown. If there is decay in the tooth, that decay will be filled. Dr. Jonathan Ford will take an impression of your teeth, and use a color guide to match your surrounding teeth. The impression and the color match are sent to the lab where your crown will be made. The process can take up to two weeks, so you will be provided with a temporary crown to protect the tooth from damage and bacteria. When your crown is ready, you will return to have the crown checked for fit and color. If everything looks good, Dr. Jonathan Ford will cement it in place, giving your tooth the look and ability of the rest of your teeth.
Dental crowns are an excellent alternative solution to having a damaged tooth pulled. If you live in Huntington Beach or the surrounding area, and want to know if a dental crown is right for you, contact us at (714) 409-6161 today.
