Dental Crowns

What are the different types of crowns?

Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials including gold, porcelain, porcelain fused to metal and zirconium. The type of crown you get will depend on your aesthetic preferences, durability and how much you are willing to spend. Porcelain crowns tend to provide the most natural look while gold crowns provide exceptional durability and strength.

Can you get a crown without a root canal?

There are many reasons why you may need a crown but not root canal therapy. Since crowns aren't normally placed on healthy teeth, your tooth's nerve tissue could be compromised due to extensive damage, which is why you might need root canal treatment first. Crowns may be used just to improve the discoloration of a tooth, chipped teeth, or act as anchors for dental bridges.

Is it better to pull a tooth or get a crown?

Dental crowns tend to be better than tooth extractions because you get to keep your natural teeth. Saving your natural teeth is preferred because natural teeth are stronger, they prevent teeth from shifting, they help maintain your youthful appearance and confidence and they save you money on procedural costs. Extractions are typically a last resort for most dentists.

What can I get instead of a crown?

3 of the best alternatives to traditional dental crowns include inlays, onlays and porcelain veneers. Inlays are useful for people who need treatment on the cusp of their tooth. Onlays are similar and cover the damage on the entire top of the tooth (the biting area). Porcelain veneers are typically used to replicate the color and feel of a real tooth in the front of the mouth. Talk to your dentist to figure out what option is best for you.

Do crowns rot your teeth?

If your crown becomes damaged, you may experience tooth decay from the build-up of bacteria. Small infections can be hard to detect which is why it's best to visit your dentist regularly for exams. Decay underneath your crown is usually caused by lack of proper oral hygiene such as brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist twice a year.

Can you get a cavity under a crown?

A cavity can develop beneath a crown but it can be difficult to detect since the crown covers most of the tooth's surface. The two types of cavities you may see under a crown are marginal or residual. Marginal decay is caused by bacteria clinging to difficult-to-clean areas on the tooth. Residual decay is just a larger version of what caused the tooth to need a crown. Your dentist may have missed some decay during the crown procedure. Make sure you're using proper oral hygiene techniques and visit your dentist to catch any problems that may arise.