Three Facts Patients Should Know About Dental Crown Treatment
Whenever your dentist needs to remove a portion of your tooth in order to treat decay, they will replace the missing enamel using a filling to fortify your teeth. In most cases, an amalgam or composite resin filling will be enough. However, when you have severe decay that requires a lot of drilling, you may not have enough tooth left to support a simple filling. Fillings that are too large are more prone to falling out, and replacing fillings can be a costly endeavor. Dentists often choose to place dental crowns over teeth that need extra protection due to dental procedures. Here are some facts every patient should know about dental crown treatment.
1. You will have your choice of materials.
Dental crowns are typically made from a number of different materials. These materials are chosen for their inert nature as well as their strength. Teeth face a lot of pressure on a daily basis, and sturdy materials are likely to last longer. Stainless steel is often used for temporary crowns because it's an inexpensive option. You can also choose a solid porcelain dental crown or a metal crown with a porcelain veneer. Each material has its pros and cons. Metal crowns are more durable but also more visible. Solid porcelain crowns are indistinguishable from your other teeth, but due to their softer nature, they are likely to wear out more quickly. Discuss your options with your dentist and allow them to help you choose.
2. Children can be treated with dental crowns.
The dental problems that affect adults can also affect children, and similar treatments are needed. However, it doesn't always make sense to use the same type of dental crowns on children who have not yet gained their adult teeth. Children can be treated with dental crowns, but they are usually given stainless steel crowns. These crowns are not custom-made, which means the procedure can be finished in fewer appointments. This is ideal for small children who may have a hard time sitting through longer dental appointments.
3. Your dentist will preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible.
In order to apply a dental crown, your dentist will need to make room in your mouth. In order to do this, they will grind away part of your tooth's enamel in order to accommodate the dental crown's bulk. Your dentist will try to preserve as much of your tooth as possible, but once you have a crown placed, you will need to continue to keep that tooth capped for the rest of your life.
To learn more, contact a dentist who offers dental crown treatments.