Dental crowns help damaged teeth regain their full functionality, both in appearance and practicality. If a tooth has suffered external trauma or internal decay, a crown provides strength and durability and helps make sure its condition doesn’t worsen. It can fix several types of issues, so it is a versatile restorative procedure.
When Is A Crown Necessary?
A dental crown is typically needed when a tooth suffers significant damage. For light cracks or chips, for example, cosmetic procedures like veneers or bonding can remedy the issue. For more severe damage, capping the tooth with a crown is suggested. Common factors that necessitate a crown include severely cracked teeth, significant decay, supporting a dental bridge, strengthening a tooth that has been filled, and protecting a tooth after root canal treatment.
What Is It Made With?
It is a piece of biocompatible dental material that is custom-designed to fit over a damaged tooth. Depending on your specific needs, it can be made with metal, porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or zirconia. Metal is usually used on molars because it can withstand more bite-pressure and the appearance matters less in the back of your mouth. For teeth near the front, we will recommend a material that blends in with the rest of your smile.
Partial Crowns
As an alternative to full dental crowns and even fillings, partial crowns can work in situations that don’t quite necessitate these procedures. Inlays are used when a cavity is too large for a typical filling. It is created by using a single ceramic piece to fill the cavity or decay. The main difference between an inlay and a filling is that the former can secure a larger portion of the damaged or decayed tooth.
An onlay, on the other hand, goes on top of the tooth rather than inside of it. It is similar to a traditional crown but is smaller and doesn’t go over the entire tooth. An onlay is made of porcelain, and covers the damaged portion of a tooth.
Contact Us To Learn More About Dental Crowns
If you have a damaged tooth and believe you would benefit from a dental crown, we invite you to reach out to us as soon as possible. Schedule an appointment by calling Alba Dental Care in El Paso, TX, at (915) 286-ALBA (2522). We also serve the Horizon community.
