Things to Know about Dental Crowns

At Waterman Blvd Family Dentistry, a dental crown is a custom restoration covering a damaged or weakened tooth. Crafted from materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination, dental crowns are designed to enhance the tooth's strength, shape, and appearance. This versatile solution is commonly used to address issues like severe decay, fractures, large fillings, or after a root canal procedure. By encasing the tooth entirely, a dental crown provides protection, restores functionality, and improves the overall aesthetics of the treated tooth, promoting longevity and oral health.

Types of Dental Crowns

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns are popular for their natural tooth-like appearance, mimicking the color and translucency of adjacent teeth. They are suitable for front and back teeth and provide an aesthetically pleasing restoration.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns

PFM crowns combine the strength of a metal substructure with the aesthetics of porcelain. They are durable and suitable for front and back teeth, balancing strength and esthetics.

Metal Crowns

Metal crowns, often made of alloys like gold or base metal alloys, are known for their exceptional durability and strength. They are less conservative in tooth preparation and are commonly used for molars.

All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns

These crowns are entirely made of ceramic or porcelain material, offering natural aesthetics and biocompatibility. They are a suitable choice for individuals with metal allergies.

Gold Crowns

Gold crowns, made of gold alloy, are known for their durability and minimal wear on opposing teeth. They are often chosen for their longevity and compatibility with gum tissues.

Uses of Dental Crowns

Protection of Weak or Damaged Teeth

Dental crowns in Fairfield, CA, are often employed to protect and strengthen teeth weakened due to extensive decay, large fillings, or fractures. The crown is a durable outer layer, preventing further damage and maintaining the tooth's structural integrity.

Restoration of Severely Decayed Teeth

When a tooth has significant decay that cannot be effectively treated with a dental filling, a crown is placed to restore the tooth's shape, function, and strength. This helps prevent the progression of decay and the potential tooth loss.

Coverage for Large Fillings

Teeth with large fillings may become more vulnerable to fractures. Dental crowns cover and support teeth with extensive fillings, reducing the risk of breakage and providing long-term protection.

Support for Teeth After Root Canal Treatment

Following root canal therapy, where the infected pulp of a tooth is removed, a dental crown is often placed to cover and protect the treated tooth. This restores its strength and functionality while preventing the risk of fractures.

Replacement of Missing Teeth

Dental crowns are integral components of dental bridges and implant-supported restorations. They are prosthetic teeth anchored to adjacent teeth or dental implants, effectively replacing missing teeth and restoring functionality.

Dental crowns are versatile restorations crucial in preserving and enhancing oral health. To learn more about dental crowns, visit Waterman Blvd Family Dentistry at 2801 Waterman Blvd., STE 120, Fairfield, CA 94534, or call (707) 429-0451.