What Is A Dental Crown, And Why Do You Need One?

A dental crown is one of many dental services your dentist provides to their patients. If you've never had a dental crown before, you should know what they are, how they work, and when you may need one. This guide will help you familiarize yourself with this type of common dental procedure.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is an apparatus that covers the entire tooth. The purpose of the crown is to restore the tooth tissue underneath the crown itself. A dental crown is put on a tooth if the tooth has been severely damaged by injury or dental decay but is otherwise salvageable. A dental crown is an alternative to having a tooth pulled and can be placed on top of an existing tooth.

What Is a Dental Crown Made of?

You can choose a dental crown in a variety of materials to meet your budget and aesthetic needs. Dental crowns are made of resin, porcelain, or metallic alloys. A flesh-colored dental crown is often preferred by dental patients as the crown more closely resembles natural teeth than other crown materials, such as metal.

What Is a Dental Crown Used for?

A dental crown is commonly used in dentistry for patients who have a very large cavity that can't be filled. A root canal is a common type of dental procedure that follows up with a dental crown cap. Other reasons for a dental crown are somewhat cosmetic: if you have a space in your teeth or are missing a tooth and want to give your mouth a fuller appearance, you can have a crown put in spaced areas along with a bridge to give your smile greater appeal.

Dental crowns vary in price depending on the type of crown you get. If you have a tight budget, talk to your dentist about setting up a payment plan to pay for your crown. A dental crown should be treated just like a normal tooth. With time, a dental crown can become loose or even deteriorate, becoming black around its edges. If you have issues with your dental crown after receiving one, let your dentist know. Your crown may need to be fitted again or replaced to keep your smile healthy.

When you visit your dentist, ask for more information on dental crowns, especially if you feel you may need one in the future. Your dental crown services will give you peace of mind about the common dental fixture.