Dental crowns are common dental procedures used to repair a decayed or damaged tooth.  A solid “cap” or crown is placed over a tooth to protect it and prevent further decay.

Common Reasons for a Crown:

1. •Your tooth is broken or severely worn down (from years of grinding):  A crown can restore your tooth, making it possible to eat and sleep normally.
   

2. •Your tooth has decayed or cracked: A crown can be used to hold your tooth together.
   

3. •You have a large cavity: A crown can be used to cover your tooth and keep it safe and strong
   

4. •You have a misshapen or badly discoloured tooth: A crown can be used to cover it up
   

5. •You are missing a tooth: A crown can be placed on an implant to replace a tooth.
   

Types of Permanent Crowns:

Based on your personal needs, there a few options when deciding on the type of crown.

1. •All-ceramic or all-porcelain: These crowns are made entirely of ceramic or porcelain material – no metal.
   

2. -Advantages: These crowns offer beautiful, life-like restorations and can be used for front or back teeth. 
   

1. •All-metal:  Metal crowns are usually made from gold alloy, palladium, or a base-metal alloy like nickel or chromium. 
   

2. -Advantages: Less of the original tooth structure needs to be removed, and there tends to be less wear on the opposing teeth that make contact with the crown during chewing and speaking. Metal crowns rarely break and usually last the longest – it takes a long time to wear down a piece of metal.  When used, they are typically used for back teeth.
   

1. •Porcelain fused to metal: These crowns contain metal, but also have a porcelain veneer that can be made to match the color of your other teeth.
   

2. -Advantages: While the newer porcelain crowns are now replacing these, they can give a strong, long-lasting restoration. 
   

1. •All-resin: These crowns are made of inexpensive synthetic material called resin – a chemical composite used in dental restorations.
   

-  Advantages: These crowns are the least expensive, but not as strong as other crowns.  They should be considered a transitional restoration until an appropriate crown can be made.

Talk with your dentist to find out which crown is best for you.  You’re going to be living with this crown for many years, so make sure you are comfortable with its fit, durability, and style.  And once you’ve decided, get ready for the “royal treatment.”

To book a dentist appointment or a free consultation to discuss crowns, contact our office today at (416) 751-4290 or click here to request a time.  Also, be sure to join the Warden Eglinton Dental Centre on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with things happening in our practice that effect you and your family’s oral health and wellness!

                                                                    - Dr. Jules Litwin

For more information, visit us at http://www.wedental.ca