If your tooth is cracked, chipped, discolored, or treated with a dental filling or root canal therapy, then chances are that a dental crown can restore it (or already has). A dental crown covers the tooth in question above the gum line, and is one of the most popular cosmetic and restorative restorations in modern dentistry. Besides serving a variety of functions, dental crowns also come in a variety of shapes and sizes to serve our patients’ specific needs.
What are Dental Crowns Made Of?
In a full, healthy, and properly-aligned smile, each tooth absorbs a specific amount of bite pressure. For instance, back teeth, which grind your food to a pulp, sustain more pressure than your front teeth, which only tear your food into chunks. Depending on the location of your afflicted tooth, your dental crown can be crafted from a variety of materials, the most common being lifelike dental porcelain. Also known as ceramic, the porcelain used for a crown is tinted to match the shade of your natural teeth. Dental ceramic is semi-translucent, and when layered, it can mimic the way your tooth enamel reflects light, creating a restoration that’s indistinguishable from the teeth around it. For back teeth, or molars, Dr. Stewart may recommend porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns that combine the beauty of dental porcelain with the structural strength of metal.
Not Too Much, Not Too Little
Perfection is hard to achieve in most every day things, but when it comes to your dental health, precision is a vital component of effective treatment. That’s especially true when it comes to restoring teeth, which have a very limited surface area and can’t repair themselves when damaged or diseased. If your tooth’s damage or infection doesn’t warrant a dental crown, then Dr. Steward will advise against the procedure to prevent unnecessary disturbances to your healthy tooth structure. If a dental filling won’t suffice either, then Dr. Stewart may recommend an inlay or onlay. The partial crowns are made from porcelain or zirconia, like a regular dental crown, but only cover your tooth’s chewing surface (onlay), or just the area between the elevated cusps (inlay).
About Your Livonia Dentist:
To learn more about the variety of dental crowns we offer, or to find out if a dental crown is the right choice for restoring your smile, visit us as soon as possible for a thorough examination. James Steward, DDS, and our compassionate staff proudly serve patients of all ages from Livonia, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and all surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.