Everything You Need to Know About Dental Crowns

If you think you may need a dental crown in Durham, you may have some questions about what crowns are, how they work, and what they are for. Read on to get all the answers you need from Messenger Family Dentistry.

What Is A Dental Crown?

You can think of a dental crown as a false tooth that fits over an existing tooth. The crown is built to look and feel just like a real tooth.

The enamel of the tooth must be trimmed down significantly in preparation for this process. Then, the existing tooth is reshaped to accommodate it, and the crown is permanently bonded to the tooth’s surface. Essentially, the crown completely replaces the natural tooth. 

Crowns are used for a variety of different purposes, such as:

• To restore teeth with cavities that are too large for fillings
• To restore a tooth that has been broken by an oral injury
• To protect a tooth after root canal therapy
• To cover up a severely stained, discolored, or misshapen tooth
• Two crowns may be used to support a dental bridge, which replaces one or more missing teeth
  

What Are Dental Crowns Made Of?

There are many different materials that are used to make dental crowns, but they mostly fall into these three categories:

• Porcelain – Crowns may be made purely of porcelain, or from porcelain bonded to a ceramic base. This type of crown has the best cosmetic appearance, and also is very durable and long-lasting. Porcelain crowns are also completely stain-resistant, so your new tooth will never become stained.
  
• Metal – Stainless steel crowns are often used to treat cavities in kids. Gold crowns are also very available and are very durable and long-lasting, but have an unnatural appearance that has led to a decline in their popularity.
  
• Dental resin – Resin is usually used for temporary crowns, which are placed after a tooth has been trimmed but the final restoration, such as a dental crown or bridge, has not yet been built. This is because resin crowns are significantly weaker than metal or porcelain crowns.
  

How Long Do Crowns Last?

This depends on the type of crown you get, how well it’s placed, and how well you care for your teeth after your treatment. 

Porcelain crowns, which are the most common type of crown today, usually last between 10-20 years if you maintain a good at-home oral care routine.

To ensure your crown lasts as long as possible, make sure you brush and floss properly and see Dr. Messenger for an appointment every six months. 

Contact Messenger Family Dentistry Today For A Crown In Durham 

If you think you may need a dental crown in Durham, Dr. Nicole Messenger is here to help you get the restorative dentistry services you need. To get a consultation at our office, just contact us online or call us at (919) 596-1219. Dr. Messenger can determine if a crown is the right option for you, recommend the right type of crown, and restore your smile and your bite.