woman smiling with palm trees in backgroundOver time, your teeth suffer a lot of wear and tear. Protecting and restoring your teeth is a practical way to make sure they stay strong and healthy for the rest of your life. Dental crowns are a proven solution to a variety of different dental complications.

The team at Metropolitan Dental Care is here to make sure you are aware and informed about the dental solutions available to you. Schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable doctors to see if a dental crown can restore your smile.

What is a dental crown?

Tooth decay, injury, and the passage of time can cause your teeth to reduce their size, strength, or appearance. A dental crown is a cap for your tooth that can restore it to its original shape and color as well as protect it from further damage.

What are crowns made of?

There are several different materials that can be used to make a crown. Your dentist will consult with you about choosing the right material for the right location.

  • Ceramic. This is usually best for the front teeth. It looks natural, and is strong enough for the purpose of biting into foods, but cannot sustain the pressure of chewing.
  • Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM). This material works best for the sides. The metal structure is strong enough to chew with but the porcelain still looks natural.
  • Precious Metal. Since the back teeth need to be the strongest, metals like gold, nickel, and chromium are a good choice for the back teeth.
  • Zirconia. This material can also be used to restore the back teeth since it is strong, but it also preserves a natural aesthetic.

What is a partial crown?

A full crown covers the entirety of the tooth, but if there is still enough of the original tooth to preserve, your dentist may reshape the tooth and add a partial crown. This is a more conservative way to restore the health of your tooth while still maintaining the original structure.

When do I need a dental crown?

Dental crowns are a strategy for protecting and restoring damaged teeth. There are a number of reasons you may need a crown and they vary depending on the condition of your teeth. Your dentists may recommend a dental crown in order to:

  • Prevent further damage to a decayed tooth
  • Fix a cracked or chipped tooth
  • Repair a tooth that’s severely worn down
  • Cover a tooth too damaged for a filling
  • Protect a tooth that recently had root canal treatment
  • Rejuvenate a discolored or misshapen tooth
  • Hold a dental bridge in place

What can I expect from a dental crown procedure?

A dental crown procedure may take several visits to complete. The first visit will involve an x-ray in order to assess the damage and what’s needed. We will either recommend a partial crown or a full crown depending on your needs.

During your next visit, we will remove decay and prepare your tooth for a crown by reducing the enamel. After it is prepped, we’ll take digital impressions of your tooth and the images will be sent to the lab tech to fabricate a perfect match. While you’re waiting for the results, we will fit you with a temporary crown.

Your last visit will be the placement of your permanent crown and the doctor will make sure the fit is perfect before you leave the office.

Visit Metropolitan Dental Care

Our experienced and caring team is dedicated to serving the community in Denver, CO. To  determine if a dental crown is a solution for you, call 303.534.2626 or book an appointment with us online.