Dental Crowns in Saskatoon
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” or cover that covers the tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength as well as improve its overall appearance. The dental crown will be cemented into place, fully covering the visible portion of the tooth that erupts from the gum line.
Why is a Dental Crown Needed?
Those who are suffering due to misshaped, broken, worn down, or discolored teeth are good candidates for receiving a dental crown. The dental crown can also be used to protect against tooth decay, to cover and support a tooth that requires a large filling, utilized to cover a dental implant, and can be used to hold a dental bridge in place. Overall, the dental crown is used for restoration, prevention, and for cosmetic purposes.
Types of Dental Crowns
There are different kinds of dental crowns available depending on your case and budget. Your dentist may suggest a stainless-steel dental crown for a temporary measure. This can be used as temporary protection for the tooth or filling while waiting for the permanent crown to be finished. This is usually the best option for children as it can protect their milk teeth.
Metal dental crowns typically consist of a high content of gold, platinum or base metal alloys. These types of dental crowns known for durability and strength provided to the restore tooth. This has been proven to be a good choice for molars that are out-of-sight in the back of the mouth.
As for porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, they can match the color of your adjacent teeth. This is usually used for the front or back teeth. The drawback found here is that its porcelain can sometimes be visible as a dark line.
All-resin crowns are more economical than other kinds. However, these types of crowns may be worn down over time, especially if the patient suffers from bruxism. All ceramic or all-porcelain crowns, on the other hand, are durable, match the color of natural teeth and provide the tooth with necessary strength to withstand the biting and chewing forces of the mouth. Those who are allergic to metal can go for this option as well.
Temporary crowns are implemented while in the dental chair while permanent crowns require impressions which are used as models to create permanent crown in a dental laboratory. The temporary type is usually made of acrylic-based materials or stainless steel.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
The best part about having dental crowns is that they can last between 5 to 15 years. Of course, this will greatly depend on the management and maintenance conducted by the patient. There are a lot of factors that may come into play and some of which are fingernail biting, ice chewing, and tooth grinding. Rest assured, with proper dental care and regular visits to your dentist, dental crowns can last for a long time.
* All dental services offered at Saskatoon Smiles are provided by general dentists at each location.