Dental Crown Harrisonburg VA

What is a dental crown? Dental crowns serve as caps for teeth. They are cemented onto teeth and cover the entire visible portion of the tooth. There are many reasons why a dentist may recommend a crown. Crowns can protect weak teeth, such as those that are cracked. They can also restore broken or worn-down teeth. If you have a tooth with a large filling, a crown can cover it up. It can also cover a dental implant or hold a bridge in place. A crown can also be used for cosmetic purposes. It can fix teeth that are discolored or misshapen.

Crowns are often used on baby teeth. Even though these teeth will eventually fall out, it is still important to protect them so that the permanent teeth can come in healthy. A crown may be used on your child’s teeth to save a severely decayed tooth. Do you think you may need a crown on one or more teeth? If so, contact us today for an appointment.

What is a Dental Crown made of?

There are many types of crowns to choose from. In some cases, a temporary crown may be created in your dentist’s office so you have something to protect your teeth until a permanent crown is made. Temporary crowns are typically made of stainless steel or acrylic. Stainless steel crowns are most commonly used for children’s teeth since they are the most cost-effective.Other types include:

• Metal. Metal crowns are the strongest. They rarely chip or break and withstand biting forces. They are not ideal, though, in terms of aesthetics and as such, are often placed on molars in the back of the mouth, where they are not easily seen.
• Porcelain fused to metal. These crowns can be matched to the color of your other teeth.
• All-ceramic/all-porcelain. These crowns are the most aesthetically pleasing, as they look like real teeth. They are ideal for front teeth and for those with metal allergies.
• All-resin. All-resin crowns are relatively inexpensive, but they are not durable. They wear down easily and are prone to breakage.

What is the Process?

The process of getting a dental crown often involves two visits. In the first visit, the dentist will prepare the tooth for the crown. The second visit entails placing the crown onto the tooth. In addition, the preparation involves X-rays. The X-rays will check the roots of the tooth to ensure it is strong enough for a crown. If there is significant decay or a high risk of infection, the dentist may perform a root canal first. The dentist will then numb the tooth and file down the chewing surface to make room for the crown. Finally, the dentist will make an impression of the tooth and send it to the lab to create the permanent crown.

Overall, teeth can wear over time. If you are concerned about the appearance of your teeth, Harrisonburg Family Dentistry can help you achieve a  healthy smile. In fact, we provide restorative dental care for patients of all ages. To restore the health of your teeth, schedule an appointment today.