Dental Crowns (Implant) Guides

Dental Crowns

When your teeth are damaged or cracked, your dentist might try to preserve your teeth by “capping” them with dental crowns, which are designed to protect a broken or damaged tooth from decay or further deterioration. The damaged or weakened tooth is encased in a tough and durable material and appears just like a regular tooth. Set up a consultation with a cosmetic dentist in your area to find out if you'd be a good candidate for traditional dental crowns, dental implants or Cerec porcelain dental crowns. 

Dental Crowns Procedure

The dental crowns procedure does require making a molded impression of your teeth so that a custom-fitted crown can be created. When the impression has been sent to the lab, your dentist may fit a temporary crown created during your first visit to protect your tooth. When the permanent crown is received from the lab, it will be cemented and bonded to your tooth on your next visit. Some dentists use CAD/CAM technology that produces a 3-D picture of your teeth. In this case, your dentist will be able to fix a permanent crown on the spot.

The implantation of a dental crown is a relatively simple process. The following different types of dental crowns vary in cost and durability:

• Traditional dental crowns or implants (porcelain fused to metal, which typically have a very natural appearance)
• All-ceramic crowns – made with zirconia or aluminum
• Cerec (or CEREC) porcelain dental crowns
• Gold crowns – provide a higher level of durability but not the most aesthetically appealing

Advantages of Dental Crowns

• Can improve functioning of teeth that have been affected by tooth decay, root canal failure, gum disease, tooth injury, congenital defects or excessive wear and tear
• May prevent bone loss or further damage to your teeth
• Can be matched in color to surrounding teeth

Disadvantages of Dental Crowns

• Some thicker materials may require removal of some of your tooth structure
• In some cases, a darker line will be visible at the edge of your crown