How a Tooth Crown Is Made
When a tooth is significantly damaged by decay, or it has been fractured by heavy chewing or clenching at night, a crown can restore the strength and appearance of that tooth. Crowns are also used after root canal therapy, to protect the weak tooth structure from further damage, and to hold a dental filling that would be too large for the natural tooth structure.
Tooth Crowns: When and Why You Might Need One
Firstly, the tooth crown and gum tissue will be anesthetized to prepare it for the crown. Then the tooth will be shaped along its chewing surface and sides to make room for the crown, depending on the type of crown being used (for example, all-metal crowns are the thinnest and require less filing, PFM or VMK crowns are thicker and need more).
A ceramic or all-porcelain crown has a very natural appearance and can be color matched to your teeth, making it ideal if you have a metal allergy. The only drawback is that it doesn’t offer as much strength as a metal crown, which is why it is typically used for back teeth rather than front.
A Zirconia crown is another option, if you want a metal-free crown that is as strong as porcelain. These are computer-designed and milled on-site, so they can be made at the same time as your other crowns in our office.
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