Different Types of Dental Crowns

Decay or damage to a tooth can worsen over time. If left untreated, the tooth can be so severely compromised that the only option left is the extraction and replacement of the tooth. To avoid having your tooth pulled, set an appointment with your dentist for a consultation about how to best handle the damage to the tooth. If the damage is minor, a filling or dental veneer may be enough to repair the tooth. Otherwise, other options may need to be considered—including the placement of a dental crown.

What Dental Crowns Are

Dental crowns (also known as “caps”) are appliances that are placed over a reshaped natural tooth to replace a damaged crown. These replacement options cover a significant portion of the tooth, but leave the root intact.

The Benefits of a Dental Crown

Dental crowns help to restore the strength and durability of a broken tooth. This allows patients to return to eating a lot of the foods that they love without the discomfort that comes with a broken or decayed tooth. Certain replacement material options also look very similar to natural teeth, which improves the cosmetic look of a patient’s smile. This can help to restore confidence and boost self-esteem.

The Types of Dental Crowns

There are different materials that can be used to fabricate a dental crown. The options that are available to you depends on your particular dentist. The four options for dental crown materials include:

Ceramic

Ceramic crowns are often a more affordable replacement option, and can easily mimic the look of a natural tooth. They are also less durable, though, and may not last as long as crowns made with other materials.

Porcelain-Fused to Metal

Porcelain-fused to metal crowns are an excellent option for both durability and appearance. Porcelain looks very similar to natural teeth, and porcelain-fused to metal provides an additional level of strength.

Gold and Metal Alloy

Both gold and metal alloys are extremely durable, but also very noticeable. These are often good options for longevity, but may not be the best replacement options for front teeth for cosmetic reasons.

How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost?

The cost of having a dental crown placed will largely depend on the materials used to fabricate the crown. It’s important to consider value when selecting your materials, and not just upfront cost. Some materials will likely last longer than others, which means paying less for replacements in the long run. Often crowns will cost around $1,000 to $3,000 to fabricate and place.

Set an Appointment with Your Dentist

While it’s better to repair a tooth before the damage becomes too severe, it’s never too late to set an appointment with your dentist for a consultation. If the damage is extreme, the tooth may need to be extracted. Otherwise, other options may be available to you—including the placement of a dental crown.

Contact your Wake Dental Care today to have your damaged or decayed tooth repaired with a dental crown.

More Information : What is the Dental Crown Procedure?