A dental crown is a cap that covers a damaged tooth, restoring its shape and function. It may be used to strengthen a tooth, fill a cavity, or cover and protect an implant or bridge. The procedure is fairly straightforward, and your dentist can make the crowns from a range of materials depending on your needs. These include gold alloys, porcelain fused to metal, acrylic and ceramic options.

To begin the process, your dentist or prosthodontist will trim away a layer of the tooth’s surface. They’ll use a local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the process. Then, they’ll take an impression of the trimmed tooth and the surrounding area. This may involve taking X-rays of your mouth or using a digital scanner to create an image of the tooth. Once they’ve created an impression, they’ll put the trimmed tooth in a mold and place a temporary crown over it to keep it safe.

Getting a Dental Crown: Everything You Need to Know

The most common types of crowns are made from ceramic, resin, and metal. Each material has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. The type of crown you choose should be based on your allergic reactions, aesthetic preferences, and long-term oral health goals. For example, if you have a habit of grinding and clenching your teeth, then you might want to avoid porcelain and resin crowns and lean towards metal crowns instead. The most modern crowns are made from zirconia, which has a superior strength and durability and is nearly impossible to break.…