Crowns Specialist
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Trident Dental
General and Cosmetic Dentistry located in Houston, TX
Dental crowns are common. According to findings from the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 15 million people in the United States have crowns put in place of missing teeth. The experienced dentists at Trident Dental are highly trained and ready to answer your dental crown questions. Call or schedule an appointment if you think you might need a crown. Trident Dental is conveniently located in Houston, Texas.
Crowns Q & A
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is also called a "cap." It's placed on top of a damaged tooth. It's designed in the shape of the original tooth and can enhance the tooth's appearance and stability. The crown goes over the original tooth and is bonded into place, so the tooth is completely covered, from the gum line up.
Do I need a crown?
The dentists at Trident Dental may recommend a crown in a variety of situations. A crown can cover a dental implant or a discolored or oddly-shaped tooth.
Crowns are more than cosmetic solutions. They can cover and protect a weak or cracked natural tooth. Teeth that are weakened by decay or extremely large fillings are at risk of breaking unless they're strengthened with a crown.
Dental crowns can restore your smile's beauty. They can also be a reliable solution for teeth that need strengthening as a result of severe decay, cracks, fractures, or fillings.
What are the different types of crowns?
Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including:
- Stainless steel
- Gold or another alloy
- Porcelain fused to metal
- Resin
- Ceramic
Different materials are used for different purposes. For example, stainless steel is usually the preferred material for temporary crowns. Stainless steel crowns are often prefabricated and are a frequent choice for children who need crowns on baby teeth.
Metal crowns are strong and able to withstand the impact of chewing and biting, but due to their striking color, they're commonly reserved for rear molars.
Porcelain fused to metal crowns have a more natural appearance than metal crowns, but they do come with some downsides. For example, the opposing teeth may endure more wear than they would with other types of crowns, and the metal portion of the crown may show as a dark line near the gums.
All-resin crowns are generally a less expensive option, but are also more prone to cracking, whereas all-ceramic crowns are the best option for people who have metal allergies.
What should I expect when I get a crown?
A dental crown procedure generally requires at least two visits to the dentist. During the first appointment, your Trident Dental professional will take X-rays to assess the health of the tooth that requires the crown.
Next, the dentist will administer anesthesia, then build up or file down the original tooth so that the crown will attach securely. Once the tooth has been prepared, the dentist will make an impression of your teeth, which a lab will use to manufacture the crown. Your dentist will place a temporary crown over your tooth until the permanent crown is completed.
If you think you may need a crown or would like to discuss your dental needs, contact the professional team at Trident Dental or schedule an appointment online.
