Dental Crowns
Seattle, WA
The teeth are the strongest substance in the human body, enabling them to perform a wide array of tasks with relative ease. While strong, however, they are not immune to damage. Your teeth can become damaged as a result of facial trauma, biting down on a hard object, or tooth decay. When damage occurs, treatment is needed right away. Pacific Modern Dentistry can restore damaged teeth with dental crowns.What is a Dental Crown?
Any damage to your teeth should be examined right away. Even minor damage should be assessed. Damaged teeth can worsen over time, leaving the affected teeth vulnerable to further harm. They may break further, or even split or shatter. More significant damage can also allow bacteria into the affected teeth, leading to painful tooth infections.
A crown is a dental restoration specifically designed to protect a damaged tooth. It is a cap-like restoration that encases the entire visible surface of a damaged tooth. It works to hold a damaged tooth together, preventing further harm as well as preventing infections. Crowns also restore strength to damaged teeth, allowing them to function normally. You can bite and chew without fear of your tooth facing further harm.
Dental Crown Materials
Crowns are made in a variety of different materials. Each material has its advantages and drawbacks.
| • | Metal. Metal crowns are the oldest crowns. They are also the strongest. Practically indestructible, metal crowns can last 50 years or more. Their strength enables them to stand up to incredible bite forces, making them ideal for back teeth. However, metal crowns are silver or gold in color, meaning that they stand out in your mouth. |
| • | Porcelain fused to metal. PFM crowns have a metal base that surrounds your tooth and a porcelain coating that provides a more aesthetic result. Porcelain perfectly matches the color and shine of your real teeth. The biggest issue with these crowns is that a thin metal line can sometimes be seen through the base. |
| • | Ceramic. Ceramic crowns are the most aesthetic crowns. They are made entirely from ceramic, a material that perfectly matches the color and shine of your real teeth. The material is not as strong as metal, although it can stand up to most normal daily use. These crowns are ideal for treating teeth visible when you smile. |
The Placement of a Dental Crown
Getting your crown will take two appointments. At the first appointment, we prepare the tooth. This process involves removing a portion of the enamel from the tooth, making it smaller. It is done under a local anesthetic, which ensures that you do not feel any discomfort. Reducing the tooth in size ensures that your crown will fit in with the rest of your natural teeth.
After the tooth is prepared, an impression is taken. This impression is sent to our dental lab. It is used to design and create your custom crown. It can take up to two weeks to complete, so a temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while you wait. Once the crown has been completed, you have your second appointment. At this appointment, we check your crown for fit and bite and cement it into place.
What Benefits Does a Dental Crown Offer?
A crown provides several benefits. These benefits include:
| • | Protecting your tooth from further damage and infection. |
| • | Restoring strength to the tooth. Your tooth can function normally, allowing you to eat your favorite foods without fear of damaging the tooth more. |
| • | Preventing the need for a tooth extraction. |
| • | Anchoring a dental bridge in place. |
| • | Protecting a tooth after a root canal. |
If you have suffered tooth damage, it is essential that you seek treatment immediately, even if you think the damage is not that significant. For more information, and to find out if a crown is right for you, call Pacific Modern Dentistry today at (206)284-4505.
