Sometimes in dentistry (which is basically a foreign language)...we use terms that aren't necessarily understood by the masses. Dr. Rusty and I use, speak about, and see dental crowns everyday of our lives...but you don't...so it makes sense that some of you may not know what they are. So, let's chat about it.
What is a dental crown?
I love the image above and actually use it a lot to explain periodontal probing to patients. If you want to know more about periodontal probing and gum disease - click here.
Okay looking at the image - the portion of the tooth above the gum is called the crown of the tooth and below the gums - the roots of the teeth. Think of the crown as the part of the tooth you can see with your naked eye. This is the part of the tooth you brush for 2 minutes two times a day (hopefully).
So, when your dentist says "you need a crown" they are basically saying you need a covering of the portion of the tooth that is above the gumline. The reason I use the term "covering" is because the tooth is not being replaced... as the majority of your natural tooth is still present.
Think of a dental crown like the cap of a pen. The pen (your tooth) slides into the cap (a dental crown) and the cap covers the pen circumferentially. Look at the image below.
The dental crown is the "tooth" that is raised in the image. See how it will slide onto your natural tooth that is just below it. Dental crowns are precise and fit around your natural tooth. They can be made out of a variety of materials.
What can dental crowns be made of?
- Gold
- Porcelain
- Other high noble metals
- Stainless steel (usually for children or temporary measures)
Why do people need dental crowns?
Dental crowns are used for a variety of reasons and typically they are treatment planned to protect your teeth. A crown can be thought of like a helmet - its primary purpose is to protect. We use dental crowns for teeth that have large old fillings, have lots of wear from grinding, and even for teeth that have been eroded by acid.
It is also important to know - mostly all back teeth that are root canal treated will require a crown. This is because the tooth has been structurally compromised and to protect the tooth further we place crowns. Research shows us that root canal treated teeth that do not have dental crowns are more prone to fracture...and fractured teeth below the gumline are not restorable. This means we have to extract them. So, as a side note if you get a molar root canal, be sure to see your dentist as soon as possible to get your crown placed to protect your tooth and your investment!
What material should I get my crown made of?
You and your dentist can decide on material together. A lot of factors are at play when deciding on dental crown material. Do you clench and grind? Do you have limited space in your mouth? Is the crown going to be in an esthetic area?
All of these questions are at play when deciding on certain dental materials. I love it when my patients ask and am more than willing to discuss my thought process and would love for you to be involved in your oral health.
As a quick guide:
If a patient is a clencher and grinder - I typically go for a zirconia crown.
If a patient had limited space in the back of their mouth - I typically lean towards gold crowns.
If the crown is going to be in an esthetic area -I typically will go for an Emax crown.
Now, obviously it is not important for you to know all these materials and when to use them, but my hope is that you will have the information you need to ask the right questions! I hope this post was helpful. Reach out with any questions!
-Dr. Mike
