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Everything You Need To Know About Dental Crowns For Your Teeth

The crown serves two important functions. First, it restores the appearance of your teeth and your face. If your tooth is severely decayed or cracked, the dentist will need to restore it prior to preparing a cap. Teeth also support the muscles in our faces, so anything less than a full tooth may affect the way you look.

Second, a crown will be the same size and shape as the natural tooth. As a result, it will keep your jaw and bite aligned; it will also make sure that other teeth don't shift locations or take on a greater share of the work of biting and chewing.

What Are Dental Crowns Made of?

Crowns are most often made of gold or porcelain. Crowns also can be made of stainless steel, but those crowns are often temporary and not designed for long-term wear.

Porcelain crowns usually are built on a metal base, which fits snugly over the natural tooth. Your dentist will choose a porcelain that matches the color of your natural teeth. Porcelain crowns usually are so carefully matched in color, they cannot be distinguished from your natural teeth. Many people choose porcelain crowns for the cosmetic appearance and the confidence it gives them.

New materials are now available that allow the use of "all-ceramic" crowns in some cases. They have a beautiful life-like appearance and short-term studies support their success, with long-term trials ongoing.

Crowns also can be made of all gold. Some people prefer not to use gold because it stands out from the other teeth in appearance. At the same time, if the crown is on a back molar, some people feel the cosmetic issue is not a big one. Your dentist will discuss the types of materials available if a crown is recommended.

An Ounce of Prevention Is Still the Rule!

Once your crown is in place, make sure the area is brushed well and that you floss below the gum line. While the crown protects your remaining tooth from further decay, you must protect the base of the crown from bacterial growth and gum disease. Regular brushing and flossing as you would your natural teeth will ensure that your crown will be in place for years to come!

By Danine M. Fresch, DDS

Dental Care: Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How does one care for primary teeth?

A. As soon as the first tooth erupts, primary teeth may be cleaned with a clean, wet wash cloth or wet gauze. The gums should also be gently wiped. If a toothbrush is used, it should be an appropriate size.

Q. Where does decay on the primary teeth occur most often?

A. With inappropriate or prolonged use of the baby bottle, decay may occur on the upper front teeth (incisors). The second most-often occurring site are the upper primary molars, which are found furthest back in the mouth. If there is no spacing between the primary teeth, there is a much greater chance of decay between the primary molars. These teeth should be flossed as soon as they come in.

Q. Why are dental sealants beneficial for children?

A. Dental sealants are protective coatings for the chewing surface of permanent molars. They protect the teeth from decay. Read on for more information.

Q. What is a dental implant?

A. A dental implant is a permanent artificial tooth replacement after a tooth loss.

Q. What is the procedure for receiving dental implants?

A. Dental implats are inserted surgically in two steps. The first step is to insert a "post" into or onto the jawbone. This post will then become the "anchor" for the artificial tooth that will be placed over the "post."

Q. How long is the procedure for dental implants?

A. Getting a dental implant is a two step process. Once te "post" is inserted into the jawbone, the patient will have between three and six months with a temporary restoration. During this period, the bone and gum area around the post will heal to create a strong and healthy bond. Once this bond is complete, an additional set of smaller posts is attached to the original post and then the artificial tooth is secured to the posts. The entire procedure could take anywhere from three to ten months.

Q. Can I eat regularly while the implants are bonding?

A. While th "post" is bonding with your jaw and gums, your dentist will place a temporary artificial tooth on the post. During the bonding period, you will need to eat soft foods.

Q. Do implants require special care?

A. Yes and No. Dental implants need to be brushed, flossed and checked regularly ba dentist, just as you would do with your regular teeth. But dental implants don't need special brushes or pastes.

Q. Can you eat and chew normally with dental implants?

A. Yes. Consider that natural teeth can absorb up to approximately 540 lbs. per square inch of biting pressure and properly placed dental implants can withstand up to approximately 450 lbs. per square inch of the same pressure.

Q. How long should a dental implant last?

A. With proper placement, excellent home care, regular dental visits, and good overall health, dental implants should be permanent.

Q. What are wisdom teeth?

A. Wisdom teeth are the third molars.

Q. Why is it necessary to remove wisdom teeth?

A. It is necessary to remove wisdom teeth to avoid problems, such as an impacted tooth destroying the second molar.

Q. Why do wisdom teeth cause problems?

A. Wisdom teeth generate problems because the shape of the modern human mouth is too small to accommodate these teeth, and they become impacted or unable to come in or move into their proper place.

Q. What problems occur from impacted third molars?

A. Partially erupted wisdom teeth are breeding grounds for bacteria and germs that may cause infection. Cysts and tumors may grow on trapped wisdom teeth.

Q. How is a wisdom tooth removed?

A. Wisdom teeth are remove by surgery. The gum tissue over the tooth is removed, the connective tissue is stripped gently away from the tooth and bone, the tooth is removed, and the gum sutured.

Q. When are lasers used in dentistry?

A. Lasers are used in oral surgery, gum surgery, tooth whitening, cancer sore treatment, and the treatment of gums that have been diseased.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.