You may have many concerns when told you will need a dental crown for a problem tooth. What will placement be like? How will it look? How long will the crown last? Your dental crown is meant to last for a long duration, especially so if it is well cared for. Your dentist can check it during regular dental checkups to make sure there are no issues. It takes two visits to receive your permanent crown, one for measurements and preparation, and a second visit (once the crown is made) to have it fitted on your tooth. The question of appearance can vary, based on what material type is used. If the crown is wholly constructed with porcelain, it can be highly life-like. Other materials can also have a realistic appearance, though some may sacrifice some degree of realism for greater strength.
Why Different Material Options Are Available
Different crown types exist because there can be different needs, based on what tooth is being treated. If the tooth is in a more visible part of your smile, looks will be a factor. Porcelain is often relied upon for its attractive appearance. Zirconia can also look more like a natural tooth, but offer more strength. If the tooth is harder to see, the value of looks can go down. These back teeth can also face more pressure, which makes durability more the priority. A metal or PFM (porcelain-fused-to-metal) crown may look less like a regular tooth, but they can hold up well against the forces placed on them.
Situations That Call For A Dental Crown
Dental crowns often help restore a tooth that has undergone a root canal treatment. They can also help protect teeth that have been injured.
