Not every tooth in need of restorative dental work will require a crown. If you have a cavity addressed while it is still relatively small, your dentist can often use a filling to treat you. However, when too much material has been lost, or if your dentist is concerned that the function will be compromised, you will likely have to have a crown placed on your tooth. You will typically need to see your dentist twice to receive a crown. First, your tooth will be prepared to receive it, and measurements will be taken. Those measurements will be used to create your crown, which can be fitted over your tooth on the second visit. If bruxism causes you to grind your teeth, your dentist will need to address the problem so that you do not cause undue harm to the crown.
Situations That Call For Dental Crowns
People often require a dental crown after receiving a root canal treatment for a tooth, as this procedure can remove a considerable portion of your tooth. You may also receive a crown to protect an injured tooth.
Why Use Porcelain?
The most visible reason to use porcelain is because it can look so much like a natural tooth. The material is also durable enough to go through the standard impacts of biting and chewing. One additional benefit is that the material is biocompatible, and creates less friction between it and surrounding teeth.
Other Restorative Treatments That Preserve Your Looks
A dental filling with composite resin is durable, but it can also blend with your enamel to minimize its effect on how you look. An ionomer or ceramic filling can also avoid upsetting your appearance.