About Tooth Crowns

A tooth crown is one of the oldest and simplest dental procedures done to repair and restore damaged or decayed teeth. A tooth crown can be very beneficial for your dental health and can improve the aesthetic appearance of you teeth. However, there are also some risks involved with tooth crowns and it is important to, hand in hand with your dentist, weigh the risks factors against the benefits.

History

• The first evidence of crown work dates from over 2,500 years ago and was accomplished by the Etruscans. It was not until the 1700s that the modern era of crown work came about. In the 1800s, porcelain began to be used for tooth crowns, and it is still commonly used today.

Function

• Tooth crowns are a type of dental restoration that covers the entire visible part of the tooth. The tooth crown, once cemented in place, becomes the outer layer of the tooth. Teeth that have had crowns are also sometimes referred to as being "capped" or as having "dental crowns."

Benefits

• There are several reasons why your dentist might recommend tooth crowns. If your teeth have been broken, chipped, or decayed, a tooth crown not only strengthens and protects the damaged tooth, but it also gives it a nicer aesthetic appearance.
  Some people choose to have their teeth capped simply for the cosmetic benefit, as tooth crowns can give you an even, white smile. Many dentists believe that tooth crowns should only be used to help damaged teeth and that other cosmetic dental procedures should be exhausted before resorting to tooth crowns.

Warning

• Overall tooth crowns are one of the safest dental procedures you can get. There are, however, some minor risks involved with tooth crowns. These can vary wildly, depending on your dental history and the material chosen to make your dental crown, so it is important to ask your dentist for more information regarding the risk factors of dental crowns.

  The most commonly cited risk of dental crowns is that they can lead to inflamed gums. These can not only be painful, but inflamed gums are more prone to infections ranging from mild to serious.

Types

• Tooth crowns can be made from a variety of materials. The most commonly used crowns tend to be made from porcelain as they give the most natural looking appearance. There are actually two types of porcelain crowns. The first has porcelain adhered directly to the damaged tooth. The second has porcelain plated to a metal bottom layer. In this technique it is the metal that is cemented to the tooth.

  Another option is a gold tooth crown. Gold is the easiest type of tooth crown and it thought to be the best material to be used in the mouth. The largest disadvantage is the cosmetic appearance, so many people only choose to use gold when it is on a tooth at the far back of the mouth where it will not be easily seen.