A tooth crown, more accurately called a dental crown, is a dental restoration created to cover or “cap” a damaged or broken tooth. The dental crown is often the most appropriate solution following a root canal, when restoring a tooth broken due to decay or injury, or to cover a dental implant. The tooth crown strengthens a damaged tooth and is aesthetically pleasing.
Dr. Brian Kar recommends a tooth crown to:
- Replace a large filling when too little tooth remains
- Protect a weak tooth from fracture
- Restore a broken tooth
- Attach a dental bridge
- Cover a dental implant
- Cover tooth that is discolored or poorly shaped
Porcelain Dental Crowns
The metal amalgam used in modern dental crowns contains far less mercury. Still, trace amounts may be present, depending on the age of your dental crown. For this reason, Dr. Kar uses porcelain dental crowns to ensure safety and longevity.
Porcelain crowns contain no mercury, but are comprised of a solid piece of highly durable dental porcelain. A porcelain crown can be crafted into virtually any shape to make the capped tooth blend in perfectly. Tinting is used for the most natural match to your own teeth. Because of these benefits, porcelain crowns are a popular option.
Because back teeth exert more force when chewing, Dr. Kar may use a material for back tooth restoration that is stronger than porcelain, containing gold, metal, acrylic and ceramic, or perhaps porcelain bonded to a metal shell.
A consultation with Dr. Kar can determine if a porcelain crown is a good option to help enhance your smile. Dr. Kar can also tell you about cost-effective, non-invasive, reversible alternatives to traditional porcelain dental crowns such as LUMINEERS and Snap-On Smile.