Questions about Dental Crowns

What are dental crowns?

A dental crown, also known as a dental cap, is used to cover a damaged tooth and restore the tooth's strength and durability. Dental crowns cover the entire portion of the tooth visible above the gum line. This is different from a filling, which only covers a portion of the visible part of your tooth.

 

What will a dental crown repair?

Pittsburgh cosmetic dentist Dr. Babak Firouzi can use a dental crown to repair:

 

  • Cracked teeth
  • Fractured teeth
  • Chipped teeth
  • Fragile teeth

 

Crowns are sometimes also used for cosmetic purposes in order to repair a misshapen or discolored tooth. If you have replaced a missing tooth with a dental bridge, Dr. Firouzi may use a dental crown to anchor the bridge.

 

How is a dental crown made?

Dr. Firouzi creates your dental crown over the course of two office visits. During the first visit, he will remove a portion of the outside surface of the tooth which will later be replaced by the crown. This is known as shaping the tooth. Once your tooth is shaped, Dr. Firouzi will take several impressions of the tooth, which will be sent to a dental technician who will design your dental crown. At the end of your first appointment, you will receive a temporary crown to cover your tooth while the permanent crown is being made at the lab. During your second appointment, Dr. Firouzi will attach the permanent crown to your tooth.

 

What are the different types of dental crowns?

There are three different types of dental crowns. They are:

 

  • Gold Crown - This is the strongest, but the most visible dental crown option.
  • Porcelain Crown - This is not as strong as a gold crown, but it matches your natural tooth color much more closely.
  • Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crown - This crown blends the strengths of the gold and porcelain crowns, giving you both durability and aesthetically pleasing results.

 

Which crown is right for me?

Dr. Firouzi will help you determine which option is best for you based on your oral health needs and your aesthetic goals.

 

If you live in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area and want more information on dental crowns, please contact the Pittsburgh cosmetic dentistry office of Dr. Babak Firouzi today to schedule your complimentary consultation.