What You Didn’t Know About Dental Crowns: Part I

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dentcrownsIf you are familiar with dental crowns then there are some things you probably already know. For instance, you know that a crown is used to strengthen or replace a damaged tooth. You know crowns are used for implants. You know there are different types of crown materials such as all-ceramic porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, metal, zirconia, and a new all-ceramic material called Procera. But do you know what considerations go into designing a crown material and designing the crown itself?  Read on to find out what you didn’t know about dental crowns.

Crowns

You may know that crowns were once referred to as caps because they fit over your tooth like a ‘cap.’ They are used to support broken, cracked, or fractured teeth; cover misshapen teeth; replace missing teeth; or improve a bite pattern.  While ancient Egyptians used teeth from deceased people, animal teeth, or pieces of bone to replace teeth, throughout history crowns were also made of ivory, porcelain, and platinum. Today crowns are fabricated from metal, ceramic, and/or synthetic plastic resins, or lightweight metal alloys.

Material Considerations

For a crown material to be used in the oral cavity certain considerations must be met. These considerations include:

  • The material must be safe for long-term contact with oral fluids and tissues.
  • The material must have an acceptable safety profile.
  • The material must be non-allergenic.
  • The material must be non-carcinogenic.
  • The material must be able to withstand moisture.
  • The material must be able to withstand mechanical bite forces.
  • The material must be resistant to shrinkage.
  • The material must be resistant to breaking, fracturing, or cracking.

ABOUT YOUR NORTH RICHLAND HILLS DENTIST:

With over 25 years of professional experience, Dr. Steven M. Huffstutler and his caring team proudly provide exceptional preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental treatment to patients and their families across Dallas/Ft. Worth, including North Richland Hills, Denton, the Mid-cities, Southlake, and all surrounding communities. We also have extensive experience helping patients find relief from painful TMJ disorders (various forms of jaw dysfunction). To schedule an appointment with Dr. Huffstutler, contact our office today by calling 817-918-3038.